The iconic Lismore Lantern Parade is fighting for its existence as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic affects public events.

"It is serious", said Jyllie Jackson CEO and Artistic Director of LightnUp Inc (the not for profit organisation that plans and runs the Lismore Lantern Parade), "we need money or we're gone".

The survival of the Lantern Parade is firmly in our hands as a community. We can help out by donating money or the organisation looks likely to close its doors and Lismore will lose a huge family event that attracts an average 30,000 people each year plus brings in an estimated $34 million into the local economy. Only last year we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Lismore Lantern Parade.

(The 2017 finale. Photograph by Peter Derrett)

The reason is LightnUp Inc has very little revenue coming into their business due to all mass gatherings being cancelled because of coronavirus. Under normal circumstances, Jyllie Jackson and her team would not only put on the Lismore Lantern Parade but also many other programs and workshops throughout regional, rural and metropolitan Australia from small communities in North East Arnhem Land to Perth, Alice Springs and a great deal in between.

They purchased their current building in Keen Street in 2014 to add some certainty to their long term future. This means the overheads include a mortgage, electricity, rates, water, insurance as well as some part-time wages to pay each month.

Jyllie, like many families around Australia, has managed to delay their mortgage payments until September but the time to start paying again is fast approaching.

"If we can get 2000 people or families donating $20 each that will see us through until March next year", Jyllie said, "and if we get more, it secures our future well in 2021."

(carried by Cancer Council and Jodie's Inspiration. Photograph by Peter Derrett)

There is a live GiveNow page so you can help save our beloved Lismore Lantern Parade, https://www.givenow.com.au/lightnup-lanterns-sos or if you prefer direct debit the details are Summerland Credit Union , Name - LightnUp, BSB 728728 and Account Number 2229 1137.

"Everything we do is about bringing communities together and increasing social connection. Your support will help sustain us until we can take the light of the lanterns to the community again."

"We’re looking to our loyal friends and supporters, old and new, to help us. By providing a donation large or small you will ensure that we are able to save our organisation"

"Please rest assured all money raised goes directly to LightnUp Inc and the joy we bring to so many communities."

As for this years Lismore Lantern Parade, Jyllie and her team are madly working on plans to have some sort of event on November 14.

"We will put on something beautiful for our community. We are talking to council about using Crozier Field as an option but it is too early to say at this stage".

There is a lot of whingeing about losing events in Lismore because of Council but this is one that falls squarely on the shoulders of all residents.

The fate of the Lismore Lantern Parade is in our hands.

(Lismore Lantern Parade 2017. Photograph by Peter Derrett)