Campaign launched to rescue Bristol lantern parade

A campaign has been launched to bring back one of south Bristol’s biggest and most well-loved community events.

The Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade was cancelled this year after issues with finance, and efforts are under way to raise £10,000 towards its running costs.

If that sum is achieved, the parade will most likely return in early 2025.

Ade Williams, chair of the organising committee said: "There is a lot that goes into this, that makes it as spectacular as it is, and all of that depends on our crowdfunder."

Jackie Smith, a volunteer at the parade, added: "It is such an amazing community feel, it's so creative, it brings light and joy to the streets of BS3.

"All ages love creating these lanterns."

Every year, a wide variety of huge lanterns are created by local schools and community groups to stand out during the event, which attracts thousands of participants and supporters as it moves through BS3.

In the past this has included a viking ship, a caveman, a rhino, dragonflies, a white hare and polar bears.

Mr Williams added: "We celebrate the fact that, especially within our community, there's a strong sense that wherever you are, as long as you have the Bemmy spirit in you, you are part of the community.

"Some of the schools in our area are the most diverse in the city, and for every child to walk down the streets holding their lantern, they will feel like they belong."

The provisional date for the event, if it goes ahead, is 18 January, with a back up date of 15 February in the case of bad weather.