Hexham Lantern Parade Exhibition

Monday - Saturday (10am - 4pm)

A Celebration of Light and Community

For the past four years, Hexham Lantern Parade has brought people together after dark to celebrate community, music, and light.

While the parade takes a break in 2025, we're looking back at the joy of previous events — from lively performances by The Baghdaddies, NuSound Brass, and last year’s glowing disco on wheels, Groove and Glow by Curious Arts.

At the heart of the parade are the lanterns — vibrant creations in all shapes and sizes made by our local community. Giant lanterns have proudly led the procession each year, crafted by pupils from Hexham First School, The Sele First School, and for the first time last year, Gateway into the Community.

Local artist Deni Riach has run free workshops to help people make lanterns at home, and — with support from Ruth Thompson and Alan Scully — has guided community groups in designing and building the spectacular giant lanterns.

This exhibition is a chance to see the giant lanterns up close and look back at previous parades, as we get ready to bring the parade back in 2026.

To bring the parade back to Hexham, we need to secure funding or sponsorship. If you're interested in having a conversation about helping, email Helen Mills, Audience and Sales Manager.

The 2024 Lantern Parade was presented by the Hexham Culture Network, led by Queen’s Hall Arts and Hexham Community Partnership, with support from the North of Tyne Combined Authority. The event began as part of Hexham’s High Street Heritage Action Zone, which funded its first two years