News / South Bristol
Much-loved south Bristol community event cancelled for 2023
A much-loved community event which has taken place in south Bristol for the last 12 years is not going ahead for 2023.
Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade sees the streets of BS3 brought to life each winter in a riot of light and colour, with hand-crafted lanterns paraded by children, parents, artists, volunteers and teachers.
Hundreds of primary school pupils have taken part and thousands come from all over the city and beyond to watch.
is needed now More than ever
But organisers announced on Friday that they are “taking a year out” and Bemmy Lanterns will not be taking place for 2024.
A spokesperson said: “The lantern project hasn’t gone away: we’re as committed as ever to creating a colourful, imaginative, inclusive way to light up and celebrate the BS3 community!
“But the team of committed volunteers have decided they need a break to review and rethink how we can run the project in the future.
“We are hugely grateful for the generous support of local businesses and individuals who have helped make the project happen up until now, but we do need time to explore the future financial sustainability of the project, as well as look at how to best encourage people living in BS3 to get involved in what has become one of the largest community projects in Bristol.”
Bemmy Lanterns started out as a tiny parade in a corner of Bedminster 12 years ago and later evolved to become the biggest community event on south Bristol’s calendar.
Leading up to its 2023 iteration, Jackie Smith, one in the small army volunteers who makes the community event possible, and Ade Williams, chair of the parade, told Bristol24/7 the parade takes months of hard work, dedication and fundraising.
“People often don’t realise how much time and effort goes into fundraising because there is no central funding pot,” Smith said.
“And honestly, every year, we ask the question, ‘do we really want to go through this again?’ because I don’t think anybody who is not part of the organising committee can realise what it involves.”
The Bemmy Lanterns team said they will update plans for 2024’s event “once we are ready”.
Main photo: Rob Browne
Read next:
- Bemmy Lanterns lights up BS3
- The story behind south Bristol’s biggest community event
- Another closed Bedminster pub to reopen
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