Illuminate

Make your own lanterns at free workshops in local schools, libraries and community centres during October and November and then join us in The Blue Market, Bermondsey, from 5pm on Friday 21st November for a spectacular lantern procession to Southwark Park Bandstand.

Free Lantern Making Workshops

Our artists will guide you through the lantern making process at free workshops and all materials are provided, including lights. We encourage people to work together to make their own unique designs. 

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

We offer a range of activities for different abilities, from simple jam jar lanterns to our popular willow lanterns. Willow Lanterns making sessions last 2 – 3 hours, and participant work in small teams and learn to bend and fix together structures from natural willow and then glue on a thin layer of special wet-strength tissue. The lantern are then be left to dry before putting in your lights and adding extra decorations. Everyone takes their lantern home and brings it for the parade where they meet and show off what they have made in the streets.

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 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. 

About Illuminate Bermondsey

Illuminate Bermondsey is a free annual lantern festival for local 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 Place, Big Local Works, Blue Bermondsey BID and Light Whale International.