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FAQ

  • How can I be involved?
    FIERY FINALE Join the Fiery Finale - we are looking for "performers"! • Feel the ultimate THRILL of carrying a fire torch or fiery heart. No experience needed; TRAINING provided; attending rehearsals essential! • Fire not for you? Then lots of opportunities to carry a simple lantern or work back stage. Call or message Emma 0411 967 690 OR More Info - festival@lanternparade.com WORKSHOPS We run lots of workshops and opportunities to participate over the months leading up to the lantern parade in June. Contact the Lantern Workshop for more information festival@lanternparade.com COMMUNITY LANTERN PROJECT Community Groups, Individuals and Businesses can participate in the Lantern Parade, check out <be involved> for information and registration. IN THE PARADE Bands, dancers and street performers are encouraged to join the parade, see <be involved> for information and registration. VOLUNTEER The Lantern Parade is a great way to meet people and learn new skills and contribute to this wonderful community event. The Lantern Parade does urgently need volunteers to help set up the festival from NOW ON, and of course PACK DOWN too! Check out <be involved> Volunteer>
  • Will there be food available for sale?
    Yes, Lismore has many fabulous local food vendors who will be set up in the Market deLight, in the HEART of the city along Carrington and Magellan Streets. Street Food will be on sale from 12noon until 9.30pm. Winter Warmers hot food and drink will be on sale at Oakes Oval for the Fiery Finale from 4.30pm Lismore's many restaurants, bars and hotels will be open and running special Lantern Parade 'events' and After Parties, so you can dine out in style or party until late. Details will be available in the Program closer to the event The Lantern Parade itself is an alcohol free event.
  • Do you have a Parade Route Map?
  • Will the parade be on if it is raining on the day?
    The Lantern Parade will go ahead unless there is torrential rain. The organisers will review the weather conditions and determine whether or not the parade will proceed at approximately 2pm on 21 June 2025. If you are unsure you can return to this website for an update.
  • Will there be any road closures on the day?
    • The area around Carrington and Magellan Streets will be closed from 6am until 10.30pm on Saturday 21 June 2025 • Carrington Street between Magellan Street and the Woolworths Ramp will be closed from 12.00pm on FRIDAY 20th June until 12 midnight 21 June 2025. • There will be rolling closures on the Parade Route - Molesworth Street, Magellan Street, Keen Street will be closed 4.30pm - 6.30pm Dawson St will be closed from 4.30pm until 8.00pm. CAR PARKS CLOSED Harold Fredricks Carpark - Magellan St entrance - 4.30-7.00pm STREET PARKING There will be NO PARKING on the parade route, either side of the road. Molesworth St: Bounty St - Magellan St. 6.00am - 7.00pm Magellan St: Molesworth St - Keen St. 6.00am - 10.30pm Carrington St: Magellan St - Woolworths Ramp 12 noon 20th June - 10.30pm 21 June Carrington St: Magellan St - County Lane. 6.00am - 10.30pm Magellan St: Keen St - Dawson St. 6.00am - 7.00pm Dawson St: Magellan St - Woodlark St. 6.00am - 8.00pm These closures are essential to prevent vehicles from being trapped inside the parade route and to ensure no vehicle movement occurs during the event, helping to keep attendees safe. Convenient parking will still be available close to the CBD at the following locations: • Kirkland Riviera Carpark • Harold Fredricks Carpark • Clyde Campbell Carpark • John Crowther Carpark See the 2025 ROAD CLOSURES map here
  • Where can I park?
    PARKING There is ample parking around the Lismore CBD and Council car parks, see www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Council/Roads-and-parking/Parking EXCEPT Access to Harold Fredricks Car Park from MAGELLAN Street will be closed between 4.30 and 8pm. ALL DAY ACCESS to FREDRICKS Car park will be from KEEN STREET (see signage) and Larkin Lane/ Rural St back lanes. Please do not park in Magellan St between Molesworth St and Dawson Street after midnight on 20 June 2025 Or Carrington St from Country Lane to Magellan Street after midnight 20 June 2025 Thank you 💛 2025 Road Closures Map is available here.
