Christmas comes to Gloucester this weekend

This year’s theme for the annual lantern parade is the 12 days of Christmas and children from six primary schools have drawn upon the theme to create a variety of illuminated lanterns, pipers piping, and flying golden rings.

The parade, which is part of the annual Bright Nights Festival organised by Gloucester City Council and supported by Gloucester BID, commences at 4.40pm in Southgate Street.

It will pass the cross at 4.50pm where the Christmas lights will begin to switch on, illuminating the gate streets and bringing some festive cheer to the city.

The next stop will be at Kings Square for The Tree of Light Ceremony at 5pm. The Tree of Light, that has raised thousands for charity over the years will see a special appearance from Father Christmas, the Mayor of Gloucester, Councillor Kathy Williams and the President of the Rotary Club of Gloucester.

Kings Square will also play host from 1-6pm to a programme of spellbinding Christmas entertainment including a spectacular 12m high ‘breathing’ heart and aerial show, along with live music, street performers and a magical moving snow globe.

Finally, the procession will arrive at Gloucester Cathedral for a festive illuminated Carol Concert at 5.30pm. 

Anyone can take part in the parade and a free Lantern Making Workshop organised by Gloucester BID will be held from 1-4pm at Eastgate Shopping Centre.

Councillor Andy Lewis, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure at Gloucester City Council, said: “The Christmas lights switch on and parade is a very special event for our city and I hope as many people as possible will come and support it. This year it will be bigger and better than ever with the entertainment in Kings Square making this a centre piece of our Bright Nights festival, the fantastic programme of light installations for residents and visitors to enjoy and interact with." 

For more information visit the Bright Nights Website