Get Involved
A shared tradition, brought to life by our community.
The Lismore Lantern Parade is powered by people who believe in community, creativity and coming together to light up our city. Each year, hundreds of volunteers help bring this much‑loved tradition to life — from building lanterns and welcoming visitors to supporting performers and pack‑down crews. Whether you have a few hours or can join us across the journey, volunteering is a chance to meet new people, learn new skills and be part of something truly special. No experience is needed — just a willingness to help, a love of community, and a sense of fun. Together, we create a night of joy, beauty and renewal that Lismore proudly shares with the world.
How To Get Involved
Participate In the Lantern Parade
Have you always wanted to participate in the Lantern Parade, but did not know how? Well there are a number of ways you can:
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Are you a member of a dance troupe or band that could walk in the parade? Dress up and swathe yourself in fairy lights,
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Join up with a bunch of colourful friends and dress up with fairy lights and carry one of our fabulous feature lanterns.
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Register your wonderful solo self after reading the information about how you can participate.
How to participate
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First register BELOW and send to us
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Dress up, make some funky musical instruments, dance routine, or
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Signup to carry one of our fabulous feature lanterns.
Cost
There is no charge for dance groups, bands or friendship groups to participate in the parade. If you need little lanterns eg pyramids to decorate numbers are limited please order soon $15 each, last orders 2nd June. Remember you can choose to carry one or two of our fabulous feature lanterns. Or, participate in the HEART LIGHT WEARABLE ARTS COMPETITION AND GALA and JOIN THE PARADE.
2026 Theme
This year the theme is the 'Chinese Year of the Fire Horse' as well as 'The Return of the Sun' and 'Community Together'or the 'HEART LIGHT WEARABLE ART THEMES'.
Conditions of participation - individuals/groups, performers, bands or dance groups
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Your participation should link in some way to the 2026 parade themes - Fire Horse, Return of the Sun, Community Together
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Your participation must be non-commercial and contain no logos, unkind or political slogans.
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Your entry must be illuminated and/or you play music.
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We accept cycle based ‘floats’ but no internal combustion engines. Note you will be walking on grass when you enter Oakes Oval.
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The Lismore Lantern Parade is a family oriented event and your entry must be suitable for viewing by minors (G rated).
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The Organisers’ (LightnUp Inc.) decision is final and your entry can be refused at any time.
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Parade participants must not hand out items such as lollies or leaflets from within the parade.
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We would love groups to bring some of their own music to enliven the parade – boom box, portable speaker.
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Please wear bright coloured costumes – fairy lights are awesome too!
Remember to bring tarps or a cushion to sit on the ground and warm clothes. Be inspired and dress up.
HAVE AN AMAZING NIGHT!!!