  • What about Lost Children and First Aid?
    LOST CHILDREN SAFE SPACES In the Market deLight - Lost Children will be taken to the Festival Site and Information Office on Carrington Street, next to Dragon fly Cafe. There will be a Lost Children Safe Space upstairs in the Gordon Pavilion at the Fiery Finale in Oakes Oval, 4.30 - 8.30pm and then the police will take over. The Lost Children Safe Space will be staffed by qualified child care workers with current WWCC . FIRST AID St John's Ambulance will have a First Aid post in the Market deLight, Magellan St, in the parade and in Oakes Oval under the Gordon Pavilion.
  • The Parade Route and ENTRY to OAKES OVAL
    The Lantern Parade will travel from Victoria Street (assembly) traveling through the CBD to Oakes Oval - departing at 5.30pm The lantern parade assembles in Victoria Street, please DO NOT GATHER in this area whilst the parade is in preparation 4.30pm - 5.30pm • Parade participants should park/drop off on Victoria St near the Dog Park or Boat Ramp. • The Parade will depart at 5.30pm & travel along MARKET St • At the MEMORIAL BATHS turn left into • MOLESWORTH St (Eastern side) turning right into - • MAGELLAN St through the Market deLight to KEEN St. • At the KEEN St ROUNDABOUT the parade will cross KEEN St and • Travel along MAGELLAN St passed the LIBRARY to DAWSON Street (NB.the Entrance and Exit to Fredricks Carpark will be closed during the parade 4.30 - 7.00pm) • At DAWSON Street the parade will head up to the OAKES OVAL There is NO PARKING on the street along the parade route 6am - 8.00pm ENTRY TO OVAL • FREE entry to OVAL grassed area through MAGELLAN ST GATES WHITE FLAGS • GRANDSTAND TICKET HOLDERS enter VIA TICKET KIOSK GATES LILAC FLAG • GRANDSTAND TICKET HOLDERS enter via TICKET KIOSK or MIDDLE GATES LILAC FLAGS • FESTIVAL GUESTS MIDDLE GATE - then upstairs to Gordon Pavilion LILAC FLAG • ACCESSIBLE VIEWING TICKET HOLDERS enter via DAWSON STREET TOP GATE. LIME GREEN FLAGS • The LANTERN PARADE PARTICIPANTS enter the Oval at the URALBA ST GATE and proceed to their reserved Lanterneer seating section. You MUST have an official wristband to sit in this area. NB Detailed Lanterneer Information is available from your school/community group. For GRANDSTAND TICKET INFORMATION and BOOKING click HERE Click HERE for the parade map.
  • Is there a lantern parade route available?
  • Can I participate in the parade?
    LANTERN DECORATING AT THE FESTIVAL YES, you can participate in the parade. Our sponsors Summerland Bank will be facilitating the lantern decorating workshop ($15 each) in the Market deLight. This decorating workshop space will run from 1pm - 4pm, or until we run out of lanterns! So make sure you get in early to avoid any disappointment. First come first served. Once the lanterns are decorated you can join the Parade for assembly in Victoria Street by 5pm for the parade, which leaves at 5.30pm, your Group will be identified as General Public. Purchasing one lantern entitles the decorator and ONE adult only to join the parade and sit in the reserved area, larger family groups should enter OAKES OVAL through the GENERAL PUBLIC GATE on Magellan Street, or purchase tickets for the Grandstands PERFORM IN THE FIERY FINALE • Feel the ultimate THRILL of carrying a flaming fire torch or letter! • Carry a lantern in the show. • Work back stage as MIB, or assistant stage manager. Rehearsals: Monday 9th June, Sunday 15 June. Dress rehearsal Friday 20 June. SHOW 21 June Contact Emma 0411 967 690 BEFORE THE FESTIVAL • Check out our Community Lantern Project -<get involved> on this website, for community organisations, schools, Government and business to participate in the parade. Registrations close 6 June • Participate in the Parade - Bands, friends dance groups and street performers can register to join the parade <be involved> on this website. Registrations close 6 June VOLUNTEER Join our fabulous crew of volunteers See <be involved/volunteer> on this website. or Email <festival@lanternparade.com> or CALL 0412 732 102
  • Can I join the parade without a lantern?
