Festival shines a light on the valley

The fourth annual Lamplighter Festival takes place this Saturday (November 19) with the illuminated installations and street festival from 5pm until 7pm; the lantern parade at 7pm; and a grand finale at about 7:45.

Townsfolk have been busy making their mythical lanterns to contribute to the stunning parade.

Artistic director of organisers Handmade Parade, Andrew Kim, said: “We’re thrilled to be returning to the streets of Todmorden with a bigger than ever, night-time extravaganza. In addition to our lantern parade, we’ll be hosting some of the most exciting street theatre and installation artists from Europe in our valley.”

Executive director Kathleen McGrath said: “We’re thrilled to be able to bring Lamplighter back brighter than ever! With new commissions, international guest artists and a bigger finale, this one will be a Lamplighter to remember.”

Schedule

5-7 pm: Street Festival featuring music by Mr Wilson’s Second Liners, Skiband, Drum Machine, Handmade Samba and Dr. Um; illuminated installations, video projections and performance by Spacecadets, Rag and Bone, Leeway, Frolicked, live illustration art by Fabric Lenny and the debut of the Calder Fire Collective, a fire spinning group led by FlameOz. 

Please note that the street event will all be on the market side of Halifax Road this year. 

7pm: Lantern Parade 7:45pm: Parade Finale at at Pollination Street (next to indoor market)

Traffic & Travel Advice

Parking will be limited on the night so visitors are asked if possible to take the train or public transport. There is additional event parking available at the Todmorden Health Centre (OL14 5RN) and Hare and Hounds (OL14 8EA)

Parking restriction on the day: Bramsche Square and School Lane car parks will be closed from 3:30pm to 9pm there will be no vehicle movement after 4pm so if you’re using the carpark during the day, please ensure you move your cars out before then! Halifax Road car park (east of Central Methodist Church) will be closed from 8am to 9pm. 

Road closures: centre of town will be closed to traffic from 6:45pm to 8pm for the lantern parade. The roads east of Town Hall, around the market and Central Methodist Church (Bridge, Calder, Brook, Myrtle, Rose Streets and School Lane) will be closed for the Street Festival from 4pm-8:30pm.

For more details please go to www.handmadeparade.co.uk