Get ready to be dazzled as Farsley hosts a magical Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch-On event on Wednesday, 27 November, starting at 6pm.
This enchanting evening will illuminate Farsley with a procession of unique lanterns crafted by the community. Over 300 participants have been involved in the lead-up to this event, dedicating their time and creativity to craft these beautiful lanterns using sustainable materials.
The parade will feature a spectacular array of their creations, including three giant puppets and illuminated wildlife-themed head-dresses designed by local artists Morwenna Catt, Duncan Barnett and Danny Tootell.
These talented creatives have collaborated with Farsley’s families, primary schools and community groups during dedicated workshops across the village to bring the local residents’ ideas to life.
The festival has also seen a huge contribution from West SILC Powerhouse; a specialist college providing further education for students aged 16-19 with learning difficulties and disabilities.
These impressive young people have been at the heart of the project from its creation; from creating unique illustrations for the event’s marketing posters to decorating colourful lanterns – they have even designed and hand pressed t-shirts to raise money for the project!
Rob Lakewood, Head of Powerhouse College, said: “The Lantern Festival has been an incredible opportunity for our young people not only from an artistic and creative project but from a community perspective.
“Seeing their artwork displayed around their community and being part of the Lantern festival instils a sense of ownership, pride and confidence in our young people which is so important on their journey to independence.” .
Leading the parade alongside the Powerhouse students will be local band ‘the Peace Artistes’, setting a festive rhythm for the procession. Before the parade kicks off, head to Grumpy’s from 5pm for an evening of entertainment, including marshmallow toasting and joyful tunes from the Farsley Love Pop Choir.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, many shops, cafes, and bars along the parade route will extend their opening hours, offering seasonal treats and warm hospitality. Visitors can also explore a night market in Sunny Bank Mills’ car park, hosted by Farsley Farmers Market, where they can find unique gifts and delicious local produce.
A stall outside Grumpy’s on the edge of Sunny Bank Mills will be accepting packaged food donations for the local food bank at Pudsey Community Project.
This highly anticipated Lantern Festival has been a year in the making and is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of Grumpy’s Bar & Pizza, SCRAP and West SILC Powerhouse within their community. The event is made possible through generous funding from Leeds City Council’s Culture Programmes and Grumpy’s Bar & Pizza.
Alex Rogerson, owner of Grumpy’s Bar & Pizza and organiser of Farsley Lantern Festival, said: “Grumpy’s has always loved being part of such a creative and supportive community. Creating the Lantern Festival alongside Scrap and Powerhouse has given us another opportunity to give back to the community whilst enhancing a much loved annual event in Farsley.
“We hope that the spirit of the Lantern Parade will be replicated within the community for years to come.”
The lanterns will join the parade coming out of Charles Street at 6pm, walking down Town Street towards the Cenotaph around The Green to come back up Town Street, when they will parade up to the Farsley Library.
At this point they will join the main parade of The Pipe Band, the floats and schools falling in behind Santa. The parade will then leave the library at 6.30pm and parade towards the Cenotaph.
Following the parade an annual firework display will provide a spectacular backdrop for the official Christmas Lights Switch On at 7pm.
The main area for the entertainment, Breeze, Farsley Village Singers, and light switch on will be in Andrew Square.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of Farsley’s community spirit and celebrate the start of the festive season!
Road closures
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants and spectators, the road from Farsley Cenotaph to beyond the Library will be closed between 5pm and 8pm.
Charles Street car park will be closed all day to allow the funfair to gets its vehicles in. Andrew Square car park will be closed from 3.30pm
Any vehicle parked on Farsley Old Road and Town Street after 5pm in the designated road closure designated area will have to remain there until 8pm.
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