Beasts for Peace

Menagerie of beastly lanterns parade down Picton Main Street

The theme of this year’s Firelight Lantern Festival was “A Feast for Beasts”, but the banner leading Saturday night’s parade from Benson Park to the Crystal Palace reflected the tenor of the times and read instead “Beasts for Peace”. Hundreds of people took part in the parade, with many carrying lanterns made during workshops over the past few weekends at The Armoury. The lanterns were not the only things that were illuminated. Many parade participants were draped in battery-operated LED lights, and quite a number were dressed in creative “beast’ costumes. As in previous years, there was a marching musical band, and this year there was a special song created by the Department of Illumination Artistic Company, with everyone encouraged to sing along. It was a joyful and festive atmosphere that for a while banished the darkness.

This year’s Firelight Lantern Festival actually began the previous night, with a dance party at the Crystal Palace. There was a Magic Meatball that answered questions and dispensed treats. There was one beast spreading joy through “Dad” jokes, and an area where partygoers could snuggle up to plushy beasts. The music was provided by Soul Motivators, who played a high energy set sparked by lead vocalist Shahi Teruko that kept folks dancing all night. During a break in the music, members from North Fire Circus performed a dazzling acrobatic display using LED light wands and hula hoops. There was a food truck from Base31, as well as a selection of drinks, including the now-famous Milford Mule. There was a silent auction, with products donated by more than 35 County businesses and artists.

The Saturday evening event started with a gathering of beastly lanterns at Benson Park. As darkness fell, North Fire Circus began a scintillating pyrotechnic performance that dazzled the audience. The parade then made its way along Main Street to the Crystal Palace, where DJ Ombudsman was spinning tunes before the folk-rock band Beams took the stage. Young and very energetic dancers took over the dance floor in front of the stage for the first set from Beams. During the intermission, a pulsating set of Afro-beat tunes brought adult dancers to the floor. The Department of Illumination has a mission to bring people together to share experiences of beauty and wonder, and with the Firelight Lantern Festival, they have definitely succeeded.