Get Creative This Half Term: Let’s Make Some Lantern Magic!

Derby’s Season of Light 2026 festival is underway, and it’s time to get creative! With Derby’s spectacular Lantern Parade returning on 28 November, we’re inviting families, children and young people across the city to join us this half term to make their very own lanterns and get ready to light up Derby.

This year’s parade theme is HEROES, so let your imagination run wild! Who inspires you? Perhaps it’s a real-life hero, a family member, a local legend or a favourite superhero. Whoever your hero may be, our fun, family-friendly Lantern Making Workshops will help you turn your ideas into a beautiful, glowing creation to proudly carry in the parade.

Running at venues across Derby from 26 October to 21 November, the workshops are led by our talented artists, who will guide you through the process of designing and making your own lantern using eco-friendly, biodegradable materials, including willow, bamboo and tissue paper. No artistic experience is needed — just bring your imagination and enthusiasm!

We’re also celebrating the rich traditions of light festivals from around the world with two special workshops. Join us at the Chinese Welfare Association on Saturday 31 October to create lanterns inspired by the Chinese Moon Festival, or visit the Indian Community Centre on Sunday 1 November for a special Diwali Lantern Making Workshop.

We’re passionate about making creativity accessible to everyone, which is why we’re delighted to be working with local Family Hubs and Greene King pubs to bring lantern making into more communities across Derby. Thanks to our partnership with Greene King, more people can enjoy a creative experience in a relaxed and welcoming setting, alongside food and drinks. A big thank you to Greene King for helping us spread the creative magic!
Find a workshop near you:

• Derby Market Hall: Tuesday 27 October, 10.30am–12.30pm + 14 Nov, 1.00pm – 3.00pm
• QUAD: Friday 30 October, 1pm–3pm
• Chinese Welfare Association: Saturday 31 October, 10.30am–12.30pm
• Indian Community Centre: Sunday 1 November, 11am–1pm
• The Lodge Pub: Monday 2 November, 7pm–9pm
• The Nag’s Head Pub: Saturday 7 November, 11am–1pm
• The Merlin Pub: Sunday 8 November, 11am–1pm
• The Paddock Pub: Saturday 14 November, 11am–1pm
• Elvaston Castle: Saturday 21 November, 10am–12pm

The workshops are suitable for adults, families and children age 5+. Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.

So, why not make this half term a little more magical? Come along, get creative and be part of something special. Imagine seeing your very own lantern glowing alongside hundreds of others as Derby comes alive with colour and light on 28 November.

Choose your venue and book your place via our website. Let’s make Derby shine!