The Bolsover Lantern Parade, one of the biggest in the country and now in its 32nd year, saw 400 lanterns carried through the streets watched by thousands of spectators lining the pavements. Saturday’s parade was a grand finale to the Bolsover Winter Festival – a weekend that included a traditional Christmas market and a day of festive food and entertainment in the town centre.
On the previous two evenings, Bright Winter Nights illuminated Bolsover Castle with three immersive light shows that attracted 2,000 visitors.
This was the third year that Junction Arts has brought the two illuminating events to the town. Junction Arts managing director, Emily Bowman, said: “We had an amazing three nights in Bolsover. These events celebrated art, technology and local people, with every piece of content co-created by the community and professional artists. Their success is a reflection of the fantastic creativity and strong community spirit that exists in this brilliant town, and we feel so proud to have been part of it. Thank you to our funders, supporters, partners, volunteers, artists and everyone who made a lantern or turned out to support these fabulous events.”

5. Bolsover Lantern Parade
One of the tallest and most striking lanterns (photo: Lamar Francois) Photo: Lamar Francois

6. Bolsover Lantern Parade
Children created lanterns for the 32nd annual parade (photo: Lamar Francois) Photo: Lamar Francois

7. Bolsover Lantern Parade
A few of the 400 lanterns carried in the parade (photo: Lamar Francois) Photo: Lamar Francois

8. Bolsover Lantern Parade
Community creativity was on show in the lantern parade which included a giant Shrek accompanied by Donkey, the Stickman and his family, Paddington, a herd of reindeer and a group of beautiful angels (photo: Lamar Francois) Photo: Lamar Francois

