BRADFORD’s Lister Park will be illuminated with incredible lanterns next month.

The much-loved Cecil Green Arts Lantern Parade returns for its 10th year on Friday, November 1.

Beginning at 6pm, it promises to be a stunning show.

The parade will start from the front of Cartwright Hall, ending with a fire finale at the bowling green.  

The parade always looks spectacularThe parade always looks spectacular (Image: John Sargent/T&A Camera Club) Three bands will accompany the parade along the way -  the Peace Artistes, Jamba Samba and Band na Rua.  

The parade will include hundreds of handmade lanterns made by community groups and schools and large-scale local artist-made lanterns.   

A spokesperson said: “Our theme this year is 'Perchance to Dream'. 

“We know there are many challenges facing our world and city.  

“We wondered, what if, by some chance we could dream a world without violence, where everyone has 'enough', where we can build bridges across our divisions, extending a hand of friendship to help us in our need.

“It is only by first dreaming, that we can make our dreams a reality."

There's always so much to see at the annual paradeThere's always so much to see at the annual parade (Image: Mark Davis/T&A Camera Club) Cecil Green Arts is encouraging people to travel to the parade using transport other than a car, for example by walking, biking, or via public transport.

 “It promises to be a spectacular and magical evening,” said the organisation.

 Highlights of the evening include: 

  • Spectacular giant, illuminated puppets 
  • Magical community-led parade featuring schools and community groups 
  • Live music from local bands and musicians 
  • Fire-spinning finale 
  • Cartwright Hall Art Gallery will be open all evening 

Timings: 

6pm: Entertainment begins 

6.30pm: Parade starts 

7.30pm: Finale 

There will be an hour-long lantern painting workshops at Cartwright Hall on the day of the parade led by Cecil Green Arts. 

The timings of the workshops will be 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm.  

The sessions are suitable for all ages, but capacity is limited, so booking is essential. 

The finale of the 2023 parade The finale of the 2023 parade (Image: Reyhana Laher/T&A Camera Club) People can book online at https://www.facebook.com/events/8397973680267905 

Harry Kingham from Cecil Green Arts said: “We love to create spaces and community where we dream together what is possible.  

“We create together and love to bring the park alight with the parade and local community where all are welcome.”

 Katie Jones, also from Cecil Green Arts, added: “It is great to be working on such a spectacular event once again that all the community can enjoy together.”