Presented by B arts and Castle Creatives, this year’s parade takes the theme ‘Carry That Fire’, encouraging people to hold onto hope and humanity while celebrating the things they are passionate about, what they would share with others and what makes their town special.
People of all ages and backgrounds are invited to get involved through a series of free drop-in lantern making workshops, before coming together to carry their creations through the town centre.The parade will leave from the Market Cross on the High Street, outside The Guildhall, at 5pm, with lantern collection from 4.30pm.
The remaining workshops are:
- Saturday 31st October, 10am–2pm: Belong Villages, Lower Street, ST5 2RS
- Saturday 7th November, 10am–2pm: Belong Villages, Lower Street, ST5 2RS
- Saturday 14th November, 11am–3pm: Philip Astley Centre, 25 Merrial Street, ST5 2AE
- Saturday 21st November, 11am–3pm: Keele in Town, 53 Ironmarket, ST5 1PE
- Sunday 22nd November: A willow star making workshop at 2/3 Lancaster Building as part of Light Up Castle, Newcastle’s Christmas light switch on
- Saturday 28th November, 10am–2pm: Newcastle Library, Castle House, Barracks Road, ST5 1BL
Emily Andrews of Castle Creatives said:
“Carry That Fire is about holding onto hope and humanity and celebrating the things that inspire us. We want people to think about what they are passionate about, what they would like to share with others and what they want to celebrate about Newcastle.
“The workshops are a chance to come together, get creative and contribute to something special. Whether you have joined us before or are taking part for the first time, we would love you to help bring this year’s parade to life.”
Castle Creatives recently won the Community Connector award at the LoveNUL Business Awards 2026, recognising the team’s work bringing people together through creativity.
Charl Pearce, Newcastle-under-Lyme BID Manager, said:
“The lantern parade is always a stunning event and such a special part of the build up to Christmas in Newcastle. It’s wonderful to see so many people of all ages and backgrounds joining the workshops, making their lanterns and then coming together for the parade.
“We’re proud to support the Castle Creatives team, whose Community Connector Award win at this year’s LoveNUL Awards was thoroughly deserved. Their work creates opportunities for people to get involved, connect with one another and celebrate our town.”
Volunteers are also being invited to help with this year’s lantern activities. For more information about the workshops, parade or volunteering, contact emily.andrews@b-arts.org.uk.
Newcastle Lanterns is kindly funded by Arts Council England, Newcastle-Under-Lyme BID, The Barracks Trust, Keele University & Heritage Lottery Fund.
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