The North Belfast Lantern Parade & Magical Festival is expected to attract record numbers this year with a host of spectacular acts and events, taking place on Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30 October.
Offering something for all ages, there will be array of street theatre, live music, food stalls and dance acts on offer, culminating in a breathtaking firework display at the Waterworks Park at 9pm on Thursday 30th.
The Festival is recognised as one of the largest cross-community events in Northern Ireland and this year a record 4000 people are expected to attend.
Cecilia Heron from New Lodge Arts –organisers of the event – said:
“Now in its fifth year, the North Belfast Lantern Parade and Magical Festival is set to be bigger and better than ever – we have samba bands, fire-eaters, magical fairies, fireworks and circus acts all performing alongside our very own local talent.
Hundreds of local children have been involved in the preparation and build up to this event so we want to encourage people to come along and support their community and have a good time whilst they’re at it!
The Magical Garden will be open in the Waterworks Park on Wednesday 29th & Thursday 30th October from 12pm – 4pm – so we’re inviting people to come along and take part in a range of free activities including lantern making, arts & crafts, music, dance, circus acts and much more!
This year’s Lantern parade will depart the Crumlin Road Gaol at 6.30pm on Thursday 30th October, making its way to the Waterworks Park for the Magical Evening. If you have made a lantern, please come along to the Gaol at 6pm to get ready for the parade.
Not forgetting the big finale that is the Magical Evening at Waterworks Park on Thursday 30th October from 6pm. The evening will include a range of magical performers, street theatre acts, circus acts, music, dance, a childrens’ UV disco and fireworks. You must purchase a £1 ticket for entry into the park.
Tickets are now available for the Magical Evening and can be purchased from local community centres or by phoning 028 9074 225. Just remember to bring your wellies and a poncho in case of bad weather!”
The Lantern Parade will start out at the historic Crumlin Road Gaol main entrance at 6pm. It will then leave the Gaol via the Summer Street exit at 6.30pm and proceed along Cliftonpark Avenue, down Cliftonville Road, move onto the Antrim Road and then proceed into the Waterworks Park at 7pm.
The Festival is delivered by New Lodge Arts and is supported by a steering group of North Belfast based youth and community organisations with the aim of promoting good relations and maximising the use of shared space. It is also part of the North Belfast Community Pride Programme, which is funded through OFMDFM’s Good Relations Programme and led by Ashton Community Trust. Other funders for this project include Belfast City Council, Community Foundation for Northern Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
For more information, follow the festival organisers on twitter @newlodgearts, friend them on facebook.com/newlodgearts or contact Cecilia Heron at New Lodge Arts on 028 9074 2255 or email cecilia@newlodgearts.com
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