Preparations for this year’s Illuminate Parade are gathering apace, ahead of the big event on the evening of Thursday 23 November 2017 in Boston Market Place. Illuminate is an annual light festival which celebrates the story of the Pilgrims, which will lead up to the international celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower in 2020. The third fantastic Illuminate Festival will build on the serene light parades and stunning projects of Illuminate 2015 and 2016.
This year, five different schools from across Boston will be creating spectacular new lanterns for the parade, to follow the stunning ships, stars and birds of previous years. Alongside this, other Bostonians can join in at free making workshops starting this weekend. Anyone can come as long as they are free to attend the Illuminate procession itself. Places on these workshops need to be booked, so to book yours, email Transported@litc.org.uk or call 01406 701006. Suitable for those aged 7 and up, but all under 16s must be accompanied by an adult please.
Geoff Moulder Leisure Centre activity room 10am to 3pm
Sunday 15 October
Saturday 21 October
Sunday 22 October
Boston Guildhall 11am to 3pm
Saturday 28 October
Saturday 18 November
There are still opportunities for musicians to play in the procession as well, preferably wind or brass instruments – please email Anna.Scott@litc.org.uk to express an interest.
As well as the Illuminate Parade, Thursday 23 November will see the Boston Christmas Market return. Festive treats and gifts can be purchased whilst watching the evening entertainment which will host Cinderella and Kenny J performances. The newly formed community group, Christmas In Boston, will turn on the Christmas lights they have worked hard to secure funding for from local businesses to light the town. A Festive Market has also being added to this year’s calendar on Sunday 17th December hosting a free screening of Elf in the Stump in the afternoon.
Illuminate is a partnership event organised by Transported, Boston Borough Council and Mayflower 400. For more information, visit www.transportedart.com and www.mayflower400uk.org.
