Lamplighter Festival

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

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Lamplighter Festival

12-6 February 2022

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Lamplighter Festival
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Organised by leading carnival artists and puppeteers, Handmade Parade, Todmorden‘s Lamplighter Festival is an extravaganza of awe-inspiring illuminated creations marking the start of the darkest months of the year.

As well as the acclaimed large-scale lantern parade and mythical “Lamplighter” as a symbolic guide for the town and valley through the dark winter, this out of the ordinary festival features an exciting programme of top music, street theatre and installations.

Dancing on the streets is guaranteed with brass band ravers Mr. Wilson’s Second Liners, high energy Skiband, Fat Cat Brass and the 30-piece turbo charged Drum Machine. Look out for large scale illuminated performance and projections especially commissioned from leading artists and puppeteers including Spacecadets, Fabric Lenny and Thingumajig Theatre. Oodles of hot food and drink plus a spectacular firey finale will keep the cold at bay.

We love that Lamplighter celebrates the creativity of Todmorden in such big proportions. The concept, lanterns and performance are driven by the people of the town in collaboration with leading artists and musicians to create something so unique. We love that this festival of light comes from the recognition that we need creative outdoor arts to perk ourselves up in the cold, dark months …. and, of course, a whole lot of dancing too.

Where to go near Lamplighter Festival

Image courtesy of Unitom.
Castlefield
Gallery
UNITOM Projects

The exhibition arm of Manchester indie bookshop UNITOM is a dedicated space for contemporary visual culture in the St John’s neighbourhood.

City Centre
Restaurant
Portfolio

Portfolio is a Champagne boutique on Manchester’s Bridge Street, offering a set menu of fine-dining small bites.

Manchester
Gallery
Bridge 5 Mill

Bridge 5 Mill is a sustainable event space and community hub on Beswick Street in Ancoats, hosting independent cultural projects and ethical supper clubs.

1853 gallery 1
Manchester
Gallery
1853 Studios

1853 Studios and Gallery is a Creative Studios and community of creative professionals occupying the 3rd floors of Osborne Mill, Oldham.

Deansgate
Restaurant
Podium

Podium delivers high-end, seasonal dishes, largely geared around produce and ideas from the British Isles, but with a few deft twists and turns.

Tai Wu
Manchester
Restaurant
Tai Wu

Long-standing, trend-swerving Chinese restaurant on Manchester’s Upper Brook Street, with a reputation for authentic dim sum and traditional Cantonese cuisine.

Manchester
Food hall
BAB Korean Food

A highlight of Manchester’s K-Food space, Bab Korean Food serves up authentic, well-made dishes at the Kargo MKT food hall in MediaCity.

Dimitri's
Castlefield
Restaurant
Dimitri’s

Longstanding Greek taverna Dimtri’s delivers traditional, fuss-free Greek food, aimed at everyone from courting couples to multi-generational families in Manchester.

Kong's NQ
Manchester
Restaurant
Kong’s NQ

Kong’s isn’t like other chicken shops. This much-loved Northern Quarter restaurant is all about high-grade ingredients and expert preparation.

Castlefield
Restaurant
Trading Route

Trading Route serves up time-honoured Sunday grub, in a modern Manchester setting. Worth a visit for the expertly-curated soundtrack alone.

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