On the evening of Saturday, October 19, 2019, hundreds of Stratford, Ontario residents and visitors will light up handmade lanterns and enjoy a magical stroll along the Avon River. 

“Every community needs festivals that bring us together in joyful and creative celebration,” says Susan Kennedy, Artistic Director of the Stratford Lantern Parade and Playmakers! Theatre School. “This is what we want the Lantern Parade to offer: an evening of candlelit enchantment for all.”

 

 

• Activities begin at 6:30 pm on Tom Patterson Island, where participants can acquire a lantern, walk the Labyrinth of Light, visit the Forest of Dreams, or launch a Wish Boat into the Avon River. 

• At 7:30 pm the Procession of Dreams sets out from the Island, stopping at the bandshell for live music by Steve Ward and a brief clash between the Dream Master and The Darkness. 

• The procession will reach Market Square shortly after 8:00 pm, where parade participants will be entertained by Jailer’s Daughter and juggler Doug DeForrest. A selfie-station in the Square will be in place to upload a photo to the “Best Lantern of 2020” contest, using #StratfordLanternContest to enter. 

• Inside City Hall auditorium from 8:30 – 9:00 p.m., Nicole Smith of CirqueSmith will perform an ambient piece on aerial silks, inspired by the Forest of Dreams soundscape.

 

All aspects of the Lantern Parade are free or Pay-What-You-Can. No lanterns will be launched into the air. No live flames are permitted in lanterns and all LED candles floated in the Avon River will be retrieved by Lantern Parade volunteers for re-use next year.

 

 

“We want to make sure the Lantern Parade is a positive experience for all and does not impact the environment of Stratford’s beautiful parks in a negative way,” says Marcy Martin, a member of the Lantern Parade committee.

 

A free shuttle bus will operate throughout the evening, with stops at the Cooper Terminal (a great place to park!), Market Square, Tom Patterson Island and the Bandshell on Veteran’s Drive. 

 

The Stratford Lantern Parade gratefully acknowledges support from the City of Stratford, the Stratford and District Leisure Activity Council and Destination Animation, Off The Wall Stratford Artists Alliance, the Foundation for Education Perth Huron, and Gallery Stratford – as well as our private donors.

 

 

Since 1993, Playmakers! Theatre School has offered theatre training and performance opportunities to children and youth in Stratford and surrounding area, encouraging them to express themselves and their ideas in a compelling and persuasive manner. Playmakers! sponsors a number of annual festivals and events, including a youth Shakespeare festival, the Ghosts of Stratford Theatrical Walking Tours and the Stratford Lantern Parade.