The countdown is officially on as Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade Flag is raised in run up to event
In true Bemmy Lantern style, the official Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade flag was raised above the Tobacco Factory today by Local MP Karin Smyth. Marking the official countdown to the main event which takes place on Saturday 28 January, the annual Winter Lantern Parade will take off from St Francis Church and ends at Compass Point School.
Kicking off the festivities is The Ambling Band, Bristol Samba Band and Bright Sounds, playing tunes for crowd favourite lanterns to march along the streets too including a caterpillar, a butterfly and a boat.
Joined by Action Greater Bedminster Steering Group committee chair and community pharmacist Ade Williams, the flag was proudly hoisted after meeting local Ashton Gate Primary School students who are one of the many schools getting creative and preparing to march through the BS3 area with their very own hand-made lanterns.
2023 marks 11 years of celebrating community and championing local schools and community groups in BS3. The parade is non-profit community project run in Bedminster and works with schools, residents and businesses over three months in the autumn to build thousands of lanterns for the annual party.
With 5,000 visitors, 10 local schools and a community of loyal volunteers, this event encompasses creativity, inclusivity and the wonderful spirit of Bedminster.
For more information on the Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade, head to the website and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.