On Saturday 25 November 2023, Multistory hosted its Lantern Procession in Wednesbury town centre. It was an evening full of magic and joy: a wonderful celebration of togetherness, community spirit and nature.

Wednesbury Lantern Procession, featuring Bostin Brass band leading the Procession. 25 November 2023. © Phillip Parnell Photography.

In advance of the Procession, from the 10 to the 24 November, commissioned artists’ group, Bostin’ Arts, ran lantern-making workshops with various community groups from Wednesbury. Sam, Karl and Ruby assisted participants to make large and small lanterns, using the theme of nature. The large lanterns were made in the shape of a mushroom, leaves and a bird and the smaller lanterns were cone-shaped; both size lanterns were adorned with colourful cut-out insects, birds and flowers.

Lantern-making workshop with Bostin Arts and the Centre for Oneness. Wednesbury. 2023. © Bostin Arts
Lantern-making workshop with Bostin Arts and the Crafternoon group. Wednesbury. 2023. © Multistory

Then came the Procession! Meeting in the Wesley Church Hall, all the groups joined together to collect their lanterns. It was lovely to see participants and guests celebrate their work and watch their faces when the lanterns were lit up for the first time.

Groups in Wesley Church Hall preparing for the Procession. Wednesbury. 2023. © Phillip Parnell Photography.

Starting in Springhead Road, the Procession made its way around the corner where curious spectators were greeted by two fabulous LED stilt-walkers who led the fantastic lantern light display with upbeat music from Bostin’ Brass and Jamma de Samba. The streets of Wednesbury were lined with people and as the Procession travelled down Union Street, it was wonderful to see the crowds and the participants enjoying themselves.

Helter Skelter stilt walkers leading the Procession through Union Street in Wednesbury. 2023. © Phillip Parnell Photography.
Lantern Procession making it’s way down Union Street in Wednesbury. 2023. © Bostin Arts

The groups involved were a joy to work with and their contribution to the workshops and the Procession was outstanding. We would like to thank: 617 Air Scouts; 3rd Wednesbury Rainbows and Brownies; Centre for Oneness; Crafternoon; Kickstart Dance; Learn Through Play; and Way 2 Wellbeing.

A special thanks goes to Bostin’ Arts for their amazing work with the participants and their creative imaginations for the lanterns.

We would also like to thank everyone involved in the Lantern Procession this year: the two stilt-walkers from Helter Skelter; Bostin Brass; Jamma de Samba; and the stewards who supported the event.

And a big thank you to John from the Wesley Centre for all of his help and support and to Sandwell Council for welcoming the Procession to their Christmas lights switch-on event.

Lantern-making groups together in Wesley Church Hall. Wednesbury. 2023 © Multistory.

The Procession was funded by the UK Government’s Know Your Neighbourhood Fund, Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.