Lantern Making Workshop

Surtal Arts are running a lantern-making workshop at the Chinese Welfare Association on Abbey Street, Derby, on Saturday 31 October. It's one of several sessions they're holding across the city as part of the Season of Light 2026, and the whole point is to get your own lantern ready for the Lantern Parade on Saturday 28 November. If you make one here, you'll have something to carry in that.

You'll be making an eco-friendly lantern from biodegradable materials — willow, bamboo and tissue paper — under the guidance of an artist, so you don't need to be a pro to get one together. While you work, you'll hear the story behind the Chinese Moon Festival and how it's traditionally observed, which gives the whole thing a bit more context than just a craft session. The materials are all biodegradable, so it's a light touch on the environment.

This year's theme is 'Heroes', and that's where you can make it your own. The idea is to make your lantern a tribute to a personal role model, a local legend or a favourite superhero — whoever that is for you. And if you've got a costume that fits, you're encouraged to turn up to the parade in it. The wider programme is running in partnership with local Family Hubs and Greene King pubs, so these workshops are popping up in communities all over Derby, not just in one spot.

The session runs from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday 31 October at the Chinese Welfare Association, Abbey Street, DE22 3SS. It costs £5.