Newmarket Community Arts, in partnership with Creative People and Places – Market Place and Newmarket Community Nature reserve are proud to announce Newmarket’s community lantern parade – Rivers of Light – taking place on Saturday 18th February 2023.

Rivers of Light Community Lantern Parade will bring the local community together to celebrate the origins of Newmarket, the chalk streams that run through the town, whilst also celebrating Newmarket’s community groups. Inspired by ancient light festivals and the history of the Newmarket, residents will parade along The Yellow Brick Road with beautiful handmade lanterns – creating some winter cheer.

In the lead up to the event Newmarket Community Arts will be working with arts educator and illustrator Penny Sobr to deliver willow lantern making workshops to local groups including the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides and the International Women’s Group organised by Sharing Parenting.

There will also be two public workshops which anyone can attend on 16th and 17th February at The Racing Centre.  There will performances along the route from New Samba, Newmarket School of Dance and Slack McGirdle Morris Dancers.  A new song has been commissioned for the project entitled “Let The Rivers Flow” which will be performed along the route.

Parade details – Saturday 18th February – 6:30pm – 8pm

• Start Point 1 – The green on The Yellow Brick Road behind Frampton Close.
• Start Point 2 – George Lampton Playing Field – Yellow Brick Road
• End Point – Studlands Park Social Club – Brickfields Avenue.
• Booking is essential.
• Marshalls will be ensuring the parade safely crosses the road.
• Following the parade residents will be able to see the lanterns on display in The Guarded Orchard.

Make a lantern:

Free public workshops, 16th and 17th February, 10am – 2pm, The Racing Centre.

This event is access friendly. We are an inclusive event and organisation. No flashing lights at the event please. The handmade lanterns are not ‘sky lanterns’ or flashing lanterns, they’re gently glowing LED’s in unique handmade frames.

 To book your place in the Parade , click here.