Hexham’s streets will be lit by lanterns, live music and a community parade when the Hexham Lantern Parade returns to Sele Park on Friday, November 13.
Organised by Queen’s Hall Arts with support from EGGER, the event will begin at the Bandstand in Sele Park from 6pm. There is no ticket needed to attend the parade, and residents are encouraged to arrive from 6pm to enjoy the full experience.
Brass band to headline the parade
Northern Monkey Brass Band will provide the live music for the evening. The band is known for combining New Orleans funk with Northern brass, and its performances include original music, New Orleans classics and arrangements of familiar pop songs.
A spokesperson for Queen’s Hall Arts said the band’s “infectious brass and percussion grooves promise to bring plenty of energy to the streets as lanterns make their way through Hexham”. The performance will accompany the lantern procession through the town.
Free lantern-making workshops for families
Queen’s Hall Arts and EGGER are also offering free lantern-making workshops to help families prepare for the parade. The sessions will take place at Queen’s Hall on Tuesday, October 27, and Saturday, November 7, with workshops running at 10am, 11am and 12pm on both days.
Each session lasts 45 minutes and is suitable for children aged six and above. All materials needed to make a lantern will be provided, although participants must supply their own battery-operated light at home to complete it.
Advance booking is recommended. A ticket should be booked for every person who wants to make a lantern, and children must be accompanied by an adult during the workshop.
EGGER support for Hexham event
EGGER, which has been based in Hexham since 1984, is supporting the parade as a family-owned company with established roots in the town. The company said the event reflects its commitment to supporting the local community.
The parade brings together artists, schools and families for a celebration of creativity and togetherness. Organisers describe it as an event for all ages, combining light, music and community celebration.
More information about the parade and the free lantern-making workshops, including booking details, is available through the Queen’s Hall Arts website.