This autumn, the magic of Noson Galan Gaeaf will come to life on the streets of Haverfordwest as SPAN Arts brings back the much-loved Haverfordwest Lantern Parade.
We’re inviting the community to get involved by making their very own lantern at one of our free, family-friendly public workshops, before bringing them along to the spectacular parade on Friday 30 October.
Make your own lantern
Our lantern-making workshops are a chance for all ages to get creative, meet other members of the community and make something special to carry in the parade.
Working with willow, paper and reusable LED lights, you’ll create your own illuminated lantern inspired by the themes and stories behind this year’s parade.
There are three free, drop-in workshops:
- Saturday 26 September – HaverHub, The Old Post Office, 12 Quay St, Haverfordwest SA61 1BG
- Saturday 3 October – VC Gallery, 30 High St, Haverfordwest SA61 2DA
- Saturday 17 October – Albany Hall, 2 Hill St, Haverfordwest SA61 1QF
10.30am–3.30pm
No need to book – just drop in and join us!
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Important: all lanterns will be illuminated using LED lights. There will be no live flames or candles.
A parade inspired by ancient stories
This year’s parade takes inspiration from Welsh myths and legends, alongside the ancient Celtic traditions of Noson Galan Gaeaf – festivals marking the transition into the darker half of the year and a time when the boundary between our world and the Otherworld was believed to become thinner.
Commissioned artists Sand Palace Arts will bring these ideas to life through two spectacular, giant illuminated puppets.
Standing at around three metres tall, the figures will become a magical and unforgettable part of the parade. One will draw inspiration from the Welsh goddesses Cerridwen and Rhiannon, figures associated with magic, transformation and the Otherworld. The other will take the form of a White Stag, a powerful symbol of wild nature and a sacred messenger from Annwn, the Welsh Otherworld.
Illuminated with LED lights and brought to life by hidden puppeteers, the figures will interact with the crowd and each other, creating moments of wonder, mystery and magic along the parade route.
The imagery connects ancient stories with themes that still resonate today – our relationship with nature, the changing seasons, the cycles of light and darkness, and ideas of transformation, renewal and connection.
Join the celebration
The Lantern Parade is a celebration for the whole community, and everyone is welcome. Whether you make your own lantern at one of our workshops, come along with your family and friends, or simply join the parade on the night, there are lots of ways to be part of this special Haverfordwest tradition.
This year’s parade is expected to bring together around 500 lantern carriers, with thousands more people watching and joining along the route.
So gather your family, make a lantern and join us as Haverfordwest lights up for Noson Galan Gaeaf.
Haverfordwest Lantern Parade
Friday 30 October 2026
Gather from – 5pm St. Thomas’ Green
Music from the Reel Rebels from 5.30pm
Parade starts – 6pm
More details about the parade route and timings will be announced soon.