    You must be a volunteer, a registered lantern carrier or a supervising adult to join the parade. Or Decorate a lantern on the day in the Market deLight 1pm - 4.00pm Contact the Lantern Parade <festival@lanternparade.com> or check out <be involved /volunteer> on this website
  • Can I bring my own lantern?
    NO, sorry. You can make your own lantern as part of the Lantern Decorating, in a LightnUp workshop or the Community Lantern Project. or AT the lantern workshop, 289 Keen St, Lismore. Our Public Liability Insurance requires that ALL lanterns must be
 approved by the Lantern Parade organisers PRIOR to the parade and be REGISTERED.
  • Where is the best place to watch the parade?
    You can watch the Parade anywhere along the parade route. or Sit in comfort in the Oakes Oval Grandstands. PURCHASE A TICKET HERE or grab a spot on the grass in the Oval for FREE - Enter from MAGELLAN STREET (white flags) and watch the Parade and fabulous Fiery Finale. There will be NO PARKING along the parade route (Council requirement) from 6am so there will be a great view for everyone along the route!
  • What time does it start and finish?
    The day's activities commence at 12 noon in the Lismore CBD - Market deLight, Magellan Street and Carrington Street. The Heartbeats Festival Stage will fire up at 12pm until 9.30pm. The Lantern Parade starts at 5.30pm from Victoria Street The OAKES OVAL Gates OPEN at 4.30pm The finale will start at 6.30ish and finish at approximately 7.30pm. There will be lots of FOOD, ARTS, CRAFTS, ACTIVITIES and fantastic MUSIC available in the Market deLight - Carrington Street - PARTY on until 9.30pm Lismore's wonderful selection of restaurants, cafes, clubs, pubs and hotels will be hosting AFTER PARTIES celebrating with us on into the night. See the Lantern Parade Program for more information. (Coming soon)
  • Is there a charge to watch the lantern parade?
    The Lismore Lantern Parade itself is FREE on the streets as well as seating on the grass at the FIERY FINALE however we would REALLY APPRECIATE your generous donations to help cover our costs. • You can make a DONATION to the Lantern Parade at any BRANCH of the SUMMERLAND Bank or • Via the DIGITAL BUCKET using the QR code on our posters, fliers or the website DONATION page, so easy via the "Give Now Fundraising Platform" AND There will be BUCKETEERS and DIGITAL BUCKET cards available throughout the Parade Route or businesses in the CBD or The STAR WARS 51st Legion are also authorised DONATION Collectors or Head to our DONATE page here on the Website. THANK YOU SO MUCH - every little bit counts 💛 As an approved Charity with Gift Deductible Status, donations through Give Now over $2 are Tax Deductible TICKETS for the GRANDSTANDS in OAKES OVAL ARE AVAILABLE HERE.
  • Where can I sit at the FIERY FINALE?
