Leighton Buzzard Lantern Project

Event Information

Presented by: The Leighton Linslade Rotary Club

For the first time, Leighton Buzzard will be hosting a lantern parade on Wednesday 24th of December, at 6.15 pm.

The parade will be preceded by three Saturday workshops during which the lanterns will be made, and we will also be selling kits online for those who would prefer making the lanterns at home.

Please note that it is important that lantern makers can attend the parade on the 24th of December. All lantern makers will join the procession that will start at All Saints Church on Wednesday 24th of December at 6.15 pm, then process through Parsons Close and go past the Market Cross ready to reach the stage by 7.00 pm where the Salvation Army will be playing its annual sing along Christmas Carols Concert. If you can not attend the parade on the 24th, but would still like to make a lantern, we would still like to proudly display your lantern on the 24th and will request someone else to carry on your behalf.

The cost per lantern kit will be £8.50 which includes all the material needed but not the lights which you can choose. We will have some lights for sale at the workshops and kit collection sessions (cash only).


Lantern making options for 2025 are (please choose the correct ticket type as they are non-transferable):

1) Make your lantern at All Saints Church*
2) Buy a lantern kit and make your lantern(s) at home **

*The lantern making is open to all, but children under the age of 16 have to be accompanied by an adult for the workshops
** If you are thinking of entering as a group/organisation and need the materials, please contact us at lanterns@leightonlinsladerotary.com

Workshop dates at All Saints Church (North Transept), Church Square, Leighton Buzzard LU7 1AE

Saturday 29 November - 10.30 - 4.30 pm
Saturday 06 December - 10.30 - 4.30 pm
Saturday 13 December - 10 30 - 2.30 pm

We suggest you arrive first thing in the morning to try completing your lantern on the day. If need be, we have some time during Sunday 07th and Sunday the 14th when you could finish them, but not start creating the lantern/s from scratch.

Volunteers will be on hand to help and advise you with your lantern design. Once you have completed your frame you will be given white tissue, glue, a sponge and instructions along with your choice of coloured tissue paper. The bamboo canes necessary to carry the lanterns will be provided at All Saints on the 24th of December.

Make-at Home Lantern Kits
For those who prefer to make their lantern/s at home, a lantern kit can be purchased. It will include full instructions and materials. Don’t forget you will need to add battery-powered fairy lights (candles are not allowed for safety reasons). You will need to collect your lantern kit/s at All Saints Church during the workshop times mentioned above. Alternatively, we are happy to deliver the kit/s locally free of charge. Please remember to bring along your lantern to the parade on the 24th of December.

If you want to make a larger/more complicated lantern, you can purchase an additional bundle of withies (willow sticks) for a £2 donation. We will also be selling additional rolls of masking tape for £1 plus a selection of fairy-lights with batteries (cash only).

If you have any questions, please email lanterns@leightonlinsladerotary.com