Gloucester city centre is set to be transformed into a winter wonderland this November 2023, as the annual lantern procession marches through the streets and the Christmas lights are officially switched on.
Taking place on Saturday 18 November 2023, this year's theme for the lantern procession is the '12 Days of Christmas' — as chosen by Gloucester children — with hundreds of lanterns depicting elements of the beloved Christmas carol being paraded through Gloucester city centre.
Starting on Southgate Street at 4.30pm, the colourful procession will make its way to High Cross, where the Christmas lights will be officially switched on at 4.50pm. It will then continue on to Kings Square, where the illumination ceremony for Gloucester's emotive Tree of Light takes place at 5pm.
The parade then makes its way to its final stop, the spectacular Gloucester Cathedral, which is hosting its Lantern Procession Carol Service from 5.45pm.
While the procession doesn't start until the evening, there's free entertainment taking place at Kings Square from 1pm, including a breathtaking aerial show from The Dream Engine, featuring a 12-metre breathing heart; a living snow globe gliding through the crowds; illuminated hula hooping, featuring five gold rings; a magical bubble show with a bubble so big you can step inside it; and energetic live music from RSVP Bhangra.
Eastgate Shopping Centre is hosting a free make your own lantern session from 1pm to 4pm, too.
The lantern procession, Christmas lights switch-on and street entertainment are all free to enjoy — just remember to wrap up warm!
For more information, including the full lantern procession route map, visit brightnightsgloucester.co.uk.
