Bolsover Schools Light the Way for Lantern Parade
Bolsover Schools Light the Way for Lantern Parade
Pupils from Bolsover Church of England Junior School have been getting creative this week as they worked with the team from Junction Arts to make reindeer-inspired lanterns for the much-loved Bolsover Lantern Parade.
Year 4 children enjoyed two full days of workshops with Junction Arts lantern artist Amy Smith, who began the session by sharing the history and culture of the Sámi people — the indigenous communities of Northern Europe whose heritage dates back around 10,000 years to the end of the last Ice Age. Well known for reindeer herding, fishing, and hunting across the Arctic region of Lapland, the Sámi traditions provided the inspiration for the pupils’ festive lantern designs.
Using willow, the pupils crafted the framework for their reindeer-shaped lanterns before covering them with tissue paper and glue. They then added colourful tissue details to create friendly reindeer faces, each lantern taking on its own unique character.
Bolsover Church of England Junior School is one of eight schools taking part in lantern-making workshops this year as part of the community outreach activity for the parade, now celebrating its 32nd year. Pupils from Palterton Primary, New Bolsover Primary, Brockley Primary, Scarliffe Primary, Bolsover Infants, Woodthorpe Primary, Duckmanton Primary and their lanterns will join the parade on Saturday 29th November, which starts at Bolsover Castle at 5pm, before travelling through the town and ending at the cenotaph for Christmas carols.
Junction Arts Project Manager, Jemma Burton, said: “Lantern making is a huge tradition in Bolsover and our school workshops ensure these skills are passed on to the next generation. It was a wonderful opportunity to explore different cultures as we introduced the children to the Sámi people — their connection to Lapland really inspired the reindeer designs, and the lanterns look absolutely amazing.”
The Bolsover Lantern Parade is one of the UK’s biggest and longest-running light processions. Established in 1994, it fills the historic town with hundreds of community-made lanterns and attracts large crowds who come to enjoy the spectacular display. The creativity and passion of local people across generations have helped make the parade one of the country’s most enduring community celebrations.
The parade forms part of the Bolsover Winter Festival (27–29 November), which also features the much-loved Bolsover Christmas Market and Bright Winter Nights — three festive days of creativity, light and celebration.