THE theme for this year’s annual Christmas Lantern Parade has been announced, setting the scene for what promises to be another magical evening celebrating the community.

This year’s theme is “Wye Winter Solstice” a celebration of the River Wye as it journeys through winter. The theme invites participants to explore sparkling water, moonlit woodlands, winter wildlife, frosty landscapes, ancient folklore, stars and more.

The parade will start on Monnow Bridge and make its way through the high street before finishing outside Shire Hall, where there will be entertainment and an opportunity for people to socialise during the festive season.

Monmouth Lantern Parade made the announcement on its Facebook page, alongside a wide selection of lantern ideas to inspire those who choose to take part.

Lantern Ideas

  • Glowing full moons and crescent moons
  • Twinkling stars and constellations
  • River Wye lanterns and blue waves
  • Swans, herons and kingfishers illuminated from within.
  • Salmon leaping through sparkling winter waves
  • Otters playing beneath the moonlight
  • Woodland deer with antlers decorated in lights

  • Wise owls perched among frosted branches
  • Robins and winter birds glowing against the dark sky
  • Snowflakes, icicles and frost patterns
  • Winter trees wrapped in fairy lights
  • Holly, ivy, mistletoe
  • Magical river spirits and Wye-inspired folklore characters
  • Lantern boats sailing along a sea of light
  • Dragons and mythical creatures inspired by local legends
  • The sun returning after the longest night of the year

Monmouth lantern parade fun
Lots of creations at last year’s Christmas Lantern Parade. (Tindle)

Lantern Workshops

Anyone looking to participate in this year’s lantern parade can attend the lantern making workshops, where they can get help turning their ideas into creations to ready to light up the night sky.

Everyone is welcome to get involved in this community-led event and is a highlight of the festive calendar for many people.

Last year’s theme was “Butterfly Ball and the Grasshoppers Feast” with an array of carefully crafted dragonflies, butterflies, and so many more creations which lit up the town.

More details of the workshops will be available on the Monmouth Lantern Parade Facebook page.

Local dignitaries at Monmouth Lantern Parade
(Tindle )