Lantern parade lights up Festival of the Dead
More than 200 people paid tribute to their loved ones at a lantern parade held in a Bradford district park.
The Festival of the Dead parade, organised by the University of Bradford in collaboration with Cecil Green Arts, Bradford Death Cafe and Kynd, was at Northcliffe Park, Shipley, on Sunday 16 November.
Following a parade and a space for remembrance, the evening event ended with music from the Peace Artistes.
People who attended Bradford’s first Festival of the Dead parade brought a lantern or candle, or an object to help them remember a loved one and their memories of those who have died.
Two of the parade’s participants. Images credit: University of Bradford
‘So moving’
Professor Karina Croucher, Professor of Archaeology, Heritage and Wellbeing at the University of Bradford, said: “It was so moving to see so many participants join us for the first Festival of the Dead in Bradford.
“More than 200 people joined us, many bringing lanterns they had made, to remember and celebrate those who have gone before us, creating a space and place for the dead in our lives.
“Words used by our participants to describe the event were fun, moving, memorable, unique, magical, communal, and poignant.”
Attendees were encouraged to bring mementos to remember their loved ones. Images credit: University of Bradford
Weekly workshops
A series of weekly workshops at City Library, Bradford, and New Church, Shipley, WomenZone, and Community Works, held in the run-up to the event, saw people make their own paper lantern to remember their loved ones, which became part of the parade.
As a strategic partner of Bradford 2025, Festival of the Dead was part of the University’s own programme of activities, events and research that will contribute to Bradford’s year as the UK’s City of Culture.
Some of the lanterns which were made at a series of workshops held in the lead-up to the parade. Images credit: University of Bradford
The Festival of the Dead supports the University of Bradford’s goal to be a university that makes a positive difference in people’s lives. It brings together local communities, encourages creativity, and gives people a safe space to talk about important topics like grief and remembrance. By working with different groups and offering free workshops, the university is showing its commitment to wellbeing, inclusion, and being a caring and connected part of the city.
One of the lanterns at the Festival of the Dead parade. Images credit: University of Bradford