The Return of the Light 2026 - Lantern Workshop

A lantern-making workshop where participants craft paper lanterns to commemorate loved ones ahead of a winter solstice beach procession in St Leonards.

This workshop is part of The Return of the Light, a winter solstice celebration in St Leonards. Participants book a slot to make paper lanterns in memory of departed family, friends and pets, with facilitators on hand and all materials supplied; the process can take from half an hour to a whole afternoon. Visitors can also help construct a giant flame sculpture for the parade. Finished lanterns can be taken home or left at the venue to dry until the solstice procession on Monday 21st December, which gathers at Bottle Alley from 6pm with music, singing and a beach fire ceremony.