Reading Lantern Parade

What is it?
A brand new Lantern Parade event was delivered by Reading BID in December 2022. In the run up to the event, a number of free lantern workshops took place in the town and community centres across Reading, giving everyone the chance to create a willow and paper lantern with professional artists. This brought families together to make the lanterns, and culimtated in a finale parade in Reading town centre to celebrate.

This fantastic event was partnered with Beautiful Creatures Theatre, Jelly, and AV Events, and supported by Reading Borough Council, Reading Buses, 101 Outdoor Arts, The Broad Street Mall, Black & White Music Ltd and Blue Collar Food. A total of 497 lanterns were created by the Reading community, with around 1200 lantern bearers and spectators joining on the evening of the parade.    

Who is it for?
Retailers | Hospitality and Leisure | Night Time Economy
For locals and Reading visitors to enjoy.

What is the benefit? 
Both the lantern making sessions and the parade were fantastic ways of bringing people in the Reading community together. The finale parade helped drive footfall into the town centre as well as contributing to the wider Christmas events programme for 2022.