The multi-coloured lantern which depicts a car being lifted in the air was created by a group of young people at the heart of making Rotherham the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture including trainees, alumni, those doing the Arts Award, and members of the Youth Programming Panel.
And on hand to see the lantern in all its glory was the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Deborah Bullivant, who paid the festival a visit recently.
Deborah said: “It was a delight to visit Land of Lights, which is an incredible festival suitable for all the family and something the town should be incredibly proud of. Children’s Capital of Culture is shining a light on the very best of Rotherham so to see their wonderful lantern at the festival is very special indeed. I was blown away by it and the effort made by the young people of Rotherham who created the unique lantern as well as all the other displays and hope as many people as possible visit the event this winter.”
Samantha Westwood (21) who lives in Rotherham and was involved in the design of the lantern said: “We are so proud to see the lantern showcased at Land of Lights. It was a real team effort to create something that we felt reflected our community reaching new heights and how proud we are as young people to be from Rotherham and involved in the world’s first ever Children’s Capital of Culture.”
Land of Lights 2025, which is open now and on selected dates until the end of January 2026, takes visitors on a mile-long visual voyage exploring multiple vivid dreamworlds of imagination and illumination. There is an all-new collection of lanterns including an array of incredible dinosaurs and music and street food is also on offer for guests to enjoy.
Guests are also able to experience the magic of Land of Lights Lantern alongside their furry friends with special Dog Friendly evenings which will be held on all operational Wednesdays and Sundays. There will be waste bins and water bowls throughout the trail, and dogs must be kept on a short lead at all times.
Land of Lights website
Images: Gulliver's
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