“I am really happy with our Virtual Lantern Parade, we held the space and thank everyone who participated virtually or on the street", these were the words of CEO and Creative Director Jyllie Jackson following the first Virtual Lismore Lantern Parade on Saturday night.

Jyllie and her team were forced to think creatively after COVID-19 hit with a force in March making the normal street event which attracts crowds of 25,000 each year impossible with government restrictions.

"There was a steady flow of people who came down town, social distancing was great", Jyllie added, "we had installed lanterns throughout the CBD so there were loads of selfies happening".

Another first for the Lismore Lantern Parade was the Zoom event which was open to all people from around the country and the world.

"People popped in from Melbourne, Sydney, across the Northern Rivers and even the U.K. We had a special live visit from Costa Giardardis (Gardening Australia host and Dirtgirlworld Garden Gnome) to check up on his lantern double who was doing a little gardening in Keen Street".

"The Live Lantern Tour with Fairie Nixie was also a great success with people popping in from all over the country".

In addition, there were the displays in people's front yards, balconies and patios with special mention to East Lismore who displayed their lanterns proudly.

You can still purchase your $15 lantern kits from Jyllie and the team on-line.

The re-scheduled date for the Lismore Lantern Parade is Saturday November 14.

Jyllie ended her comments by saying "We are looking forward to doing something again in November as long as everyone is careful and we are not back in lockdown".

The whole community will look forward to a full blown Lismore Lantern Parade on that date......fingers crossed.