Thousands of people will descend onto the south of Bristol this Saturday (February 4)for the annual Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade. It's the biggest event on South Bristol's cultural calendar that sees the streets of Bedminster illuminated by beautiful handmade lanterns.
This year marks 11 years of celebrating the community and championing local schools and community groups in BS3. The parade is a non-profit community project run in Bedminster and works with schools, residents and businesses over three months in the autumn to build thousands of lanterns for the annual party.
Here's everything you need to know to prepare for Bedminster Lantern Parade 2023:
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Timings
The parade was initially scheduled for the last Saturday in January, but organisers were forced to postpone due to a Bristol City FC match being scheduled for the same day. Due to the thousands of football fans expected, it was moved to Saturday, February 4.
Live music and street entertainment will begin at a number of spots along the parade route from 4pm. The parade itself is expected to begin at 5pm. It will last approximately an hour and a half, but this is subject to change depending on the size of the parade each year.
What to expect
Each year, the Year 3 pupils at the local primary schools spend months leading up to the event making their lanterns. Each year will collaborate on a large lantern as well as miniature individual lanterns.
There will be 17 groups and five bands as well as lots of incredible lanterns made by the primary school children in south Bristol. There will be more information on the street performers released closer to the day.
After the main lanterns parade, spectators are welcomed outside Compass Point School where the live music and party atmosphere continues. There are a number of participating local businesses this year including Storysmith, North Street Green, Zero Green and Toysmith.
Road closures
The affected roads will be closed from 3pm to prepare for the parade and crowds start to gather. North Street will be closed from Aldi all the way to the end at the junction with Dean Lane at the Steam Crane pub. Two other streets will be closed - Cannon Street, which connects the end of East Street with the end of North Street, and British Road, as the parade turns right up the hill towards Compass Point School.
You can find a map of the route below:
Transport
Bus
- 24 to North Street (divisions in place)
- 75, 76 to West Street or East Street
Car
There is free parking along many of the residential streets in the South of Bristol. There are car parks for Aldi North Street, McDonalds on Sheene Road and ASDA Bedminster.
Train
The closest station to the parade route itself is Parson Street. Bedminster Station will also put you in a position near the end of the parade.
Weather
The Met Office is currently predicting for a dry evening on Saturday, with the forecast over Bedminster expected to be overcast. There will be highs of around 9°C between 5pm and 9pm - when the parade and celebrations take place - so make sure you come prepared with a warm layer or two.
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