Candlelit Dartmouth is an annual festive weekend for the whole family. From small beginnings it has grown from strength to strength and is now firmly established as one of the town’s many popular events during the year alongside the Music Festival, Regatta and the Food Festival. It is organised by a small committee aided by Diverse Events and a host of hard-working, willing volunteers on the weekend itself. This year we also have the support of Mayflower 400.
Lantern workshops
Prior to the event there are a series of workshops to allow families to create fabulous lanterns that they proudly parade during the finale on Saturday. These are free but donations are requested to cover the cost of the materials and, this year a small charge will be made for the lights. It is lovely to see families working together to create some amazing and imaginative lanterns.
Christmas Market in Royal Avenue Gardens
The event begins on Friday at 4pm with the Christmas Market centred in the town’s Royal Avenue Gardens. Musicians and entertainers add to the seasonal atmosphere both in the Gardens and around town.
Santa arrives! Friday 30 November
Candleit Christmas
A choir and musicians from the BRNC Volunteer Band lead carol singing around the Christmas tree prior to the official switch on of the town’s Christmas lights. Then at 6pm Santa arrives by boat (tides willing!) with his sack of goodies for the waiting children. Festivities continue until 8pm with music and street entertainment.
Plenty to do Saturday 1 December
On Saturday, the market, music and entertainment all resume at 10am. The Crafter’s Market runs from 10am till 4pm in the Old Market offering an eclectic choice of beautiful handcrafted gifts. Santa can be found in his Grotto in the Flavel Hall which also hosts seasonal workshops. For those who have not managed to attend one of the weekend workshops, there is an opportunity to create a smaller lantern and to join in the parade. Workshops can be booked in advance via the Flavel or pay on the day. The popular “best dressed Christmas dog” competition at the Bandstand encourages many to come and witness the hilarious costumes.
Many shops support the event and open late during the weekend - this provides a lovely atmosphere in the town and an ideal opportunity to purchase special Christmas gifts.
Lantern procession Saturday 1 December
The weekend finale begins at 5.30pm on Saturday when the traditional lantern procession leaves the Old Market. Hundreds of willow and tissue lanterns create an amazing spectacle as they are paraded through the town’s historic streets.
The route will be slightly shorter than last year and at 6.00pm the lantern procession will arrive in Royal Avenue Gardens. For this final hour of Candlelit Dartmouth there is a real party atmosphere.
Free Park & Ride
There is also a free (but yet again donations are always welcome) Park and Ride minibus shuttle service from the top of town on Saturday from 10am to 8pm.
For further information on upcoming event please email candlelitdartmouth@gmail.com or visit the website
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