Gilsland Lantern Parade 2025

About the Project

The Gilsland Lantern Parade returns this winter, bringing together creativity, heritage, and community spirit. The project celebrates the stories of Hadrian’s Wall and the rich heritage of the surrounding landscape through a series of FREE, family-friendly workshops where participants can design and make lanterns of all shapes and sizes.

In the weeks leading up to the parade, we’ll offer guided tours and creative sessions, exploring local history at sites including Birdoswald, Harrows Scar Milecastle, and Willowford Roman Bridge, led by expert guide Catherine Jarvis (Handy Histories). These walks combine learning about our fascinating past with hands-on lantern-making activities, giving participants a deeper connection to the area’s heritage.

On Saturday 6th December 2025, the parade will gather at Gilsland CofE Primary School and process through the village to House of Meg Café, where their Christmas Market will be running from 4.00–8.00pm. Along the way, the lanterns will illuminate the streets, culminating in a festive celebration with carols from the Hadrian Singers, led by Lindsay Hannon, at 4.30pm.

The parade lanterns will then be installed in House of Meg’s garden, creating a magical grotto display that can be enjoyed for a week after the event, giving the community and visitors a lasting visual celebration of creativity and local heritage.

Get Involved

We’re inviting local people of all ages to help make the parade a success. Whether you’re interested in local history, lantern making, or just being part of something special, there’s a place for you!

All activities are FREE — no experience needed, just enthusiasm and community spirit.

📧 To take part or find out more, email info@greencroftonthewall.com

Workshops & Activities

Gilsland Village Youth Club – Gilsland Village Hall

For children and young people aged 7+ years

Half Term Activity Session

Wednesday 29th October, 9.30am – 12.30pm 

Start with a visit to Poltross Burn Milecastle led by Catherine Jarvis (Handy History), then return to the hall for refreshments and lantern-making — including the Youth Club’s own centrepiece lantern.

📱 To book: Call/Message/WhatsApp Amanda on 07944 994405

Regular Monday Sessions

Mondays: 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th November & 1st December, 6.00 – 7.30pm 

Work together to build, paper, and choreograph carrying your lantern for the parade!

👉 Drop in activities, no need to book. 

Community Guided Tour – Birdoswald, Harrows Scar Milecastle & Willowford Bridge

Suitable for all ages.

Saturday 15th November, 10.00am – 12.30pm 

Join tour guide Catherine Jarvis (Handy Histories) for a guided walk from Birdoswald to Willowford Bridge, discovering Hadrian’s Wall on our doorstep. After the walk, enjoy refreshments at Gilsland Village Hall and get creative with willow artists — designing community lanterns and making your own to carry in the parade.

📧 FREE: to book email info@greencroftonthewall.com

Community Lantern Making Weekend – The Threshing Barn

Suitable for all ages.

Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd November, 10.00–12.30pm / 1.30–4.00pm

Drop In Sessions, everyone’s welcome — bring your family, friends, and creativity! Come for an hour or stay all day to help paper the large lanterns or craft your own smaller one for the parade.

👉 Drop in activities, no need to book. 

Zig Zag Days – The Threshing Barn

Friday 28th November, 10.30am – 3.00pm

A closed session for Zig Zag Days participants. The group will work on papering the large lanterns and making small lanterns to carry in the parade.

The Lantern Parade

Saturday 6th December 2025 — from 3.30pm 

Gather at Gilsland CofE Primary School and parade through the village to House of Meg Café. Enjoy their Christmas Market (4.00–8.00pm) and listen to carols from the Hadrian Singers, led by Lindsay Hannon, at 4.30pm.

The lanterns will then remain on display in House of Meg’s garden for a week, creating a magical grotto for all to enjoy.

👉 [Save the Date – 6th December 2025]

Funders & Partners

This year’s Gilsland Village Lantern Parade is proudly supported by English Heritage’s Community Connections grants, with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The project is a true community collaboration, delivered in partnership with House of Meg Café, Gilsland C of E Primary School, and supported by the Thirlwall, Upper Denton, and Waterhead Parish Councils.