Derby Lantern Parade 2026

The Derby Lantern Parade returns to the city centre on Saturday 28 November, starting at St Peter's Church Yard on St Peter's Street (DE1 1SN) at 4pm. It's the flagship event of the Derby Season of Light, the city's annual celebration of diversity and creativity, now in its sixth year. The season runs from October through to December and centres on festivals like Diwali, Rabi' Al-Awwal, Hanukkah, Bonfire Night, Christmas and the upcoming Chinese New Year.

Surtal Arts leads the parade, which brings together children, young people and families from local primary schools, Derby College and community groups. They march through the city centre carrying lanterns made from biodegradable materials — willow, bamboo, tissue paper, LED lights and chemical-free glue. Lantern-making workshops feed into the procession, and there are spare lanterns on loan for anyone who turns up without one, so you can join in even if you haven't made your own.

The route takes about 40 to 60 minutes, following St Peter's Street onto Albert Street, past Osnabrook Square, and finishing in front of Riverside Chambers on Full Street. There, Dhol drumming and Bollywood dance close the evening on the Christmas Light Switch-On stage. The parade is supported by the Arts Council of England, Derby City Council, Derby Live, Foundation Derbyshire and Cosy.

It's free and open to all, so you can either carry a lantern and march along or just watch from the pavement. The whole thing kicks off at 4pm from St Peter's Cross.