Lanterns, fire & outdoor celebration are deeply embedded in many cultures from China, Japan, Burma, and Vietnam to Europe and Africa. The lantern represents a positive metaphor for community optimism and hope throughout the world, and it was from this tradition that the Lismore Lantern Parade was born. This universal and multicultural theme makes the lantern parade appealing to people from all walks of life and nationalities.
In 1994 the first Lismore Lantern Parade was held in response to community concerns about antisocial behaviour and economic decline in Lismore's CBD, bringing people into the often deserted city centre in a safe and celebratory environment - lighting the heart of the city. The Lantern Parade was also seen by local artists and performers as a way for the community to honour the cycles of the seasons in an authentic, contemporary celebration.
The Inaugural Lismore Lantern Parade was organised by the Lismore Folk Trust Inc as a lead up to the Lismore Folk Festival held later that year.
There were just a few hundred people at the first lantern parade in 1994. Slowly over the years the lanterns have become a community tradition, appearing at many other community events and around the region and beyond. Plans are afoot for travel overseas in the near future! In 2006 over 25,000 happy people filled the streets of Lismore on the longest night of the year. It poured with rain at the 2007, but despite the horrendous weather 10,000 brave souls braved the torrential rain and cheers the lanterns and their plucky carriers along. The Fiery Finale was just that, and by its close the stars were out and the moon shone down on the delighted audience!
The Lantern Parade themes are drawn from community sentiment and stories, creating a strong sense of place and ownership!
The lantern parade involves participants from throughout the Northern Rivers and visitors to the region who have attended workshops in lantern, mask & costume making, the finale show, Carnival Dance and the parade bands.
Community workshops start at Easter. Workshops for Feature Lantern making and Sponsored Community Lanterns are held by arrangement. Participants in very successful Work for the Dole projects contribute in a major way to the lantern parade. Volunteers travel from South East Queensland, around NSW, South Australia and Victoria to participate in the event.
LightnUp Incorporated is now the organising group for the lantern parade. LightnUp runs workshops and activities throughout the year, in Lismore, the Northern Rivers and throughout regional Australia. The workshops and events include lantern making, shadow theatre, illuminated puppets, masks and costume making, and story development. LightnUp also hires out the lanterns, undertakes commissions and creates special lanterns and props for weddings, parties, conferences and special events.
A full LightnUp Incorporated website will be ready later in 2008, please check this space for further information or contact us on 02 66226333 or <festival@nrg.com.au>