Northern Lights Lantern Parade to sparkle in Stalybridge this November

The magical Northern Lights Lantern Parade is set to make its highly anticipated return this winter, bringing light, colour, and festive cheer to Tameside.

The dazzling event takes place on Saturday 15 November in Stalybridge, marking the official start of the borough’s Christmas celebrations.

This free community spectacular promises a sparkling evening filled with glowing lantern displays, vibrant performances, and an electric atmosphere that has delighted thousands of families over the years. Last year alone, more than 7,000 people turned out to enjoy the festivities in Ashton and Hyde.

Organised by Tameside Council, in collaboration with Global Grooves and Handmade Productions, the parade will once again bring together local community groups, artists, and volunteers to create an unforgettable evening. The celebrations will conclude with the traditional switch-on of Stalybridge’s Christmas tree lights.

Residents are invited to play their part by crafting lanterns to help line the parade route. Free workshops will be held at Stalybridge Civic Hall during the October half term:

• Saturday 25 October – 10.30am to 1pm
• Monday 27 October – 10.30am to 1pm & 2.30pm to 5pm
• Wednesday 29 October – 10.30am to 1pm & 2.30pm to 5pm

These handmade creations will form part of the parade, lighting the way as the town comes alive with festive spirit.

The parade will feature local talent, dancers, and musicians, while this year’s festivities will be enhanced by the Stalybridge Street Fest, which has been specially moved to Saturday to coincide with the event. Street Fest will provide a feast of food, drink, and entertainment to keep the celebrations going throughout the evening.

Funded through the GMCA Flexible Local Authorities Grant Fund, the Northern Lights Lantern Parade is also supported by volunteers and community groups who make the event possible.

The lantern parade marks just the beginning of a series of festive events across the borough, with each of Tameside’s nine towns hosting their own tree-lighting celebrations alongside music, food, and community fun:

• Dukinfield – Friday 21 November
• Denton – Saturday 22 November
• Ashton-under-Lyne – Saturday 22 November
• Audenshaw – Friday 28 November
• Droylsden – Saturday 29 November
• Hyde – Saturday 29 November
• Hattersley – Friday 5 December
• Mossley – Friday 5 December
• Micklehurst – Saturday 6 December

Cllr Leanne Feeley, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the return of Tameside’s Lantern Parade to Stalybridge. Every year it delivers a wonderfully festive community celebration.

“We want everyone to play a part in the parade whether it’s creating a lantern, being part of the performers, or just coming along to enjoy this amazing free event. It’s not to be missed and truly showcases the creative and cultural spirit of our borough.”

For more details and updates, visit www.intameside.co.uk/lanternparade.