Glowthorpe Lantern Parade lights up the night

Stilt walkers wearing bright costumes lit up in blue walk among crowds. — Image caption,
Stilt-walkers lead the way in the lantern parade near the Dearne Playhouse in Goldthorpe. Schoolchildren and community groups created more than 50 lanterns from tissue paper and willow

Olivia Richwald

Yorkshire

26 November 2025

Hundreds of people have taken part in the first Glowthorpe Lantern Parade.

The festival of light, in Goldthorpe near Barnsley, was organised by the Dearne Community Arts' Festival and funded by Barnsley Council's Unity and Inclusion Fund.

Artist Sue Walpole held community workshops where she helped people create lanterns in the shape of houses, hearts, flowers and plants.

More than 50 lanterns were carried around the Welfare Grounds.

The parade was accompanied by an evening of light-based entertainment, including a disco bike, fire performer and bubbles.

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Image caption,
Morgan, Amber and Robyn from Goldthope all created their own lanterns at school. The lanterns were themed as part of Barnsley Council’s Love Where You Live programme
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Sharon, Rachel, Carol, Janet and Beaty made their lanterns at workshops with the WI. Janet (second from right) said: "We really enjoyed it and it has brought the community together."
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Sharon Lindsey with her green and white lantern which represents climate change
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Professional performers also took part in Glowthorpe. The Love Where You Live programme aims to encourage people to try something new, get involved in their community and make a difference
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The Disco Bike was blasting out popular tunes and Christmas music as it did laps of the Welfare Grounds in Goldthorpe
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RSPB Old Moor was among the local groups which supported the event. The nature reserve loaned several of the larger lanterns to organisers
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This is one of the flower lanterns that was created by children in local schools. Artist Sue Walpole held community workshops and taught the children how to make the lanterns from willow and tissue paper

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