Now that June has arrived and we are nearing the winter solstice, the countdown to this year's Lismore Lantern Parade has begun.

In 2025, the 31st Lismore Lantern Parade and the winter solstice occur on the same day, Saturday, June 21.

This year also sees a return to Oakes Oval for the fiery finale, which means a reversal of the parade. It now starts at Victoria Street, walks its way down Molesworth Street before turning right on Magellan Street, left on Dawson Street (passed Oakes Oval) and into the northern gates of Oakes Oval.

There is priority seating in the new grandstands at Oakes Oval with tickets on sale now through the Lantern Parade website. The costs start from a reasonable $11.25 for one adult and one child:

• 1 x Adult and 1 x Child = $11.25
• 1 x Adult and 2 x Children = $11.25
• 2 x Adults and 2 x Children + $21.45.
• 1 x Adult = $11.25
• 1 x Child = $6.15
• 1 x Wheelchair/Mobility Aid/Ambulant Space = $11.25
• 1 x Companion Card Holder = Free

CEO and Artistic Director Jyllie Jackson said that once your tickets are purchased, you will be able to swap them for wrist bands at various businesses in the CBD, Nimbin and Council, but not until Monday, June 16.

"This is for quick and easy entry into Oakes Oval," Jyllie told the Lismore App. "We don't want a big gap between the parade arriving and people getting settled for the finale."

The list of participating businesses will be announced shortly.

For those who cannot afford the ticketed seating, there are about 1000 free spots on the grass in front of the stands. Entry for ticketholders and the grass area will be via the Magellan Street gates.

"We do our best to accommodate everybody," Jyllie said, "We really, really try and be kind."

Another way to watch the fiery finale is to volunteer for the Lantern Parade. About 2,000 people carry lanterns and torches on the parade route. They will sit on the grass in front of the Lyn Larsen stand. To inquire about volunteering, click here.

Always one to keep her cards close to her chest, Jyllie did reveal that there will be one big firework as part of the fiery finale that will have people in awe.

"It's not a big bang, it's just a very big firework. But it is spectacular. I'm working very closely with our fireworks contractor, who represented Australia in the big fireworks competition on the Gold Coast last weekend. They came third. They were robbed, of course."

The 2025 theme is the 'Return of the Sun', which links to the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days.

"And it's also acknowledging the Chinese Year of the Snake. There will be a little bit of a firecracker at the beginning with the Chinese snake to chase away all the bad spirits."

The 2024 message was 'Compassion & Connect'. What will the 2025 message be?

"Oh, that's a secret. That's a big surprise. It's become such a tradition. And it's a tradition that we pass that message on in English and in Bundjalung to acknowledge Widjabul Wia-bal people of this area."

If you have any questions about this year's Lismore Lantern parade, Jyllie is encouraging everyone to look at the Frequently Asked Questions on the website.

"I've thought of all the questions that I might have, and if anybody has any other questions that I haven't answered, I'd be happy to add them to the list."

The 31st Lismore Lantern Parade is on Saturday, June 21, in the Lismore CBD with activities starting at 12 noon, and the parade kicking off at 5:30pm.