Illuminate Bermondsey 2025
Make your own lanterns at free workshops in local schools, libraries and community centres during October and November and then join us in The Blue Market, Bermondsey, from 4pm on Friday 21st November for a spectacular lantern procession to Southwark Park Bandstand.
Workshops times and locations to be announced on
This year we’re thrilled to announce a sister event Light Up the Old Docks will take place on Saturday 15th November 2025 in Russia Dock Woodlands organised by Lightwhale International. Everyone is invited to join in with both parades on 15th November in Russia Dock Woodlands and on 21st November in The Blue Market.
Free Lantern Making Workshops
Our artists will guide you through the lantern making process at free workshops and all materials are provided, including lights. We encourage people to work together to make their own unique designs and offer a range of workshops for different skills and abilities, from simple jam jar lanterns to magic lanterns, to our popular willow lanterns.
Willow Lanterns making sessions last 2 – 3 hours, and participant work in small teams and learn to bend and fix together structures from natural willow and then glue on a thin layer of special wet-strength tissue. The lantern are then be left to dry before putting in your lights and adding extra decorations – expect to get carried aways and we will have a programme of free public workshops if you want to do more – check our website for details https://illuminaterotherhithe.co.uk/ Everyone takes their lantern home and brings it for the parade where they meet and show off what they have made in the streets.
Lantern Procession
Illuminate Bermondsey Lantern Procession will assemble from 4pm on Friday 21st November in The Blue Market Place, Market Traders and local businesses will be invited to be open to provide refreshments and shopping. As the sunsets at 5pm the parade will depart led by a marching band and escorted through the streets by stewards and would arrive in Southwark Park where the bandstand will be decorated with lights and live music will be played.
Light Up the Old Dock Parade will take place the week before on Saturday 15th November in Russia Dock Woodlands – Lightwhale International’s website for more details https://www.lightwhaleinternational.com/.
About Illuminate Bermondsey
Illuminate Bermondsey is a free annual lantern festival for local residents, inspired by the histories of the Thames, the docks and migration.
Illuminate Rotherhithe began in 2016, founded by residents. Inspired by the story of the Mayflower ship, believed to have docked in Rotherhithe before sailing with the first pilgrims to America, the festival celebrates the Thames, the dock, migration and local heritage. Growing year on year, in 2019 the procession was extended into Bermondsey incorporating more venues including The Blue Market. The overarching theme for Illuminate continues to be the local history of migration, celebrating the many cultural contributions that make up the community of Bermondsey and Rotherhithe today.
Light festivals have been celebrated worldwide, including Winter Solstice, Diwali, Hanukkah, and Bonfire Night. We provide an opportunity for all to come together and celebrate light, share experiences, and lift spirits during the coldest and darkest months of the year. Our artists help people work together to design and build their own lanterns for the parade and represent themselves at a celebrated public event.
Illuminate Bermondsey is organised by Collaborative Arts C.I.C. in collaboration with Southwark Present Cultural Celebration Fund, The Blue Market Place, Big Local Works, Blue Bermondsey BID and Lightwhale International.