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It Came From Outer Space!The much-loved Wells Lantern Festival returns on 17 January 2026 bringing light, colour and creativity to the heart of the city during the darkest days of winter. This year promises to be bigger and brighter than ever, with new committee members, fresh branding, and a brand-new wellslanternfest Instagram page to follow for updates and inspiration.
And don’t forget to look out for the Lantern Fest Stars as you wander through the City creating a trail of twinkling hints that the festival is nearly here!
Festival Night Details
Once again the event begins in Wells Cathedral, where this year lantern-bearers will gather in the Cloister
Lantern line-up: 6.15pm
Procession begins: 6.30pm
The 2026 theme is “It Came From Outer Space” — expect aliens, rockets, galaxies, cosmic creatures and interstellar imagination! But do dig out your old lanterns and bring them along.
New for this year we’ll be awarding three fun prizes:
Best in Festival – “It Came From Outer Space”
The Most Outrageously Illuminated – for the brightest, boldest, most spectacularly lit lantern
The Cosmic Comedy Award – for the lantern that brings the biggest smiles with its humour and creativity
Everyone is a winner though and a sticker will be awarded to all lanterns!
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Wells Cathedral, Wells Cathedral, Tor Street, Wells, BA5 2, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