    The FIERY FINALE will be held in OAKES OVAL this year. We invite general public to sit on the grass in the oval (enter via Magellan St Gate) or purchase tickets for the grandstands Bring warm blankets/tarps/cushions to SIT on (or low beach chairs) Prams Permitted Sorry NO CHAIRS on the Grass Please be thoughtful of others in the space. GATES OPEN - 4.30pm There will be different ENTRY GATES. • FREE for GENERAL PUBLIC MAGELLAN STREET Gate - WHITE FLAGS - • GRANDSTAND SEATING and FESTIVAL GUESTS TICKET KIOSK crn MAGELLAN & DAWSON and the DAWSON STREET MIDDLE GATE - LILAC FLAGS - • ACCESSIBLE SEATING DAWSON STREET, END GATE. LIME GREEN FLAGS - • LANTERNEERS/PARADE ONLY URALBA STREET Gate YELLOW FLAGS Students from TAFE NSW will be filming the Finale, with a 'live stream' to the internet. Link available closer the the festival! Bring warm clothes as it will be cold! The traditional Winter Warmers will be selling some basic hot food and drinks from the CANTEEN (Sth side of Gordon Pavilion) or FOOD VANS (On North side) please support them. Remember to come to the festival early and enjoy the whole day there is so much to do .... it is an all day festival starting at 12noon Check out the Program
  • Will there be Fireworks?
    YES, we are working closely with our fireworks contractor Skylighter to source pyrotechnics which are low impact and environmentally responsible. However, there will be a short burst of CHINESE FIRE CRACKERS at the beginning of the Fiery Finale. Later, there will be a low key fireworks display, mostly close proximity fountains, some pretty ones and one very big golden fountain, as a part of the Fiery Finale between 6.30pm – 7.30pm approximately, followed by a small cultural burn. However, please keep your beloved pets indoors or in a secure area, in case they still get spooked. Please do not bring dogs to the parade, there will be a lot of people and they may get stressed!
  • Where will the Fiery Finale take place?
    The Fiery Finale will be held in OAKES OVAL, Dawson Street.
  • Is there Accessible viewing? Accessible Facilities? Auslan Interpreters? Sensory advice?
    Accessibility Information Lismore Lantern Parade 2025 Fiery Finale at Oakes Oval TICKETED SEATS - ACCESSIBLE VIEWING This year Lismore Lantern Parade Fiery Finale will be at Oakes Oval 144 Magellan St, Lismore NSW 2480 (corner of Dawson and Magellan Streets). General entry via Magellan Street Gate is free (no ticket required) to sit on the grass (no chairs allowed), but for those wanting a comfortable prime viewing spot, grandstand tickets are available for purchase. There will be accessible seating tickets for purchase for people with disability in the Lyn Larsen Grandstand. Only those with tickets will be able to enter these grandstands. All ticket holders must exchange tickets for a wrist band to be able to enter the seating Pavilions. These can be collected from these Ticket Wristband Exchange Outlets from 16 June or from Oakes Oval Ticket Kiosk 2.30pm - 7pm on 21st June. The grandstands have limited accessible seating available. • 5 places for wheelchair users • 5 places for mobility aid users, • 10 places for ambulant people with disability. Each accessible paying ticket is entitled to x1 companion card holder seat at no charge (companion card must be presented for entry). Bookings are essential for ticketed seats and can be purchased via the link below. Lismore Lantern Parade - Grandstand Seating - Oakes Oval Tickets at Oakes Oval & Gordon Pavilion (Lismore , NSW) on Saturday, 21 June 2025 GRANDSTAND ACCESSIBILITY The nearest gate to the ticketed accessibility section (in the Lyn Larsen Grandstand) is on Dawson Street (nearest to Uralba Street) – it will be marked with LIME GREEN FLAGS. The Lyn Larsen Grandstand accessible seats can be accessed by a ramp halfway along the BACK of the pavilion (on the Dawson Street side). The ramp has tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs) at the entrance, is inclined, has metal grooves for grip, handrails on both sides, and is approximately 25 metres in length. There are 5 allocated wheelchair spots immediately at the top at ramp along in first row with accompanying companion cards seats directly behind. There are a further 5 allocated mobility aid seats and companion card seats along the first row. There are 10 allocated ambulant accessibility seats and companion card seats along front and second rows. An usher will be available to check accessibility tickets and companion card tickets and will guide you to your allocated seat/or wheelchair spot. There will be a video screen in front