Make a Lantern for Reading Lantern Parade - Jelly

Come along to one of these fun lantern-making workshops and create your own beautiful willow and paper lantern for the parade.

In the run up to the lantern parade (on Saturday 14 February), lantern making workshops will be held across Reading so that everybody has the opportunity to come along and make their own beautiful willow and paper lantern for the parade.

Each lantern workshop will be supported by professional artists who will show you how to make your lantern and provide information on where to come on the day of the parade.

Suitable for all ages; for individuals, families, friends or partners.

Workshop dates

• Saturday 31 January
• Sunday 1 February
• Saturday 7 February
• Sunday 8 February

Workshops are at various times during each date - choose from the available date/time when you click the "book now" 

One ticket permits 2 people to make 1 lantern. An adult is required to help young people throughout.

If you are coming as a family please note that every young person will need to be accompanied by an adult. If you want to make more than 1 lantern you will need to book another time slot.

For example:

If you are family of 2 adults and 2 Children (under 16 years) you need to book 2 tickets and you will make 2 lanterns.

If you are 1 adult and 2 children (under 16 years) we recommend you make 1 lantern as children are not permitted to hold lanterns in the parade.

If you are 1 adult and 3 children (under 16 years) we recommend you make 1 lantern as children are not permitted to hold lanterns in the parade.

If you are 2 adults and 1 children (under 16 years) and want to make 1 lantern please select 'make one lantern' ticket.

You will be taking the lanterns home with you so please bring your own large bin bag or suitable carrier as they will still be wet. (Also see below for Frequently Asked Questions)

Please note that this workshop is taking place within our studio space in Broad St Mall. We are located on the 1st Floor and the last unit before the public toilets and carpark.

Frequently asked Questions about the lantern workshop:

How many lanterns will I make in the workshop?

You will make 1 lantern. Space is limited as we are working in a workshop space. 1 x ticket allows for 1 young person and adult to make 1 lantern between them. If you want to make more than 1 lantern you will need to book another time slot. Each young person will need to have an adult with them at all times to help make a lantern.

For example: If 2 children want to make a lantern either 2 adults will be to help each child or you will need to book 2 time slots. An adult will be required to help in both time slots.

If you are an adult attending solo to make a lantern for yourself, we recommend bringing a friend.

This workshop is FREE but all participants will need to pay a non refundable £2 booking fee to confirm their ticket.

How big are the lanterns?

They are 45cm x 45cm square by 75cm tall.

Can I leave my lantern with you while it dries ?

No. You will need to take all lanterns with you at the end of the workshop. We do not have any storage for drying lanterns. They will be wet with glue. We recommend that you bring a bin bag.

Our free community workshops and festival workshops are often made possible due to funding by the organisers. These workshops are popular and run at capacity.

If I cannot make my workshop, what should I do?

Please tell us if you are unable to make your time slot and return your ticket. This allows us to pass on your ticket to our waiting list. Note we are unable to offer refunds.

What if I am late?

We will be unable to accommodate late arrivals. The events work at capacity. We will do our best to find you a later slot in the day but cannot guarantee a space.

When is the parade?

At the workshop you will be given a flyer with full details on how to take part and where to meet.

READING LANTERN PARADE - GLOW

Reading Town Centre / Valentines Day 14th February 2026 / 5.30pm until 6.30pm

Bring your loved ones together for a magical valentines celebration in Reading town centre on Saturday 14th February 2026

Watch the streets sparkle as hundreds of hand-crafted willow and paper lanterns drift through the town carried by families, friends and lovers, each lantern telling a story as the beat of the drums leads the way to the Town Hall Square for a musical finale.

A heart-warming celebration of the season of love filled with lights, drumming, live music and community spirit.

In the run up to the event lantern making workshops will be held across Reading so that everybody has the opportunity to come along and make their own beautiful willow and paper lantern for the procession.