Junction Arts celebrates 30 years of the Bolsover Lantern Parade

Junction Arts has celebrated hosting the 30th Bolsover Lantern Parade, an event that continues to bring light, people, and a strong community spirit to the town.

Hundreds of people joined the parade last weekend with their lanterns and thousands more lined the streets to see one of the UK’s biggest and longest-running light processions.

Following a month of lantern-making workshops in the community and local schools, just under 400 lanterns were made for the parade.

Among the hundreds of creations, there was a giant gingerbread man, Buddy the Elf, an astronaut, Father Christmas, a dragon, an aeroplane, and a huge Buzz Lightyear.

Several smaller lanterns reflected the history of the parade, with traditional miner’s lamps and stars, that were used in the very first parade.

The parade marked the finale of the Bolsover Winter Festival, a weekend of festive fun, which included a new light show at Bolsover Castle and a traditional Christmas market, that contained 130 stalls.

The event is organised by Chesterfield-based charity, Junction Arts, in partnership with Old Bolsover Town Council, English Heritage and other community partners.  It has become a much-loved, cultural tradition for generations of people.

Junction Arts Managing Director, Emily Bowman said: “Lantern Parades are a symbol of creativity, celebration, and community. Reaching 30 years of the Bolsover Lantern Parade is a wonderful achievement for the town.

“This year’s parade did feel extra special as we reflected on the last three decades and the positive impact that it has had on the town. Thank you to everyone who made a lantern, or came along on the night to watch, in freezing temperatures, you are what makes this event so special, see you next year!”

Find out more about the festive fun taking place across Chesterfield this Christmas.

Junction Arts supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.