Free Lantern Making Workshop at Wade Hall - Illuminate Bermondsey 2026
About this Event
Our artists will guide you through the lantern making process at free workshops and all materials are provided, including lights.
A large willow lantern will take approximately 2 -3 hours to make plus drying time and our artists show you how to design and build your own using willow and tissue paper. We recommend working in a small team with friends or family to help with bending and sticking the willow rods. We encourage everyone to produce their own unique designs and our artists provide guidance and support throughout. There will be glue and other art materials so please wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy in or bring an apron. All materials and tools are provided, including lights.
Take your lantern home and bring it to the parade! Join us in The Blue Market, Bermondsey, from 5pm on Friday 20 November for a spectacular lantern procession to Southwark Park Bandstand.
Lantern Procession
Illuminate Bermondsey Lantern Procession will assemble from 5pm on Friday 20 November in The Blue Market Place, Market Traders and local businesses will be invited to be open to provide refreshments and shopping. As the sunsets the parade will depart led by St Micheal's Collage Samba Band and escorted through the streets by our stewards. We will arrive in Southwark Park by 6pm where the bandstand will be decorated with lights and live music will be played.
Free Public Lantern Making Workshops
4pm – 7pm Thursday 5th November
Bermondsey Square, SE1 3UN
12pm – 3pm Saturday 7th November
The Blue Market, SE16 3UQ
4pm – 7pm Thursday 12th November
Bermondsey Square, SE1 3UN
5.30pm – 8.30pm Friday 13th November
Wade Hall Dickens Estate TRA, Bardell House, SE1 2DH
12pm – 3pm Saturday 14th November
The Blue Market, SE16 3UQ
4pm – 7pm Tuesday 17th November
Bermondsey Square, SE1 3UN
More to be announced, check our website for details check our website for details https://illuminaterotherhithe.co.uk
About Illuminate Bermondsey
Illuminate Bermondsey is a free annual lantern festival for residents, inspired by the histories of the Thames, the docks and migration.
Illuminate Rotherhithe began in 2016, founded by residents. Inspired by the story of the Mayflower ship, believed to have docked in Rotherhithe before sailing with the first pilgrims to America, the festival celebrates the Thames, the dock, migration and local heritage. Growing year on year, in 2019 the procession was extended into Bermondsey incorporating more venues including The Blue Market. The overarching theme for Illuminate continues to be the local history of migration, celebrating the many cultural contributions that make up the community of Bermondsey and Rotherhithe today.
Light festivals have been celebrated worldwide, including Winter Solstice, Diwali, Hanukkah, and Bonfire Night. We provide an opportunity for all to come together and celebrate light, share experiences, and lift spirits during the coldest and darkest months of the year. Our artists help people work together to design and build their own lanterns for the parade and represent themselves at a celebrated public event.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
