Lismore Lantern Parade

Story by Lara Leahy

Lismore Lantern Parade is back in the CBD and is bigger than ever! This year’s celebration will include some old favourites, and some new aspects to the festivities, not only for Lismore, but for the surrounding communities with the theme, “Our Healing Hearts”.

Despite this year’s double dose of floods, Lismore lanterns will shine brightly once more on Saturday June 25th. After 2019’s celebration of the 25th silver jubilee event, the parade went “off track” with 2020’s Covid affected, isolated mini parades, and 2021 covid friendly event in the showgrounds. As they had always planned, the organisers are “glad to be back” in the CBD. LightUp Inc was inundated in the floods earlier this year however many fan favourites were saved or salvaged and will shine once more, amongst new creations.

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The Market deLight begins at midday in Carrington and Magellan streets. Summerland Credit Union has sponsored KidsFest and provided 500 lanterns for schools and children that are flood affected. They are invited to make a lantern to join the parade.

The Heartbeats Stage will be set up in Carrington Street (outside Dragonfly) where music entertainment will resound. Little Jarjums opens the event with their Acknowledgement of Country, local talent will be playing all day, finishing with the Cuban dance band, Caribe to swing you into dance action at the end of the night.

On the corner of Magellan and Keen St, Commonwealth Bank Australia are hosting Sports in the Heart – a Cricket Clinic. Cricket NSW will be holding “Netting Sessions” to give kids (of all ages), bowling and batting hints until about 4.30pm. With sports fields still recovering, CommBank wanted to “give people an opportunity to play some sport, while picking up some tips.”

As the light starts to fade, pull your hats and cloaks on, and watch out for the Lantern Parade to begin (around 5.30pm). Look out for old favourites and new, including a Brigade of Tinnies – A salute to the volunteer organisations that play so much of a role in keeping the region safe.

Also, watch for the Procession of the North and South where communities from areas surrounding Lismore are embraced after “their journey of survival and loss this year”.

In store for the Fiery Finale year will be the bonfire, heart-warming food, some gentle fireworks (no big boomers or screamers) as well as some special events. A ceremony to “begin to make peace with the river and healing ourselves and the land in which we live”.

The details of which are being held close, but it will include a couple of special messages for the people.

Jyllie Jackson, Lismore Lantern Parade’s coordinator received an Order of Australia medal on Australia day earlier this year. Jyllie sees the award “as symbolic and goes to everyone that has made the lantern festival what it is.” Jyllie has also received a message from the Governor General (who is unable to attend) and will reveal it at this ceremony.

The parade leaves from the Library along Magellan St and turns left into Molesworth St, winds its way down Victoria St to the levee where the Fiery FInale will take place. Maps will be made available on socials and the Lismore Lantern Parade website, closer to the event.
The event will wrap up at about 8.30pm, but local venues are planning to be up and running to host after parties.
Due to the fireworks, pets are asked to be left at home.
The event coordinators request that you consider the Covid risk and wear a mask.