Light up your neighbourhood with a series of free, family-friendly workshops where participants can design, make and parade their own lanterns.

Lanterns are made all over the world as a way to celebrate culture and tradition, such as during the Lunar New Year and Diwali. You will be invited to represent your culture and identity through lantern-making workshops right here in Redbridge. We will be making around 50-60 small lanterns (suitable for people aged 8+) and 3 large lanterns (suitable for people aged 16+). Once all of the lanterns are made, you will join a parade of people to light up our streets in a vibrant and joyous celebration. Please note that you will be making the lanterns to form part of a parade, and not to take home with you.

Who is this for?

This activity is suitable for children over 8 and adults who live, work or study in Redbridge. No prior experience is necessary as these workshops are designed to be fun and accessible for all skill levels.

What is the format of the workshops?

In this 90-minute workshop, we supply you with all the materials you will need and guide you step by step on how to design and build your lantern whilst giving you context about how they are used in cultures around the world.

The activity may also be a little bit messy, so wear clothes that you don’t mind getting marked.

What will I get out of it?

Having fun and creating fond memories with your friends and family, representing your culture, and bringing energy, light and colour to your neighbourhood.

How to book?

Use the links on the right hand side of the page to book via Bookwhen or call us on 020 8708 2858 and choose option 4. For more information, email hello@colours.red. Booking guarantees you a space, but there will also be some spaces available first-come-first-served on the day. Please arrive 10 minutes before the advertised start time as any empty spaces will be reallocated on the day.

How do I get there?

Fullwell Cross Library is close to Fairlop underground station (Central Line) and serviced by many different bus routes in Redbridge. Plan your journey at tfl.gov.uk. There is also the close-by paid Barkingside Car Park.

Access

All our activities are step-free with facilities such as accessible toilets. Most activities can be easily adapted for people with varying disabilities or neurodiversity. Please email us at access@colours.red to discuss your requirements.

About the Artist

Emergency Exit Arts (EEA) is one of Britain’s pioneering outdoor arts companies, creating magical experiences in the places where you live, learn, work and play. They use traditional and contemporary techniques for making large and small scale lanterns using natural biodegradable willow and paper or found objects and recyclable materials. Their team of professional artists delivers inclusive, inspirational workshops and masterclasses with schools and community groups.

Please arrive 10 minutes before the advertised start time as any empty spaces will be reallocated on the day.