12th Annual Firelight Lantern Festival

The 12^th annual Firelight Lantern Festival returns to Picton November 8th and 9th, 2024. Brought to you by The Department of Illumination, this year’s peculiar theme is “Strange Magic”!

On Friday night, there will be a spectacular 19+ celebration featuring music from Bad Tractor, an illuminated performance from North Fire Circus and an array of wild art installations by The Department of Illumination’s creative crew. Meet guest artists Melissa Brant and Floss & Tann, curators of The Museum of Uncommon Phenomena and enjoy tunes from DJ Ombudsman. Taking place at the Crystal Palace, 375 Main Street, Picton. Crystal Palace doors open at 7 PM, band plays at 8:15 PM.

Saturday night is the all-ages evening which starts with performances in Benson Park followed by the magical lantern parade to the Crystal Palace, with music from Cat Named Earl and a second night of artistic revelry for the whole family. Costumes are encouraged! Meet at Benson Park at 6 PM. Park performances begin at 6:15 PM, Community Lantern Parade leaves at 7 PM. Crystal Palace doors open at 7 PM, band plays at 8 PM.

Need a lantern? There are still two lantern-making workshops hosted at The Department of Illumination’s studio space in the lower level of the Picton Armoury (206 Main Street, Picton) on Saturday November 2nd and Sunday November 3rd. Making a lantern is fun and creative, and is suitable for most ages and skill levels, although younger ones will need assistance. Your lantern can be as simple or as complex as you wish, but it’s best to budget at least a few hours’ time to make one. No need to pre-register, just drop in when you wish! Schedule here.

The price is $15 per lantern, and all materials and instruction will be provided. You can also buy a lantern kit if you’d like to make one at home. Don’t forget to bring your lantern to the Crystal Palace with you!

Tickets are required for both events and are on sale now – they’re going fast, so don’t delay!