Reading set to glow with its very own lantern parade

15th November 2023

A highlight of Reading’s Christmas programme this December is set to be ‘Glow’, Reading’s Lantern Parade, on Saturday 2 December.

Hundreds of glowing lanterns and their makers will be processing down Broad Street accompanied by musicians and glowing giant light installations to create a warm, festive spectacle in Reading town centre.

Last year’s inaugural parade saw 1500 people parade through Reading town centre and the organisers, Reading BID, are looking forward to another great event to rival that, with an invitation for everyone in Reading to get involved by creating lanterns or just enjoying the event on 2 December itself.   

This year’s theme ‘glow’ reflects not only the visual spectacle of the event, with beautiful glowing lights in the dark, but also the glowing feeling that we get from being around those that we love and care for in our community. This year, Reading Lantern Parade finishes in Forbury Gardens with a heart warming sing-a-long.

Ahead of the Lantern Parade, Beautiful Creatures and Jelly will be organising a series of workshops across Reading for everybody to come and make willow and paper candle lanterns. They will then take part with their glowing creations in the Parade itself.

• Saturday 18^th November / all day / Broad Street Mall with Jelly
• Tuesday 21^st November / after school / Coley Park Community Centre
• Saturday 25^th November / all day / Broad Street Mall with Jelly
• Saturday 25^th November / 1pm-3pm / Whitley Wood Community Centre
• Tuesday 28^th November / after school / Hexham Road Community Centre
• Friday 1^st December / after school / Southcote Hub

BOOK your place at www.readinglanternparade.co.uk

On 2 December, Glow will start at 5pm on Broad Street. The parade will then move down Broad Street and end in Forbury Gardens for a fantastic sing-a-long.

Alexa Volker, Reading BID Manager, said: “The Lantern Parade will be a highlight of Reading’s Christmas programme, made special by having so many young people involved. Come and join in a lantern- making workshop and bring a glow to Reading town centre this Christmas.”

Glow will be delivered for Reading BID by Beautiful Creatures. For details of Reading Lantern Parade and other Christmas events in Reading, www.visit-reading.com/Christmas