Gloucester Children Light Up City in 'Community in Nature' Lantern Parade

Schools and community groups prepare ornate willow lanterns

Schools and community groups across Gloucester spent the week crafting ornate willow lanterns for the city's annual lantern parade. This year’s theme, Community in Nature, inspired pupils and volunteers to create designs celebrating local wildlife, green spaces and neighbourhood spirit.

The procession was scheduled to take place on Saturday 15 November, forming a colourful evening parade through the city centre. The event has been a long-standing part of Gloucester’s Christmas build-up and organisers expected large crowds to line the streets to watch the lanterns pass.

Children from Upton St Leonards Primary School were among those bringing their designs to life, adding finishing touches in the days before the Saturday evening procession. Teachers and volunteers worked alongside pupils to ensure each lantern was safe, sturdy and ready to glow.

"It’s wonderful to see the community come together—young and old—to make something beautiful for everyone to enjoy," one organiser said.