Chester’s Christmas Lantern Parade

Chester’s festive Lantern Parade takes place on Thursday 27th November.

School children from across the area will parade through the city centre with their hand made lanterns for the annual Christmas Lantern Parade.

The parade leaves from the Christmas Market in Town Hall Square at 7pm. The parade route follows St Werburgh Street, Eastgate Street, Bridge Street, then turning around and heading for Northgate Street, with the Parade ending back in Town Hall Square.

The lanterns have all been made by children in workshops led by local artist Russell Kirk. The schools taking part are from Upton Heath Primary, Cherry Grove Primary, Upton Westlea Primary, Hoole Primary, Dee Point Primary, The Firs School, Belgrave Primary, Mickle Trafford Village School and Tarporley Primary

Councillor Lisa Denson, Cabinet Member for A Fairer Future (Poverty, Public Health and Mental Health) said:

“Thank you to all the children for making their lanterns and joining this year’s parade. It’s guaranteed to add extra sparkle.  

“The Christmas celebrations are now well underway. The Christmas Market is in full swing in Town Hall Square, Father Christmas has a busy schedule with a grotto in the Grosvenor Shopping Centre and visits lined up for the Town Hall.

“The Lantern parade is followed by our Winter Watch parades, and we will also welcome back the Romans as they bring their own Saturnalia celebrations to Chester in December.”

The Lantern Parade is one part of Chester’s Christmas celebrations that include the Christmas market in Town Hall Square, Chester Cathedral’s Christmas Tree Festival, Santa’s Grotto in the Grosvenor Shopping Centre, and guest visits to the Town Hall, Beauty and Beast at Storyhouse, The Winter Watch Parade (4th December) and the combined Saturnalia and Winter Watch Parade (11th December). The Santa Dash takes place on Sunday 7th December.

Chester Park and Ride is running late night services over Christmas, the last bus from Foregate Street will be 9pm on Thursdays from 20th November.