Bedminster winter lantern parade makes a triumphant comeback
It may have been drizzling on the bitter February evening, but spirits were not dampened at the much-anticipated Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade.
Dubbed ‘Bemmy Lanterns’, the streets of BS3 were glowing with community spirit as crowds of thousands were delighted to a parade of hand-crafted lanterns and a barrage of musical troupes.
The vibrant paper lanterns, which were designed and built by nine local schools and community centres in south Bristol during the months leading up to the parade, included polar bears, an angel and a school of fish.
Led by local pharmacist Ade Williams, the cohort of families, young people, musicians, dancers, teachers and more weaved through the streets of Ashton Gate, Southville and Bedminster, with roads closed-off to traffic from 4pm.
The huge procession kicked off on North Street, with organisers and participants setting up in St Francis Church, and then floating through BS3 until they reached South Street Park.
The event on Saturday was the tenth iteration of the parade, set up a decade ago to celebrate the BS3 community and bring light to the area in the darkest months of winter.
After a two year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic, the annual display, a month later than originally planned, was made possible by local businesses, schools and an army of volunteers coordinated by the Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade committee.
Ade Williams, chair of the committee, said: “The past months have been difficult for many in our community, and this celebration is a wonderful chance to bring people back together safely, to feel joy and hope as the beautiful lanterns and talented lantern makers parade our streets. Vibrant community and joint endeavour define south Bristol.”
By BETTY WOOLERTON
All photos: Robert Browne
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