Lismore's community spirit shone brightly last night as thousands of families flocked to the CBD to view the 2022 Lismore Lantern Parade.

(Photo Ryan McCann - Lion & Lamb)

Returning to its traditional home of the CBD, the crowd proved this is where the Lantern Parade belongs with many saying it was good to be so close to the action again. This was not only from the viewing public but the performers as well.

Wild Spice Belly Dance has been performing for 10 years, said the crowd was really excited. "They see us every year and it was just a wonderful warm sharing between them and us, it was such a beautiful experience, as it always is, it's just that extra love this year."

"I love coming through the town because you can be up close, it's not a distance thing, you can say hello and high-five the kids."

Crowd estimates are notoriously difficult to judge but 10,000 to 12,000 was the most common assessment. As is always the case with the Lismore Lantern Parade (LLP), people come from far away to be part of the festival.

Lakshmir and her family came from MacLeay Island off Redland Bay in Brisbane for the day. It was their first time at the LLP. "It's a great atmosphere and the people are so happy. It's great," Lakshmir said.

It was also the first time for new locals Lara and family who moved to Lismore from New Zealand last year in what has been trying circumstances, especially for the kids because their school Blakebrook was severely damaged in the flood and still not back on site.

"We would rive through town and they would feel upset regularly that Lismore is gone, but it's nice to show them that Lismore is coming back. The thing we love about Lismore is the community spirit, it hasn't gone, it is very much here. The shops will come with time"

Lara raved about the quality of the LLP compared to their former home in Auckland in what was a huge compliment for CEO and Creative Director Jyllie Jackson and her team.

"We have lantern festivals in Auckland and this is as good if not better. It was amazing to see the standard to which it was done."

Rose was with her young daughter Chloe, waving one of the many heart flags being waved as the parade moved through the streets. Chloe said, "That's because Lismore is still alive mum."

Liam Watson drove in from Byron and was equally impressed, "Just the celebration and the festival to bring everyone back together again. The music and the humanity of it."

Rick and Mark from the Lismore SES Unit were still giving their time to help the community, "It's a good turnout and a great family night."

There was a new addition to the parade this year with the Chariot Festival on display. A spokesperson said this represented a few hundred years old tradition from India with a lordship going out once a year to give blessings to everyone. So, Lismore being through the floods and going through such a hard time we wanted to give the blessings to everyone."

(Photo Ryan McCann - Lion & Lamb)

The food stalls and pop-up shops had a very busy day with Anthony at Lanna Pad Thai and Sonny from Masala Indian Fusion Restaurant saying they were 'flat out all day'.

Thank you to those that sent in photo's from the Lantern Parade, it was much appreciated after the flu knocked me out of action. To Donna, Rita, Matt, Ryan, Natasha, Janelle and Alicia who said "Absolutely amazing. Lismore was aglow!", thank you for helping us when we needed it.

(Photo Ryan McCann - Lion & Lamb)

The last word should go to CEO & Creative Director of LightnUp Inc Jyllie Jackson.

"It was way beyond our expectation. I am just really happy that everybody came and shared the joy with each other, it was a wonderful night for our community. Let the healing begin."

On a sad note, many people witnessed a man collapse during the parade. He was treated by Paramedics. The man, unfortunately, passed away.

The man was part of the Lismore Lantern Parade, Jyllie said, "We are grieving for our friend and his family at this time."