Newquay Lantern Parade returns this November with two lantern-making workshops

Tuesday, 3 November 2026 at 13:13

Newquay's annual Lantern Parade will return to Trenance Gardens this month.

The colourful festive event on Friday 20 November will be preceded by two community lantern-making events.

The parade, which has become a popular part of the town's festive calendar, will begin at 5.30pm, bringing together local schools, families and community groups carrying handmade illuminated lanterns.

The procession will make its way through Trenance Gardens before gathering at Trenance Cottages for the annual Christmas lights switch-on.

This year's event is being organised through a partnership between Newquay Town Council, Newquay BID and Blystra Arts and will be hosted by Radio Newquay on stage.

Following the success of the previous two parades, organisers are encouraging residents to get involved by making their own lanterns.

Free community lantern-making workshop

The first workshop takes place on Saturday 14 November, from 10.30am until 3pm, at C-Space, The Crescent, Newquay.

Led by Blystra Arts, the free session will give families and residents the opportunity to create willow lanterns to carry in the parade.

No booking is required.

New adult lantern-making workshop

A second workshop, aimed at adults and young people aged 16 and over, will take place on Thursday 19 November, from 5.30pm until 9.30pm, also at C-Space.

The four-hour guided session will be led by Blystra Arts artist Christopher Nixon and will offer participants the opportunity to make larger willow lanterns.

Places cost £15 per person and must be booked in advance.

Christmas celebrations in Trenance Valley

The parade itself takes place on Friday 20 November, starting at 5.30pm, with the illuminated procession leading to the Trenance Cottages Christmas lights switch-on.

The event is free to attend and marks the beginning of a wider programme of Christmas celebrations in Newquay.

The parade is supported by local businesses WAX Events and The Atlantic Hotel, alongside Newquay BID, Newquay Town Council and Radio Newquay.

Further information is available from Newquay Town Council and Visit Newquay.

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