The much‑loved Wells Lantern Festival returns to the city on Saturday, 17 January 2026, bringing light, colour and creativity to the heart of Wells during the darkest days of winter.

The free event begins at Wells Cathedral, where lantern‑bearers will gather in the Cloister ahead of the procession. Lantern line‑up is scheduled for 6.15pm, with the parade through the city starting at 6.30pm. This year's theme is "It Came From Outer Space", with organisers encouraging aliens, rockets, galaxies and interstellar imagination.

New prizes include Best in Festival – It Came From Outer Space, The Most Outrageously Illuminated, and The Cosmic Comedy Award — with all lanterns receiving a sticker. The Bristol Ambling Band will lead the procession, with Samba Do Bispo (Wells) bringing up the rear, and food, music and dancing are planned throughout the evening.

Look out for Lantern Fest Stars around Wells in the run‑up to the event as a twinkling trail of festival excitement.

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