of the small grandstands. ENTRY to the ACCESSIBLE VIEWING GRANDSTANDS The ACCESSIBLE VIEWING GATE is at the Northern end of the Oakes Oval along Dawson Street (near the Uralba Street roundabout) • It is well signed and will have a LIME GREEN FLAG. • An Usher will meet you at the gate and direct you to the access ramp and your seats. PLEASE NOTE. There are wheelchair seats in both the smaller pavilions. ACCESSIBLE PARKING AND DROP OFF ZONE The Accessible Parking and vehicle drop-off point is in the NORTHEAST corner of Harold Fredericks Carpark. • Access to the car park will be via Magellan Street until the road is closed at 4.30 or off Keen Street via Larkin Lane & Rural Street remaining open throughout the event. • The DROP OFF Zone is in this area as well PARKING and ENTERING OAKES OVAL • The Accessible Parking area has space for 20 vehicles. • These spaces will be signposted for Accessible Parking. • Patrons should then turn South to the new painted footpath leading onto Dawson Street, turning LEFT along the footpath to a large signpost where there will be a temporary RAMP onto the road (for wheelchairs and walkers) crossing to another permanent ramp, close to the Accessible Seating gateway. (LIME GREEN Flag) NOTE You should aim to cross the road by 6pm as the parade will come this way, and you will not be able to cross until the parade has passed. ACCESSIBLE TOILETS There is an accessible bathroom located on the northern side of Oakes Oval and can be accessed via an open concrete path behind the little grandstand. It is signed posted and the ushers can direct you. There is also an accessible bathroom located on the southern side of Oakes Oval (adjacent to Magellan Street) has an uneven grassy area leading to entrance. All the accessible toilets have the following features: • The bathroom is large and equipped with grab rails behind and on the side of the toilet. • The toilet is of standard height and has a back cistern. • A cold-water basin is available with a lever tap handle. The soap dispenser has a push button and there is a sensor-controlled hand dryer. • The door opens inwards. • The outside of the door has a lever handle and on the inside there is a lever handle. • There is a child change table. There are no adult change table facilities. • The toilets will be open and do not have a MLAK key entry. Other accessible toilets can be found on the street next to Oakes Oval on Dawson Street. AUSLAN INTERPRETER • One Auslan interpreter will be at the Fiery Finale. • They will be positioned to the side of the main stage and will be projected onto the screen in front of the accessible grandstands • We are unable to provide captioning on the screen. HOT FOOD and DRINK VAN/S Hot food and drink will be available in this area. SENSORY There will be some fireworks, a short bursts of Chinese crackers as part of the Fiery Finale between 6.30pm-7.30pm and a larger firework display at the end of the performance, and two cultural burns. • Whilst the fireworks are low-key, they can still be loud, bright and smokey. • There will be Japanese Taiko Drumming from 6pm - 6.30 (not amplified), some loud music in the show, and “thunder” sounds. • There will be large crowds watching the parade and the Fiery Finale, personal space will be limited, and it will be noisy and busy. • There are no designated sensory tents or spaces. FIRST AID The First Aid office is located under the Gardon Pavilion (adjacent to Dawson Street) OTHER GATES AND EGRESS WITHIN THE PRECINCT. General public entry gates for Oakes Oval are positioned on corner of Magellan and Dawson Streets, and all along Dawson Street perimeter, and will be open to all visitors. Terrain throughout Oakes Oval is mostly flat, with access for all public to watch the Fiery Finale of the parade on the grassy area of oval, and along oval fence line. The terrain inclines along approach to southern bathrooms nearest Magellan Street, and inclines approach from the northern bathrooms nearest Dawson St. There is continuous egress behind grandstands along flat concrete footpaths. Audience is requested NOT to enter the performance area at any time during the show. FEEDBACK We are trying to improve the accessibility of the Parade and Fiery Finale so that it is suitable for everyone. We welcome your feedback regarding what has worked well and what can be improved for next year. Please email festival@lanternparade.com Download a PDF copy of this information below

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Producers of the Lismore Lantern Parade

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