Newington was blessed with clear skies on Friday, 18th October, for its second lantern procession. Spectators and participants carried over 500 lanterns, created in workshops totalling over 300 hours of work with schools, community groups, and the general public. Local residents came out to carry brightly lit lanterns and chandeliers through the Newington estate.
The extraordinary procession was led by local resident Catherine Curtis in her hearse, decorated with a Mexican Day of the Dead theme. She was followed by Ms Polly Billington MP, the Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, Clive Stevens, and the Ramsgate Town Mayor, Councillor Patricia Moore.
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We could all do with a bit more sparkle in our lives, so I was delighted to attend this year’s Newington Lights Festival in Ramsgate, and particularly to take part in the beautiful lantern parade. I know how much work goes into making this event a success, so I want to thank all the children and volunteers who worked tirelessly to light up Newington and bring so much joy to the community this year,"
said Polly Billington MP.
The procession started at Newington Community Centre and included culturally diverse artists, such as the Native Oysters Brass Band, stilt walkers, Uzambezi Arts, African djembe drummers, DDFK, a brass band, and Cohesion Plus’s Folkin Fusion Kings of Dhol drummers. The event concluded with a firework display at the Royal Harbour Academy.
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We love our local community, and seeing everyone come together in such a vibrant, cultural, and diverse way is testament to the amazing people of Newington. As a school, we are exceptionally proud of our students' work and efforts, and we will always be inspired by the commitment to the local community, from the local community. We cannot wait for next year!"
said Samuel Wall, Assistant Headteacher at The Royal Harbour Academy.
Older residents at Copperfields, unable to attend the parade, were treated to performances by the Ramsgate Arts Primary choir and the DDFK Brass Band.
Starlings Support CIC led a partnership to secure funding and deliver the Newington Lights Festival. It was organised by local residents through a collaboration with Newington Big Local, Starlings Support CIC, Aim4 Partnerships CIC, Future Foundry, Cohesion Plus, The Royal Harbour Academy, Ramsgate Arts Primary School, Laleham Gap School, and Newington Community Primary School. The project was made possible through funding from Arts Council England, Ramsgate Town Council, and Orbit Housing.
For further information, interview requests, or high-res press images, please email Charlie Fox at
charlie@starlingssupport.org.