FAQ

workshops

Q. Can I make a lantern for the parade?

Lantern decorating will take place at Kids ArtFest from 12noon on the day, until lanterns 'run out'. No booking required. Lantern decorating is $12 each. Join the parade by meeting at the Assembly Area on Victoria Street by the Skate Park at 4.30pm.

the parade

Q. Where is the lantern parade?

The lantern parade will travel through the Lismore Central Business District. The fine weather plan is to start the parade as follows: 

  • PARADE PARTICIPANTS & Official Marshalls assemble in VICTORIA STREET beside the Skatepark from 4.30pm. Parade departs at 5.30pm sharp.
  • For GENERAL PUBLIC the Parade will commence at 5.30pm at the corner of Market & Molesworth Streets. Travelling along Magellan and Keen Streets.
  • The Parade will then travel towards the Library an the Quad, exiting through the Conservatorium Car Park Gates and travel east along Magellan Street (through the Lantern Carnovale) and re-enter Federicks Car Park and travel towards Rural Street where the lanterns will be deposited.
  • Some lanterns will remain in the Quad for display and a selfie competition.
  • The Fiery Finale will follow the parade and there will be a reserved area for parade participants in the car park. Please be thoughtful of small children and sit down so everyone can see. There will be a large screen to see the fire lighting and it will be ‘live streamed’ onto our own You Tube Channel.

Q. Is there a lantern parade route available?

Yes, there is a map outlining the parade route. The map can be downloaded here.

Q. Can I participate in the parade?

Yes, you can participate in the parade. Simple lanterns to decorate will be on sale ($12each) at the Kids ArtsFest  In the Quad on 23 June. This workshop space will be run from 12-4pm, or until we run out of lanterns! So make sure you get in early to avoid any disappointment. Once the lanterns are decorated you can join the Parade for assembly in VICTORIA STREET next to the Skate park by 5pm for the parade, which leaves at 5.30pm your Group will be identified as General Public.

Q. Can I join the parade without a lantern?

No, you must be a registered lantern carrier or a supervising adult.

Q. Can I bring my own lantern?

No, sorry. You can make your own lantern as part of KidsArtFest, a LightnUp workshop or Community Lantern Project Public Liability Insurance requires that ALL lanterns must be
 approved by the Lantern Parade organisers.

Q. Where is the best place to watch the parade in the street?

Best viewing spots are anywhere along the parade route from Molesworth, Magellan and Keen Streets. There are additional viewing areas in Fredricks Car Park and the Quad, with big video screens to see all the detail.

Q. What time does it start and finish?

The day's activities commence at 12noon in the Lismore Quad and Magellan Street;
Youth Hub - the Creative Way is in Carrington Street and the Back Ally Gallery from 12noon – 6pm.
The parade starts at 5.30pm. 
The parade is scheduled to arrive at Fredricks Car Park  at approx 6.00pm.
The parade will walk through Fredricks Car Park, the Quad and Magellan Street so you can see all the lanterns. 
The finale will start at 6.30ish and finish at approximately 7pm.

Q. Is there a charge to watch the lantern parade?

The lantern parade in the street is a free community event, however donations are 
gratefully received, as fundraising contributes significantly to the viability of the event.

Identified Donation Collectors 'The Queen of Heart bucketeers' will be walking around in the parade. Please give generously to keep this event alive. If we received a donation from every audience member this event will continue to grow and be nurtured by our volunteers and event team.

fiery finale

There will not be any tickets to the Fiery Finale this year, however, donations will be gratefully accepted. Donation Collectors will be station near the entrances to the Quad and the Car park, you will recognise them by their fabulous Playing Card costumes.

Q. Do you have special facilities for People with Special Needs such as wheel chairs?

In partnership with Lismore City Council we are pleased to provide an Accessible Viewing Area for people with special needs and requiring wheelchair access click here for more information.


Q. What should I bring to the lantern parade finale?

Blankets, tarps or camp chairs to sit on the grass or ground in the Quad and Fredrick’s Car Park.

Q. Will there be food available for sale?

Yes, Lismore has many excellent cafes and restaurants; 
and  fabulous l food vendors who will be set up in the Market delight Street Dining area. Click here for Where to Eat & Enjoy in Lismore while you are here.

Q. Where can I park?

There are lots of car parks in the Lismore CBD. Contact the Lismore Visitor Centre on 02 6626 0100.

Q. Will there be any road closures on the day?

Yes, there will be some road closures. Full traffic control plan available here.

Q. Will the parade be on if it is raining on the day?

The Lantern Parade will go ahead unless there is torrential rain. Organisers will review the weather conditions and determine whether or not the parade will proceed at approximately 2pm on 23 June 2018. If you are unsure you can contact the Lismore Visitor Information Centre on 1300 369 795 or return to this website for an update.

Q. Are there facilities for people with disabilities?

An Accessible Viewing area will be set up beside the Bonfire Area/VIPs and Volunteers will be on hand to assist people with Mobility Issues. Otherwise the whole area is flat and easy to move around.

An Auslan Signer will be on hand for people who are hearing impaired.

Contact the Lismore Visitor Information Centre 1300 369 795, you will be able to receive information regarding closer parking/drop off at the finale site and access to the special seating area.

Q. How can I be involved?

There are so many ways that you can participate in the Lismore Lantern Parade. Please check out how you can participate by clicking here.

Q. Looking for the parade route?

Parade route map is available HERE. A Site Map for the Festival is HERE

Q. Will there be Fireworks?

Yes, there will be a fireworks display over Oakes Oval between 6.45pm and 7pm approximately. Please keep your beloved pets indoors or a secure area, so they don’t get spooked.

Q. What about the Yellow Crazy ants?

We have been informed by the Department of Primary Industries that the infestation is under control and will not be a problem to festival goers. However, they recommended that visitors brush down any blankets that they have had on the ground and check their vehicles if parked on grass.

Any more questions? Please email us here, or follow our Facebook too.

where can i stay in lismore

There are many excellent places to stay in and around Lismore. For more information on where to stay, click here.