Make a lantern and carry it through Newquay’s Trenance Valley

Most people watch a lantern parade from the side of the path. This year in Newquay, you can build the thing that lights it up.

The third Newquay Lantern Parade and Trenance Cottages Lights Switch On returns to Trenance Valley on Friday 20 November, from 5.30pm to 7pm. Ahead of it, Blystra Arts is running two workshops at CSpace where anyone can make a willow lantern and then carry it in the procession.

A change in who does what

The parade follows the 2024 and 2025 events, both held in the valley. This year the organisation is slightly different. Newquay BID and Newquay Town Council are taking on the schools activity, while Blystra Arts concentrates on the community side of the event.

That means two lantern making workshops. One is the free Community Lantern Making Workshop that has run before, and the other is a new Adult Lantern Making Workshop for 2026.

The free family workshop

The community workshop runs on Saturday 14 November from 10.30am to 3pm at CSpace, 5-7 The Crescent, Newquay, TR7 1DT. It is free, with donations on the day optional.

Ellen Moule, Blystra Director, said: “With support from this year’s business partners, Wax Events and The Atlantic Hotel we’ll once again be offering a free Community Lantern Making Workshop. Families are welcome to join us on the day to have a go at making a willow lantern and then joining us at the Parade on the 20th Nov to parade their amazing creations.”

Last year’s turnout gives an idea of the demand. “At last year’s workshop we had almost 100 people through the door and some incredible, inventive lanterns were made,” Ellen said. “We can’t wait to see what our creative community come up with this Nov.”

A new session for adults

The adult workshop is on Thursday 19 November, the evening before the parade, from 5.30pm to 9.30pm, also at CSpace. It is open to anyone aged 16 and over, and costs £15 for the four hours.

It will be a more guided session with fewer people, so creative adults can make a bigger lantern than at the family workshop. It is delivered by community and willow artist Chris Nixon, and the aim is to leave with a medium-sized willow lantern ready for the next night. Places can be booked on the Blystra Arts adult lantern making workshop page.

The night Christmas begins in Newquay

Mark Warren, BID Manager at Newquay BID, said the BID was thrilled to be working with Newquay Town Council and Blystra Arts again on a project “with community at its heart”.

“The Lantern Parade is a much-loved event for local people and has firmly established itself as the moment Christmas begins in Newquay,” he said.

“As well as providing funding and support, our town rangers will be involved, and we’ll be working with the Newquay Lions Clubs to help coordinate road closures and ensure the event is safe for everyone to enjoy.

“Trenance Valley is such a beautiful part of our town, and seeing the trees and cottages illuminated, alongside a procession of incredible handmade lanterns, creates something truly magical for our community.”

Many businesses across the town will stay open later and offer food and drink as people come together for the parade. “Events like this bring people into our town, support local businesses and create wonderful shared experiences for residents and visitors alike,” Mark said.

He also thanked Wax Events and The Atlantic Hotel, saying the event “would not be possible without the additional financial support” of the two businesses.

What comes after the parade

The parade kicks off a run of festive events across Newquay through November and December 2026. The full list is on the Newquay At Christmas what’s on page.

“We’re incredibly proud to support the Lantern Parade and hope it continues to be a highlight of Newquay’s festive calendar for many years to come,” Mark said.