Free Lantern Making Workshop in The Blue Market - Illuminate Bermondsey

Join us in The Blue Market for a free Lantern making workshop. Our artists will guide you through the lantern making process at free workshops and all materials are provided, including lights. 

We offer a range of activities for different abilities, from simple jam jar lanterns to our popular willow lanterns. 

A large willow lantern will take approximately 2 hours to make plus drying time and our artists show you how to design and build your own using willow and tissue paper. We recommend working in a small team with friends or family to help with bending and sticking the willow rods. We encourage everyone to produce their own unique designs and our artists provide guidance and support throughout. There will be glue and other art materials so please wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy in or bring an apron. All materials and tools are provided, including lights. 

Hot and cold food, refreshments and shopping are available from The Blue Market.

Take your lantern home and bring it to the parade! Join us in The Blue Market, Bermondsey, from 5pm on Friday 21st November for a spectacular lantern procession to Southwark Park Bandstand.

Lantern Procession

Illuminate Bermondsey Lantern Procession will assemble from 5pm on Friday 21st November in The Blue Market Place, Market Traders and local businesses will be invited to be open to provide refreshments and shopping. As the sunsets the parade will depart led by St Micheal's Collage Samba Band and escorted through the streets by  our stewards. We will arrive in Southwark Park by 6pm where the bandstand will be decorated with lights and live music will be played.  

This year we’re thrilled to announce a sister event Light Up the Old Docks will take place on Saturday 15th November 2025 4pm in Russia Dock Woodlands organised by Light Whale International. Everyone is invited to join in with both parades on 15th November in Russia Dock Woodlands and on 21st November in The Blue Market. 

Free Public Lantern Making Workshops

Tuesday 28th October 2pm - 5pm Blue Anchor Library, Marketplace SE16 3UQ

Saturday 1st November 12noon - 3pm The Blue Market, Marketplace SE16 3UQ

Friday 7th November 6pm - 9pm Wade Hall, Bardell House, SE1 2DH

Saturday 8th November 12noon - 3pm The Blue Market, Marketplace SE16 3UQ

More to be announced, check our website for details check our website for details https://illuminaterotherhithe.co.uk

About Illuminate Bermondsey

Illuminate Bermondsey is a free annual lantern festival for residents, inspired by the histories of the Thames, the docks and migration.

Illuminate Rotherhithe began in 2016, founded by residents. Inspired by the story of the Mayflower ship, believed to have docked in Rotherhithe before sailing with the first pilgrims to America, the festival celebrates the Thames, the dock, migration and local heritage. Growing year on year, in 2019 the procession was extended into Bermondsey incorporating more venues including The Blue Market. The overarching theme for Illuminate continues to be the local history of migration, celebrating the many cultural contributions that make up the community of Bermondsey and Rotherhithe today. 

Light festivals have been celebrated worldwide, including Winter Solstice, Diwali, Hanukkah, and Bonfire Night. We provide an opportunity for all to come together and celebrate light, share experiences, and lift spirits during the coldest and darkest months of the year. Our artists help people work together to design and build their own lanterns for the parade and represent themselves at a celebrated public event.

Illuminate Bermondsey is organised by Collaborative Arts C.I.C.  in collaboration with Southwark Present Cultural Celebration Fund, The Blue Market, Blue Bermondsey BID, Unity Music Arts Trust and Light Whale International.