What’s On? Lismore Lantern Parade – 25 June

Next weekend offers up yet another excuse to head to Bryon Bay for the weekend (or even longer!)—the Lismore Lantern Parade. This daylong event, which is held annually on or around the longest night of the year (the Winter Solstice) culminates with a community parade that features dancers, bands and illuminated sculptures.

Before the parade there are events to keep you busy and experiencing the town of Lismore like the Kids ArtsFest, music on the Community Stage and the Fiery Finale after the parade.

Lismore is home to many artists and performers, which is reflected in the number of galleries, theatres and other performing art spaces. Knowing this explains how the wow factor happens in the illuminated sculptures that are the highlight of the Lantern Parade. Keep in mind, Lismore to Byron Bay takes only 45 minutes, so it’s easy to add the Lismore Lantern Parade as a day trip from your holiday in Byron Bay.

Tickets are necessary to attend the parade and the Fiery Finale. Adults and kids under 15 but older than 5 can purchase tickets priced from $10 (general admission junior) to $20 for grandstand adult. Gates open at 4 pm, with entertainment and hot food beginning at 4:30 pm. One note is that if a child under 5 wants a seat in the grandstand area, you must purchase a grandstand junior ticket. Otherwise, plan the child to sit in your lap.

Before the Parade

Bring the kids and plan to stay the whole day with fun activities offered all afternoon prior to the actual parade. The Lismore Lantern Parade is a creative event so it’s not surprising that there is a Kids ArtsFest as part of the pre-parade activities. The Kids ArtFest features chalk painting, face painting, tie dying and lantern decorating. In addition to the activities, there will be entertainment geared for kids both on a stage and on the street, which will include circus acts, jugglers, balloon maker and Mr. Bubbles. All of this takes place between noon and 5 pm.

For the adults, there is the market deLight where you’ll find tons of stalls with shopping and food available. With everything from locally grown organic produce to second-hand items, there is plenty for everyone. The market is open through the Lismore Lantern Parade, from noon to 9 pm.

The Homecoming Community Stage will showcase dance, original music, jazz and more throughout the day at the Lismore Lantern Parade. Starting at noon and going through until 9 pm, the stage is located on Carrington Street.

The Main Event

The 22nd Lismore Lantern Parade begins at 5:30 pm at corner of Market and Molesworth Streets and travels to Oakes Oval. This parade annually brings approximately 30,000 people, so it’s a good idea to get your ticket soon, as well as get to your seats or spots early, so you can be sure to get a good view of the amazing lantern sculptures as they travel by you.

Immediately following the parade is the Fiery Finale, which this year will “tells the magical story of the nasty fire ants and the brave echidna and her friends,” according to the Lantern Parade information. Schools and community groups will perform it. Fireworks will go off during the performance, but the most will go off between 7:30 and 7:45 pm.

Stay at Broken Head for your holiday to the area

This awesome event is a good reason for you to make a trip to the Byron Bay area. And why not enjoy some peace and quiet away from the busy event area by staying at Broken Head Holiday Park? Our peaceful, beachfront holiday park will be the perfect spot to set up camp for a long weekend in Byron Bay. You can drive over to Lismore for the Lismore Lantern festival on the Saturday, and then come back to enjoy some of Bryon Bay’s activities for the rest of your stay. So make up your mind and book your stay for next weekend!