program
market deLight
12pm – 9.00pm
The day's activities begin at 12 noon when the Market delight opens with a fabulous array of delicious regional food, arts & crafts and some pop-up shops from local CBD businesses.
kids fest
12pm - 4.30pm
Enjoy fun and games with Northern Rivers community groups & organisations,
there will be activities, street performers, jumping castle and lots more fun..
The Summerland Bank will be bringing along their giant street games!
They will also be facilitating the Lantern Decorating stall so you can join in the parade!
the heartbeats festival stage
12pm – 9.00pm
HeartBeats Festival Stage is on Carrington Street, near Dragonfly Cafe.
Magenta Community Services have joined the festival team this year as lead sponsor of the popular stage throughout the day and into the evening.
Southern Cross University, is supporting the HeartBeats Stage, providing light & sound, back line.
The delightful Little Jarjums from Friends Children's Centre and friends will do a special
Acknowledgement of Country.
Music and performance is drawn from the wealth of talent here on the Northern Rivers.
Thank you to the Northern Rivers Conservatorium for their support over many years.
the lantern parade
5.30pm - 6.30pm
The fabulous Lanterneers assemble in Victoria St, departing at 5.30, traveling up Molesworth St through the Heart of the City to Magellan Street, then past the Library, and up DAWSON St into Oakes Oval
(only lanterneers with wristbands through the Lantern Gate please)
Tickets will be on sale for the grandstands, or FREE entry through the MAGELLAN St gate to site on the oval.
Our wonderful BUCKETEERS will be along the parade route collecting donations
or give you DIGITAL BUCKET cards.
See the Parade Map here.
the fiery finale
6.30pm -7.30pm
The Return of the Sun
The Fiery Finale will be in the magnificent Oakes Oval (a bit of a change from the footy or cricket)
FREE to sit on the grass in the oval via the MAGELLAN STREET entrance -
bring along blankets and cushions to sit on the grass.
Sorry but NO chairs in the oval area.
There will be ticketed seating in the Grandstands, on sale from 1st June
Check back here for details after 1st June 2025
PLEASE NOTE We will have some gentle pyrotechnics, and lots of fire.
live stream the fiery finale
6.30pm - 7.30pm
Can't get down to the Fiery Finale?
TAFE NSW, Lismore will be live streaming the fabulous fiery finale to the internet.
the after parties
8.30pm - late
Want to keep partying? (Whilst we clean up!)
Hotels and venues around the city will be putting on a variety of 'After Parties' .
our sponsors
Please remember this a community event, our sponsors and supporters are amazing. Without their help this wonderful event would not happen.
Please check out our sponsor page and support THEM.
the digital bucket
In the meantime although our sponsors are as generous as they can,
in order to cover costs and do more we need your help!
The Donation buckets will still be out to collect your last lose change and NOTES, but you can also continue to support the LANTERN PARADE by donating via our DIGITAL BUCKET!!
LightnUp Inc (producers of the Lismore Lantern Parade) have engaged the services of GIVE NOW an online platform to collect donations and provide donors with a TAX RECEIPT.
LightnUp inc is now an approved Charity and has Gift Deductible Status,
meaning you can claim your donation off you tax - woo hoo!
Head to our DONATE page and see how easy it is