On the night before Halloween (October 30), we expect Bristol to come alive with nightmarish creatures and ghoulish monsters. And, no, we’re not just talking about the locals! Bump in the Night, a spectacular lantern carnival will see a parade of illuminated lanterns walk from Broadmead to Queens Square.
People of all ages will walk alongside these spooky creations, which will each reflect and celebrate Bristol’s historical and cultural heritage. There will be four lanterns in total, including a Ghost Ship based on The Llangdoger Trow, an 8ft tall Bristol giant Patrick Cotter who lived in Bristol in the 1700s, as well as local bats made from recycled milk bottles.
To bring these giant lanterns to life, workshops will be held across half-term at the Bristol Old Vic, The Galleries and in Bristol’s Old City. Each lantern has been allocated to a different team. Participants will focus on one lantern and follow it during the parade. Anyone can join in with any of the lanterns.
Bump in the Night has been organised by Lamplighter Arts CIC. They are a team of experienced artists and designers from East Bristol that promote projects that focus on individual and community well-being. Lamplighter Arts CIC have also created the Church Road Lantern parade and were lead artists for Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade.
For the fourth lantern, Lamplighter Arts are also working with Bristol Old Vic, Dip and Fall Back Theatre, as well as dancer Ripton Lindsay, to create a giant processional spider, based on the West African trickster God, Anansi. Anyone involved with this one will make costumes and create a spirited dance for the parade.
“We are so excited to create giant lanterns and celebrate Bristol’s history with a spooky spectacle,” said Dee Moxon from the Lamplighters. “We are really looking forward to this being a Bristol community project that brings people together with art and light and introduces Bristol residents to lesser-known stories.”
To learn more about each lantern and book your places head here.