Drift through the streets on a wave of twinkling lights. SPAN presents the return of the iconic Haverfordwest Lantern Parade for 2026!
SPAN is delighted to announce the return of the Haverfordwest Lantern Parade for 2026! Join us as we drift through the starry streets of the town in the theme of Noson Galan Gaeaf, Samhain, the Welsh and Celtic festivals that mark the start of Winter.
SPAN Arts has been commissioned to deliver a large-scale lantern parade event in Haverfordwest on Friday 30th of October 2026.
The parade aims to bring the community together in celebration of the town, its people, and Pembrokeshire. The parade and its theme will be shaped by the community, and we are looking for a lead artist/s to join us on this journey.
Starting with the open call to artists and community choice of theme, the engagement will continue through a targeted program of lantern-making workshops, and large lantern commissions. All this will culminate in the grand parade itself accompanied by live music and ending with an iconic light-based celebratory performance, putting the town on the map in terms of its commitment to quality and innovation and leaving a legacy of increased civic pride and connection.
SPAN is looking for artists to pitch visual concepts for the event, focusing on the design of large-scale lanterns/puppets that will be the centre point of the event.
This year’s parade is inspired by the theme: Noson Galan Gaeaf, Samhain, the Welsh and Celtic festivals that mark the start of Winter.
CAST YOUR VOTE TO DECIDE WHICH LANTERN LEADS THE PARADE
Additional info:
The route of the parade is being finalised now in agreement with Pembrokeshire County Council. It will travel through the streets of central Haverfordwest and may include sections with reduced height or width.
The parade will involve potential 100’s of community members walking the route alongside the largescale lanterns/puppets/s, and 1,000s of people watching, their safety and enjoyment must be considered in the delivery of this commission.
The parade is an outdoor event, and the puppets need to be able to survive potential bad weather including wind and rain.
The Lantern Parade is Pembrokeshire County Council and Enhancing Pembrokeshire fund.
There is no making or storage space available within the town centre so the large-scale lanterns/puppets will need to be made off-site and transported to and from the town on the day of the parade.
