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Friday 28 November 2025Parade begins 5:45pm | From Central Park (South entrance) to Fish Hill
Free event | All welcome
This winter, the streets of Boston will once again glow with light, colour, and creativity as Illuminate returns for 2025.
This year’s theme — Fantastic Beasts of Boston — takes inspiration from the extraordinary misericords carved inside St Botolph’s Church. These centuries-old wooden seats, decorated with mythical creatures, faces, and folktale scenes, have inspired artists and community members to imagine a whole new bestiary for the town — brought to life through lanterns, costume, and performance.
In the lead-up to the parade, local people are taking part in sketching workshops with artist Emily Cartwright, held inside St Botolph’s Church. Drawings made in these sessions will inspire the shapes and forms of the lanterns created in public workshops led by Ruth Pigott of Curiosity Creators.
Led by musicians, dancers, and a procession of glowing handmade lanterns created by schools, community groups, and residents, Illuminate 2025 will celebrate Boston’s creativity and its fascinating hidden histories. Expect a joyful evening filled with light, rhythm, and the energy of hundreds of local people coming together to share their work.
Taking place just before the town’s Christmas lights switch-on, during Boston Borough Council’s Boston Christmas Festival, the parade sets the scene for a truly festive evening in Boston.
Delivered by Transported, supported by Story Tellers’ (SELCP NPO) Arts Council England funding.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Market Place, Boston, PE21 6, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
