This year’s Illuminate takes place in Gainsborough this February, with a lantern parade through the town and newly commissioned projection inside Gainsborough Old Hall. This year’s theme is ‘Postcards from Gainsborough’, based on postcards created by local children and local folklore.
The light-themed event will once again feature the spectacular fire garden outside All Saints’ Parish Church, and takes place on Friday 21st February.
The parade sets off at 6.00pm, starting in Lord Street. Young people will be making their own lanterns with Lumo Workshop artists in schools before the event and you’re invited to bring your own too.
The parade will make its way through the town centre, through the marketplace and Church Street, then down Gladstone Street alongside the Parish Church (children should be accompanied by a responsible guardian; road closures will be in place).
Gainsborough Old Hall will be open from 6.00pm to 8.00pm for visitors to see a special internal illumination, created from cyanotype postcards made by children from local schools working with artists at Electric Egg. The café and shop will also be open.
Young people involved in the Future of the Past project at Gainsborough Heritage Centre will also be showing their new short, animated history of Gainsborough.
From 6.30pm through to 8.00pm, fire sculptures and performers will entertain visitors in the grounds of All Saints’ Parish Church, which will also be open to visitors.
Everyone is invited to take part by making their own LED-lit lanterns at home using ideas in the online toolkit (eg.using a milk bottle), then bringing them to the Illuminate event, adding more colour and light to the celebration.
For ideas on making your own lantern and for up-to-date event details and workshop opportunities, visit www.discovergainsborough.com/illuminate-2025 or West Lindsey District Council and Discover Gainsborough’s social media channels.
This year’s Illuminate activities are possible thanks to funding from West Lindsey District Council, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Lincolnshire County Council, Arts Council England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Gainsborough Town Council.