Sea of lanterns and music fill the streets for Newington Lights Festival

Spectators and participants carried some 500 lanterns, made in workshops during 300 hours of working with schools, community groups and the general public. Locals then came out to carry the brightly lit lanterns and chandeliers through the Newington estate.

The procession was led by resident Catherine Curtis in her hearse, decorated with a Mexican Day of the Dead  theme. She was followed by Polly Billington MP, the Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, Clive Stevens, and Ramsgate Town Mayor, Cllr Patricia Moore.

Polly said: “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.”

The procession started at Newington Community Centre and included culturally diverse artists, such as Native Oysters Brass Band, stilt walkers, Uzambezi Arts, African djembe drummers, DDFK, a brass band and Cohesion Plus Folkin Fusion, Kings of Dhol drummers, and finished with a firework display at the Royal Harbour Academy.

Samuel Wall, Assistant Headteacher at The Royal Harbour Academy, said: “We love our local community and seeing them 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 will always be inspired by the commitment to the local community, from the local community. We cannot wait for next year!”

Older residents at Copperfield’s, unable to attend the parade were treated to performances from the Ramsgate Arts Primary choir and the DDFK Brass Band.

Starlings Support CIC led a partnership to secure funding to deliver the Newington Lights Festival. It was led by residents, through a collaboration with Newington Big Local, Starlings Support CIC, aim4 Partnerships CIC, Future Foundry, Cohesion Plus, 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.