One of Lismore's long-running iconic events, the Lismore Lantern Parade will take place in 2021.

The uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 has been a disaster for large scale events, think Bluesfest. Of course, events will get more surety as more of the population is vaccinated but for now, a lot of organisers are scaling back numbers to at least hold an event this year.

Enter Jyllie Jackson, the CEO and Creative Director of LightnUp Inc, the community organisation behind the Lismore Lantern Parade.

"I am pleased to announce that the 2021 Lismore Lantern Parade will go ahead on Saturday, June 19 at the Lismore Showgrounds," Jyllie told the Lismore App.

"Due to the latest government restrictions because of COVID-19 we have had to move the Lantern Parade to a gated venue and limit crowd numbers to 5,000, which is unfortunate but necessary."

"I am grateful to the North Coast National Show Society for their help."

The immediate question is how and when can you buy tickets to this year's Lantern Parade?

"Tickets will go on sale in early May," Jyllie said, "So, standby for an exact date soon."

The 2021 theme for the 27th Lismore Lantern Parade will be Innovation, Inspiration, Regeneration.

"We wanted to celebrate the real-world innovation, creativity and resilience of our community and the positive effect we can have on our future and on our environment," Jyllie enthused.

"Inspired by our theme we are really excited to announce a new initiative this year the REGEN EXPO 21 showcasing the work of our inspirational regional businesses and organisations."

"People who think outside the square and are all about innovation, regeneration and sustainable practices. The expo is open for High School students on Friday 18 June and on Saturday 19th June from 11am – 4.30pm for everyone to be inspired – this is not to be missed!"

The parade, led by Dirt Girl and Scrap Boy, and the finale will be held in the Showground Arena, culminating in the traditional bonfire and fireworks display.

"We have ordered low impact fireworks, so we don’t frighten the wildlife and domestic pets," Jyllie said.

Other attractions in the showgrounds include music, street theatre and food vendors especially Lismore Traders who are missing out as a result of the move to the showgrounds. Jyllie adding, "plus some secrets that I can't talk about yet."

Now, we await the exact date that tickets go on sale. It will be first in best dressed so get the computer fired up and the credit card handy. For those who don't trust online purchasing, you will be able to buy tickets from some CBD businesses. These will be announced when tickets go on sale.