Instructions on how to make lanterns

The Evesham Lantern Parade, 26 November 2026

Welcome to information that will help you make a lantern:  pretty and simple or more difficult and amazing - you choose. There are links to YouTube videos that you might find useful.  Happy lantern making! Email: clive@battleofevesham.co.uk

First of all...
NO FLAMES – battery powered torches and tea-lights only.
NO FLYING LANTERNS
NO DRONE FLYING at all

 

Simple but effective

Milk/water etc. bottles, Thin Paper (light must shine through), Paper lampshades, Paper bags or containers with holes cut in.

If you’re adventurous you can use garden wire or canes plus masking tape to make frames and shapes. Cover with tissue, growers fleece or florist’s tissue. 

Torches

The Range and other stores online have ‘COB’ torches. These are cheap and have good bright light. You can tell them by the yellow spot or patch that makes the light. Battery night lights are good - although not so bright. Christmas tree lights can be good - battery powered of course! 

Advice

Remember it doesn’t have to be perfect. It will look lovely shining in the dark. Check that materials, paint, or felt tips etc let light through. Think about possible wind and rain when choosing materials.

 

Information on websites for Simple lantern designs:

Lampshades from water bottles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po7tXa-iCWU&t=680s

Painting paper lampshades: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrnB1NkYKp0

A paper bag with cutouts: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cYqYx_k2uO

Simple lantern ideas pages: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1v7x0jJJwD2lt6HHm6Fwpp7w9iFksofJvxa81vc4LS4U/edit?usp=drive_link

Or go to https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ef-kxVpJvCSdPtArl12JVc4oaLEn9zUUTKHMpJ-T_zY/edit?usp=sharing  for Gill’s lantern making starter ideas.

You can also cover a hat or jumper with lights ! Be careful about trip hazards from loose ends and do not wrap around your neck !  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRna8XEEr_0

 

More Advanced Lanterns

Lanterns with a cane framework, called a Moon lantern but they’re pyramid shaped.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV_aIlyDwR0&t=32s

A really advanced turtle lantern!! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/q_bMHLQMG78

 

Websites for Other Parades - Lots of them with people’s great ideas

Gloucester parade 2017 – amazing  https://youtu.be/iX3kcG9hkVk?si=paV3HZRty452NSN6

Gloucester 2021 also amazing - great collection of lanterns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi_m2lo-cCQ

Bexley parade - some nice ideas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdKNj36u5N4

Stroud 2017  https://youtu.be/whjP5HQcr-Y?si=cVEXgHGUh9eDreyG

Bristol - some truly amazing lanterns!  https://youtu.be/yzaMTQSzOaM?si=HiZGhYJpr_qFnrrn

Leamington Lantern Parade – good instructions how to make lanterns http://Leamingtonlanternparade.co.uk