Radstock’s local community came together to enjoy the 2025 Radstock Winter Lantern Parade.

Dozens of residents paraded with lights as day became night as the waning moments of winter began to make way for spring.

The running of the event was delivered by Radstock Town Council as part of the government funded Radstock cultural programme.

The dates of February 1 and February 2 are celebrated across many cultures, and has been given many different names over the years, such as Candlemass, Imbolc, and Groundhog Day.

The celebration looks to welcome in the start of spring, and is one of renewal, hope, new life, and sowing seeds for harvest for the coming year.

Drawing on themes and imagery associated with Imbolc, the event celebrated swans, stars, snowdrops, and the magic of the night sky under the theme ‘Cygnus and the stars’.

The parade led participants through central Radstock before culminating at St Nicholas’ Church field. Participants were treated to spoken word, live music and a high-octane aerial dance finale from Eloise Currie from Of The Wild Circus.

The event saw a large number of local school children have access to lantern making workshops delivered by Lamplighter Arts CIC within classrooms at St Nicholas’ church school, Trinity church school, and St Mary’s Church of England primary school.

Workshops were also delivered to a group of adults at Connections in Writhlington.

The event was received well by all and event organisers look forward to producing something similar for residents again next year.