Derby Lantern Parade 2026

Description

Come with your friends and family and join our annual Derby Lantern Parade, ahead of the city’s Christmas light switch‑on event.

Please bring your own lanterns, but remember that no glass or real flames are allowed. The Lantern Parade is part of Derby’s annual festival, Derby Season of Light. This year’s parade theme is Light and Heroes, celebrating the heroes in your life — someone you look up to or something that inspires you. It can be anyone or anything, from a family member to characters like Spider‑Man or Superman. Wear a special costume, carry your lantern, and join us in celebrating Derby’s diversity as we light up the city together.

The parade starts at 5pm from St Peter’s Cross. Participants who have attended lantern‑making workshops will be joined by children, young people and families from local primary schools, Derby College and community groups. They will proudly parade through the streets with colourful lanterns made from biodegradable materials including willow, bamboo, tissue paper, LED lights and chemical‑free glue.

The parade will also feature Dhol drummers from Dhol Frequency, Bollywood and Bhangra dancers from Surtal Arts and Derby College, Ukrainian Hopak dancers from Hoverla Dance Ensemble, and Chinese dancers. These groups will begin from St Peter’s Church Square.

The parade route is short and takes approximately 40 to 60 minutes. It begins at St Peter’s Church Square, continues down St Peter’s Street, turns right at the traffic lights onto Albert Street, pauses at Osnabrook Square, and finishes in front of Riverside Chambers on Full Street at around 6.30pm. The event will end with a colourful performance of Dhol drumming and Bollywood dance on the Christmas Light Switch‑On stage, overseen by Derby Live.

There will be lots of entertainment in the city throughout the evening for all the family. Please see Festive Derby for more details. It’s a great family day out not to be missed.

Everyone is welcome to join the Lantern Parade. If you do not have a lantern, you can make one at one of our workshops around Derby. We will also have spare lanterns available to borrow on the day; please return them to one of our volunteers after the parade. Arrive a little early at 4.30pm and visit the Lantern Parade Registration Point, where staff in high‑visibility jackets will assist you.

Thank you to all our volunteers and to our sponsors: Derby Live, Derby City Council, Foundation Derbyshire and Cosy.