Instagram@ Gone Sun Where

Illuminate Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Lantern Festival 

About illuminate Bermondsey and Rotherhithe 

Illuminate Rotherhithe, is a community lantern parade founded in 2016 by locals, has steadily grown over the years. Each year, new participants join in as they create their lanterns in various locations such as schools, libraries, TRA Halls, Care Centres, pubs, churches, youth clubs, community centers, gardens, and public spaces. 

In 2019, Illuminate Rotherhithe expanded into Bermondsey and welcomed new schools and community groups to take part in the festivities throughout Southwark's streets. By 2022, the parade at Southwark Park had attracted hundreds of volunteers and participants with their hand-made lanterns, showcasing a vibrant display of community creativity. 

Illuminate Bermondsey and Rotherhithe has formed positive relationships with multiple schools and community groups by offering valuable outreach opportunities and engaging a diverse mix of local individuals with Southwark Park during this event.

As part of the Mayflower celebration (which has now concluded), they have joined forces with Blue Bermondsey BID and the Blue Market Management Team at BLW to continue hosting this parade. 

Starting from the Blue Market Place, Illuminate Rotherhithe will continue to bring together our community for a memorable celebration.

Illuminate Bermondsey receives funding from various organizations, including Southwark Present Cultural Celebration Fund, Rotherhithe Consolidates Charities, MIK, The Blue Market Place, Big Local Works and Blue Bermondsey BID.

When is Illuminate Bermondsey and Rotherhithe taking place? 

Join in on the illuminated procession as it makes its way from the bustling Blue Market to Southwark Park. Participants will gather at 5pm on Friday, November 24th 2023 in Market Place, London SE16 3UQ.

Join in a delightful evening of live music and delicious food at the Southwark Park Bandstand from 6pm to 8pm.

Getting there

Local buses : 1, 381, and P12.

Nearest Tube station : Bermondsey.

Closest Train station : South Bermondsey

Closest Overground stops : Canada Water, Surrey Quays 

Bicycle and car parking available.

The Santander dock stations can be found on both Southwark Park Road and Clements Road.

Free lantern making workshops

Leading up to the illuminate Bermondsey and Rotherhithe lantern festival, there are free to attend lantern making workshops.When : Friday, November 17th from 5pm to 7.30pm. 

Where : Wade Hall Dickens Estate TRA, Bardell House, London SE1 2DH

Disabled access available. Reserve a spot. Walk-in space also available.

Another workshop prior to illuminate Bermondsey and Rotherhithe festival is happening on Saturday, November 18th, 2023, from 12 until 3pm

Where : The Blue Market, Market Place, London SE16 3UQ.On Monday, November 20th from 10am to 12pm. Visitors to Southwark Galleries can join in a free lantern making workshop. 

Where : Dilston Grove Southwark Galleries, Southwark Park London SE16 2DD

This is a fun-filled workshop and enchanting lantern exhibit for families with young children. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own jars or bottles to transform into beautiful lanterns using recycled materials. Everyone is welcome to participate!

Illuminate Bermondsey and Rotherhithe after party 

New for 2023 a Special After Show Event with London Dreamtime. Taking place on Saturday 25th November 2023, from 12 noon until 3pm. Experience an enchanting event with the Lantern Exhibition, where you can also enjoy captivating storytelling and participate in a magical lantern workshop.At 1pm, join Emma Charlton, Elena Sirett, and Fiona Kirkwood for a storytelling session. 2pm sees Leanne Bevan and Aaron Oliver telling stories. Suitable for all ages. Children need to be accompanied by a parent or carer.

How it went?

It was so much fun. With people of all ages and backgrounds in attendance. With this year's theme being all about food. There was some really amazing artistry on display including lanterns in the shape of a pizza slice. Lemon, bourbon biscuit and three tiered cake. The evening began with a drumming procession from a local secondary school who led the way. If you didn't attend in 2023 don't miss illuminate Bermondsey and Rotherhithe in 2024.