For those in South Oxfordshire, Corn Exchange Newbury’s much-loved Festival of Light lights up the town centre this December with a glowing parade of handmade lanterns, live music and a big community turnout.
The after-dark procession starts along Northbrook Street and ends in the Market Place outside the Corn Exchange, where the evening rounds off with bands and a community drumming ensemble.
Organisers say more than 30,000 people have engaged with the event over the past 13 years, with over 10,000 taking part directly, a true Berkshire winter tradition within easy reach of South Oxfordshire.
Key Details
- Date: Sunday 14 December 2025, from 4pm
- Where: Town centre parade, finishing in Market Place, Corn Exchange Newbury, RG14 5BD
- Cost: Free to watch and take part (booking needed for workshops)
Make your own lantern (free sessions; book ahead)
In the weekends leading up to the parade, people of all ages can make traditional pyramid lanterns from willow and paper at free craft sessions run by 101 Outdoor Arts. The Corn Exchange team is also working with local groups (including Berkshire Youth, Bishops Green Community, Greenham Community Centre and 1st Wash Common Scouts) to host pop-up workshops.
Feeling ambitious? The popular “Lantern Making for the Brave” weekends invite families and groups to build large sculptural lanterns — previous years have featured everything from Paddington Bear to an octopus and a galloping horse. (These places usually sell out quickly; check availability.)
Danielle Corbishley, Head of 101 & Outdoor Arts, said:
“Every year we create over a thousand lantern packs for schools, community groups and our public workshops, helping people make beautiful candlelit pyramid lanterns for the Festival of Light. We’re excited to see what Newbury makes this year — the event is all heart, live music and community spirit.”
How to join:
- Book a free pyramid-lantern workshop at 101 Outdoor Arts (spaces limited).
- For bigger builds, look for “Lantern Making for the Brave” weekend workshops (paid places; early booking advised).
- Bring your finished lantern to the parade on Sun 14 Dec and follow stewards’ guidance at assembly.
(For workshop dates, booking and parade guidance, see the Corn Exchange Newbury and 101 Outdoor Arts websites or contact their box office/teams.)
Parade route & what to expect
- Assembly/route: Procession gathers on Northbrook Street and winds through the town to the Market Place.
- Finish: Live music and a drumming ensemble outside the Corn Exchange.
- Family friendly: Suitable for all ages; wrap up warm and arrive early for a good view.
- Lantern safety: Follow the event’s guidance on LED/candle use and handles; stewards will direct the flow.
Getting there from South Oxfordshire
By rail: Great Western Railway services run to Newbury via Reading (typical routes from Didcot Parkway, Cholsey and Goring & Streatley). Check National Rail for Sunday timetables and last trains. The town centre is a short walk from the station.
By road: From most of South Oxon take the A34 to Newbury; follow event signage and use town-centre car parks. Allow extra time — some streets close for the parade and there will be crowd control around Northbrook Street and Market Place.
Accessibility: the parade draws large crowds and can be busy at pinch-points; aim to arrive early and seek out viewing spots with space. For detailed access/road-closure information, contact Corn Exchange Newbury or check Newbury Town Council updates.
Details
- What: Lantern parade with live music and community drumming
- When: Sun 14 Dec 2025, from 4pm
- Where: Northbrook Street → Market Place, Newbury
- Workshops: Free pyramid-lantern making at 101 Outdoor Arts; “Lantern Making for the Brave” weekends for large builds
- Good to bring: Warm layers, sensible footwear, and (if advised) LED tealights for lanterns
For full workshop schedules, booking and event FAQs, visit Corn Exchange Newbury and 101 Outdoor Arts. If you’re travelling from South Oxfordshire, check National Rail and local car-park updates before you set off.
