THE Lantern Parade is a highly anticipated event on the annual Great Barrier Reef Festival program.
This year, the lantern parade event has a new element thanks to funding through Festivals Australia.
On Friday, August 2, parade participants will be led from Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach, along the boardwalk to the festival precinct.
There, a new installation of reef-themed printed lanterns will form an entry to the Airlie Beach foreshore.
Designed and produced by four local artists – Anita Pender, Brigitte Peel, Margie Murphy and Noemi Martinez – the installation will highlight the colours and textures of the reef.
“Art installation and community lanterns will sit together in this beautiful space for festival attendees to explore,” a festival spokesperson said.
“Become part of the project at a workshop this Saturday, July 20, at the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, Cannonvale, led by regionally renowned lantern artist Lalune Croker.”
‘Light up the Reef’ is the newest project for the Great Barrier Reef Festival, expanding the popular Coral Sea Marina Lantern Parade to a new level.
Bringing community together through workshops, anyone can make their own reef-themed lantern and join the parade.
For extra help, join the workshop! The workshops are made possible by the Australian Government’s Festivals Australia Grant.