Gainsborough will once again host the Illuminate event in March, and sees the return of the lantern parade. Previous years have marked the town’s connection to the Mayflower Pilgrims’ story. This year’s theme is ‘Love, Gainsborough’, reflecting on the town and its communities.
The special Illuminate event includes daytime and evening activities in the town’s historic heart on Saturday 9th March.
The marketplace will host the monthly Farmer’s Market from 9.00am to 2.00pm, followed by an Illuminate market through the afternoon and evening, with a range of food and craft stalls.
A free public lantern making workshop will take place between 10.30am and 2.00pm in All Saints’ Parish Church, where you can make a lantern ready to join the special community parade in the evening.
You can also make a lantern at home (using a milk bottle or clear jar for example) ready to join the parade at 5.30pm, starting in Lord Street. The parade will make its way through the town centre via the marketplace and then Church Street, ending adjacent to the Parish Church in Gladstone Street (children should be accompanied by a responsible guardian; road closures will be in place).
From 6.00pm, fire sculptures and performers will dance and entertain visitors in the grounds of All Saints’ Parish Church, and the grounds of Gainsborough Old Hall will host a display of lanterns and performers until 7.30pm. The Old Hall’s shop and café will also be open, and refreshments will be available in the Parish Church.
Everyone is invited to take part by making their own LED lit lanterns and candles at home using ideas from an online toolkit. You can then bring them to the Illuminate event, adding more colour and light to the commemorations.
For ideas for making your own lantern and to see the most up to date event details, visit www.discovergainsborough.com/illuminate2024. More details about what’s planned for 9th March will be shared over the coming weeks through West Lindsey District Council and Discover Gainsborough social media channels.
This year’s Illuminate activities have been made possible thanks to funding from West Lindsey District Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Gainsborough Town Council.