Newcastle-under-Lyme Set to Glow for the 2025 Lantern Parade

This Saturday, Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre will host the Lantern Parade: Feasts of Welcome, delivered by B Arts with support from Newcastle-under-Lyme BID. The event continues to grow year on year, offering the community an opportunity to come together, take part in the procession and enjoy a creative, family friendly activity in the heart of Newcastle.

This year’s lanterns have been created through a series of community workshops held over the past few weeks at Belong, Keele in Town, Newcastle Library and during the Newcastle Christmas Light Switch On, with workshop attendees crafting hand made lanterns that will become part of the parade.

The parade begins at Keele in Town from 4.30pm where participants can collect their lanterns ahead of the procession which sets off at 5pm. Anyone who hasn’t been able to create their own lantern in advance is warmly encouraged to join the walk, enjoy the live music and soak up the atmosphere of the evening.

This year’s parade will feature performances from The Cat Island Band before the walk begins and The Old School Parade Band leading the procession through the town centre with the team at Piccoloco, based within Keele in Town, offering a small treat to everyone taking part to reflect the events theme, Feasts of Welcome.

Charl Pearce, Newcastle-under-Lyme BID Manager, said:

“The Newcastle Lantern Parade is a great example of the community of all ages coming together to be part of an event whilst learning a new creative skill.  The B Arts team do such a fantastic job delivering this event with care and craft and we’re proud to support something that brings people into the town centre and adds real atmosphere and charm to Newcastle-under-Lyme in winter.”

The parade is delivered by B Arts with support from partners including Amity Hub, Belong, Keele in Town, Keele University and Newcastle-under-Lyme BID.

B Arts have also launched a Crowdfunder campaign to support their work on future Lantern Parades. The £1,000 target will help fund local artists, materials, staffing and volunteer costs, ensuring the event continues to thrive. Contributions also demonstrate public support, which strengthens future funding bids.

Crowdfunder link: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/newcastle-lanterns-2025

How you can help:

• Donate what you can
• Share the campaign and help spread the word

For any further questions about the parade, please contact: emily.andrews@b-arts.org.uk