About the project
Light up Eye, or Eye Village Lantern Parade, became a bi-annual event which brings the village together for a night of community and light.
Our Eye Community Panel commissioned La Septima to co-create the first parade in 2022. Inspired by Drakie’s Farm’s Christmas Decorations, the brief was to create something light based, fun and included lots of people who lived in Eye. They also wanted the parade to celebrate the stories of the village and bring people together in the darkest time of the year.
On the 12th Nov 2022, over 400 people walked in the parade, with 200 lanterns, which they had made in community lantern making workshops. Lots of people lit themselves up too!
There were carols in garages, molly dancers on the high street, a giant fish that chased a fisherman and even a tractor.
All of this was seen by another 600 people, meaning that the parade reached 1000 Eye residents. Many of them lined the high street or watched the parade from their doorways and homes. It was a real village project and people from Eye were keen to do the parade again.
Watch the short film below about the 2022 parade:
*Insert film about the parade here:
So on the 17th November 2024, Eye village embraced a second Lantern Parade. This time it was renamed the Eye Village Lantern Parade. Its theme that year were the stories and memories from Eye’s recent working-class history and industry. Highlights included a mobile tandem train with smoke which rode along the streets, and the large Eye Monster that needed to be fed bricks.
Not even a rainy downpour and chilly temperatures could keep people away. Around 400 people walked in the parade with around 300 handmade lanterns. Some of the paraders also returned with lanterns they had made in 2022. There was every type of lantern: T-Rex, SpongeBob Square Pants, Scissors and a Train.
Light Whale International (formally La Septima) worked with the village to create the narrative, characters and the big lanterns that were at the heart of the parade. They also brought to life many of the stories and memories from Eye’s recent working-class history and industry.
Pig Dyke Molly dancers and Bright Lights brought their talents to the parade. Box of Frogs provided the drumming and Peterborough United Rugby players who pulled the Eye Monster along the route.
There was a huge team of volunteers that made the parades possible: huge thanks to the ‘Super Constructors’, volunteer chaperones, people who lent us trailers, tractors and tandems; and the venues and groups that lent their time and spaces.
*insert DDBU film here
Eye Village Lantern Parade has collaborated with St Matthew’s Church Eye, Manor Farm Community Association, Eye Youth Club, Eye Primary School, Field House residential home, The Spinney, Eye Women’s Institute, Eye Parish Council, Acorn Lodge, Coop Funeral care, Bright Lights, Pig Dyke Molly, Box of Frogs and Eye Brownies & Guides.
How it was received?
We are proud to say that both parades were really loved by the residents of Eye. Both parades were embraced by the village and they felt special. This was featured in our feedback forms and discussions. People also felt part of their village and community. They felt proud of their part in the parade and the village too. Many residents enjoyed being with each other and sharing the joy of the lanterns, light and performances.
In numbers
- Over 15 community groups and organisations partnered with us to perform or host activity
- Between 600-1000 people attended each year
- Over 500 lanterns have been made for both parades
- Approx. 90% of our audiences came from the PE6 postcode.
- Reported 30% increase in business at the kebab house & local Chinese takeaway from a typical Sunday
In words
‘It was just brilliant, the community came together, and it was an immersive, theatrical experience, one my children and I will remember for years to come’.
“Just look at the number of people that have come out in the rain to support the event and take part”
“It makes you feel part of the wider community”
“It’s great to see the kids comparing their lanterns and seeing what they’ve made”
“We don’t have anything like this in Market Harborough”
“I love the way they (artists) are interacting with the kids”
“It’s amazing. It’s fantastic. There are so many people out.”
“The standard of the lanterns has improved from last time”
“It’s very intimate. That’s what makes it special.”
“It’s got a great community feel”
“It’s so much better than I expected – so much bigger”
What is happening now with the Eye Lantern Parade?
The original commissioning Eye panel, are now called ‘The Eye Creative Hub’. This group of volunteers are now working with Light Whale International, planning a third parade which will happen in Feb 2027.
We are still supporting the parade going forward with mentoring, sharing of resources etc. and we are very proud that village residents and the artistic team want to continue this as a village tradition.
If you want to get involved with helping the next parade then please email keely.mills@neneparktrust.org.uk or contact the Eye Hub via Eye Creative Hub
