Join schoolchildren, parents and community members from around Uralla Shire in the annual Uralla Lantern Parade, held every year in March to coincide with Earth Hour.
With the generous assistance of Phoenix Foundry, Uralla Shire Council, local businesses and individuals, Uralla Arts hosts the Lismore Lantern makers from Light’nUp who hold a series of school and public lantern making workshops in the week prior.
Do you want to be involved with the lantern building, site preparation or join the crew? You are very welcome! Please call Andrew on 0427 141 482 for further information.
BUY A LANTERN AND JOIN THE PARADE!
Each year we have lanterns ready for you to purchase and take in the parade. This is a memorable and rewarding family activity. Lanterns are $10 each available for sale from 6.00pm at Uralla Central School on parade day – be early to avoid disappointment. Lanterns can be pre-ordered and purchased prior to the event – call Andrew on 0427 141 482.
Goanna lit up - an impressive feature lantern puppet
LANTERN PARADE AND FINALE – ALMA PARK
Schoolchildren who have made lanterns in the workshops during the week claim their lantern and join in the parade with their family. Adults are encouraged to assist with carrying larger lanterns and taking on the role of parade marshalls. Please see Uralla Arts Crew at the muster at 6.30pm (please be on time) at Uralla Central School and the parade kicks off at 7.15pm from the schoolgrounds, travels down Queen Street to Alma Park and enters the park through the Memorial Gates. Please follow Uralla Arts Crew’s directions to seating area for the finale.
Snake and Goanna in rehearsal
WATCH THE PARADE IN THE STREETS AND IN THE PARK
The sight of a lantern parade coming down the street is a memorable one. Enjoy the parade from the footpaths and after it has passed, follow it down to Alma Park for the finale. It will be a fantastic evening and in the park it may get chilly, so be prepared. We recommend rugging up and bringing a blanket to sit on. A torch would be handy for after the performance and an umbrella is advised in case of rain. Lantern parade will go ahead if it is misty or very light rain. Please follow the directions of Uralla Arts Crew who will direct you to audience seating.
THE FINALE
The finale features performances by local schoolchildren, dancers and Uralla Community Choir. Uralla Arts acknowledges the custodians of the land, the Anaiwan and Moych people and thanks them for welcoming us to Country.
Jack and Elly with the Lost Egg
DONATIONS
We are overwhelmed by the extent that Uralla residents have taken the Lantern Parade to their heart. We believe it is a wonderful event for the entire community and if we continue to grow, we think that it will attract people from all around the region, bringing many benefits to the town. As the event grows, new expenses arise, so if you see a Uralla Arts volunteer rattling a bucket, please spare some coins to assist us. Thanks in advance!!