Coleford was glowing with festive cheer on 29th November as the highly anticipated Coleford Lantern Parade lit up the town centre ahead of the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On. The parade marked the joyful culmination of a month-long creative project led by Canopy Creative Network, who offered two free lantern-making workshops throughout November.
On 8th and 22nd November, Canopy invited the public into the Former St John Ambulance Building in Coleford to help create Winter Wonderland themed lanterns for the Coleford Lantern Parade under the guidance of professional Forest of Dean artists and lantern specialist Rebecca Huggett. Local people of all ages got stuck into crafting magical lanterns, using large willow structures to build everything from owls to rabbits ready to glow bright in the Christmas Lights Switch-On Lantern Parade in Coleford.
Photos by Andrew MacBean
The Canopy team, along with their brilliant volunteers, were delighted to see the workshops buzzing with creativity, laughter and a real sense of community. Project Manager Katie Sanderson shared her excitement, saying she was “thrilled at being the first group to bring creative activity back into this old building – we can’t wait to see it become a proper creative hub going forward.”
The project was jointly funded by Canopy, Coleford Town Council and the Coleford Christmas Lights Committee and their support helped make the workshops accessible, welcoming and completely free for everyone involved.
When parade day finally arrived, the streets of Coleford were packed with families, friends and visitors ready to enjoy the spectacle. The handmade lanterns looked absolutely stunning glowing against the night sky as they made their way through the town, proudly carried by Canopy volunteers, local families and members of the community who had helped create them.
The parade was led by the brilliant Gloucester Gladiators Scout Band, who set the tone for the parade. Even Santa joined in, much to the delight of the children! The celebration reached its grand finale with the big Christmas Lights Switch-On, and the Coleford Christmas Lights Committee once again delivered a dazzling display that lit up the whole town.
Canopy Creative Network shared how hugely grateful they are to have had the opportunity to work with so many local people, showcasing both the community-made lanterns and the talents of Forest of Dean artists.
The Coleford Christmas Lights Committee added a special thank you, saying:
“Canopy Creative Network provided fantastic support for the parade and the fabulous lanterns they created with our community really took the parade to the next level.”
It was a joyful, heart-warming evening that truly captured the spirit of Coleford – creative, welcoming, and full of festive magic.
Photos by Rob Olins
Canopy Creative Network 