Illuminate 2026 takes place in Gainsborough this February, with a lantern parade through the town, performances, and projections inside and outside at Gainsborough Old Hall. This year’s theme is ‘Through the Window’, inspired by the architecture of the town’s iconic buildings and providing a lens for reflecting on themes of home, exclusion and acceptance.
The light-themed event will once again feature the spectacular fire garden outside All Saints’ Parish Church, and takes place on Saturday 21st February.
The parade sets off at 6.00pm, starting in Lord Street. Young people will be making their own lanterns with Lumo Workshop artists in schools before the event and you’re invited to bring your own too.
The parade will make its way through the town centre, around the marketplace into Church Street, then down Gladstone Street alongside the Parish Church (children should be accompanied by a responsible guardian; road closures will be in place).
Gainsborough Old Hall opens its doors from 6.00pm to 8.00pm for a stunning external illumination of the short animation ‘There Be Monsters’ created by Electric Egg. Inside, families can enjoy a hands‑on shadow puppet making workshop, featuring enchanting shadow projections designed by local schoolchildren working with artist Rachel Olin from the Usher Gallery and Lincoln Museum. The English Heritage café and shop will also be open.
From 6.30pm through to 8.00pm, fire sculptures and performers will entertain visitors in the grounds of All Saints’ Parish Church, which will also be open.
Everyone is invited to take part by making their own LED-lit lanterns at home using ideas in the online toolkit, then bringing them to the Illuminate event, adding more colour and light to the celebration.
For lantern-making ideas and up-to-date event details and workshop opportunities, visit www.discovergainsborough.com/illuminate or West Lindsey District Council and Discover Gainsborough’s social media channels.
This year’s Illuminate activities are being delivered in partnership between West Lindsey District Council and All Saints’ Parish Church; the project is made possible thanks to support from Lincolnshire County Council, Arts Council England and Gainsborough Town Council.