Festive Lantern Parade To Light Up Scarborough Sparkle Weekend

A spectacular community lantern parade will kick off a weekend of festive entertainment, shopping, and family activities at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre later this month.

Festive joy and community spirit will transform Scarborough when the annual Sparkle event returns with a spectacular illuminated lantern parade. Hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the town's future will take centre stage at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre from Friday, November 27, to Sunday, November 29.

The free weekend of family activities, shopping, and food, sponsored by O'Briens Funfairs and Catering, begins on Friday evening. This year’s procession marks its tenth anniversary and celebrates 400 years since Scarborough became Britain’s first seaside resort, while looking ahead to what the future holds.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for arts and culture, Councillor Simon Myers, said:

"This promises to be a fantastic family event and, coupled with the Scarborough 400 celebrations, it should be even more memorable.

The community lantern parade provides a wonderful opportunity for people to celebrate everything that makes Scarborough special while also sharing their hopes for the town's future."

Local arts organisation Animated Objects is coordinating the lantern parade, which features creations crafted by community groups, volunteers, and schoolchildren. The lanterns are constructed from paper and willow during dedicated group workshops, before being waterproofed to withstand the winter weather and illuminated with low-energy LED lights. Funding from Arts Council England and the local authority has made the procession possible.

Animated Objects’ artistic director, Lee Threadgold, said:

"We’re really excited to be working with so many groups this year for the parade.

As we are reaching the end of Scarborough’s 400th anniversary of being England’s first seaside spa town, we felt that ‘Scarborough - the next 400 years’ would be a fitting theme, with each lantern being decorated to reflect the hopes, dreams and wishes of the lantern bearer for the future of the town, its communities and the local environment.

It’s been a really inspirational theme for participants, and their responses have been really moving and uplifting."

Beyond the parade, visitors will find a wide range of festive attractions at the venue to get them into the holiday spirit. Funfair rides, a tipi bar, marshmallow toasting, a snow machine, a Christmas tree, and Santa's sleigh will all be on offer, alongside appearances from festive characters. More than fifty stalls will showcase local businesses, independent traders, and community organisations selling Christmas gifts, handmade crafts, and seasonal food and drink.

A full programme of live entertainment will run throughout the weekend, hosted by This is the Coast. Performances will include local choirs, bands, and live music from the Backchat Brass Band, alongside competition giveaways.

The chair of the Scarborough and Whitby Area Committee, Councillor Liz Colling, said she expects large crowds to attend:

"What makes this event so special is that it has been shaped by our local community.

I’m looking forward to enjoying this free celebration and supporting all those who have contributed to it."

A free hourly shuttle bus service will operate on Saturday and Sunday to help visitors reach the event. The route runs between Eastfield and Peasholm Park, calling at Crossgates, Falsgrave, Scarborough Railway Station, the town centre, and North Marine Road. Visitors can also take a scenic walk through Peasholm Park, where the café will remain open throughout the weekend.

The Open Air Theatre offers step-free access for all visitors. Dogs on leads are welcome, though organisers advise leaving noise-sensitive pets at home during the busy opening night on Friday. Parking is available at the Upper and Lower Northstead car parks.

The event opens from 5pm to 9pm on Friday, November 27, continues from 11am to 8pm on Saturday, November 28, and concludes between 11am and 5pm on Sunday, November 29.