Today is the winter solstice, the day with the least amount of sunlight, which means the Lismore Lantern Parade. In 2025, it just happens to fall on the same day as the winter solstice, Saturday, June 21.

The weather will be cloudy, and we may get a light shower in the late morning, but it won't last, according to the BoM.

The stage will be set, and the crowds will start to arrive in the CBD from midday.

"It's just going to be gorgeous today," said Jyllie Jackson, CEO and Creative Director of LightnUp Inc., the company that puts on the Lismore Lantern Parade.

"We've got some good music, and great food served by plenty of food trucks, and local food businesses that will be open, like the Pie Cart and Leo's. They're all getting involved.

"The Two Ravens has got live music outside their shop, and Scoops and Candy are doing extra food. It's very lovely that the businesses in town are getting involved, and I just hope that everybody has a fabulous night."

Here is what you will enjoy today:

Market deLight - 12pm – 9.00pm

The day's activities begin at 12 noon when the Market deLight opens with a fabulous array of delicious regional food, arts & crafts and some pop-up shops from local CBD businesses.

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Kids Fest - 12pm - 4.30pm

Enjoy fun and games with Northern Rivers community groups & organisations, there will be activities, street performers, jumping castle and lots more fun..

Summerland Bank will be bringing along their giant street games!

They will also be facilitating the Lantern Decorating stall, so kids can join in the parade.

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The Heartbeats Festival Stage - 12pm – 9.00pm

HeartBeats Festival Stage is on Carrington Street, near Dragonfly Cafe.

Magenta Community Services has joined the festival team this year as lead sponsor of the popular stage throughout the day and into the evening.

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Southern Cross University is supporting the HeartBeats Stage, providing light & sound, back line.

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The delightful Little Jarjums from Friends Children's Centre and friends will do a special Acknowledgement of Country. 

Music and performance are drawn from the wealth of talent here on the Northern Rivers. Thank you to the Northern Rivers Conservatorium for their support over many years.

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HEARTBEATS STAGE LINEUP

• 12:00 Evans Head K-12 School
• 1:30 Rivers Secondary College - Kadina Campus (10-Pack Screwdriver)
• 2:00 Northern Rivers Conservatorium Youth Jazz Orchestra
• 3:00 Jarjum and Welcome
• 3:30 Timbuktu
• 4:30 Isabella a Cappella
• 6:00 Dahlia
• 7:20 Teddy Lewis
• 8:30 The Hoochers

The Lantern Parade - 5.30pm - 6.30pm

The fabulous Lanterneers assemble in Victoria St, departing at 5.30, travelling up Molesworth St through the Heart of the City to Magellan Street, then past the Library, and up DAWSON St into Oakes Oval. 

Tickets are on sale for the grandstands, or FREE entry through the MAGELLAN Street gate to sit on the oval.

BUCKETEERS will be along the parade route collecting donations, or they can give you DIGITAL BUCKET cards.

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The Fiery Finale - 6.30pm -7.30pm

The Return of the Sun

The Fiery Finale will be in the magnificent Oakes Oval (a bit of a change from the footy or cricket). It is FREE to sit on the grass in the oval via the MAGELLAN STREET entrance. Bring along blankets and cushions to sit on the grass.

Sorry, but NO chairs in the oval area.

Tickets on sale for grandstand seating.

​PLEASE NOTE: There will be some gentle pyrotechnics and lots of fire.

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There will be plenty of CBD venues open for dinner or partying when the 2025 Lismore Lantern Parade concludes.

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Don't forget, the Lismore Lantern Parade is in your hands via the Lismore App front page for any information you need Lismore Lantern Parade.