From Canalside to the Banks of the Urban River, we flow.
Hot off the heels of the Festival of Light in November 2025, the River of Light is taking place in Hemel Town Centre, in partnership with Dacorum Borough Council, local communities and organisations.
The River of Light sees the co-creation of a beautiful and inclusive lantern procession to uplift and inspire residents, welcoming the returning light of renewal and spring to Hemel Town Centre after the dark winter months.
The event is taking place on Saturday, 14th March, from 5 – 7:30, with workshops and community engagement throughout January and February.
We have been working alongside the team at Dacorum Borough Council and the local community to programme a series of community-based workshops catering for all ages and abilities in schools, libraries and community centres across the town. Workshops are programmed to take place throughout January and February with a series of sessions in half-term for family audiences.
Find out more..
27th of January – Join us at Fishery Wharf Cafe in Boxmoor, Hemel Hempstead, to meet the team, find out how you can join, help make lantern kits and create some lanterns.
Public Workshop Programme
17th of February – 1-5 at Hemel Hempstead Library – family tickets available at single ticket price, email to access, and if cost is a barrier to participation, get in touch.
Booking Link – River of Light Family friendly lantern making workshop.
19th of February – 10:30 – 14:30 at No Ordinary Museum – family tickets available at single ticket price, email to access and if cost is a barrier to particpation get in touch.
Booking Link – River of Light Family Friendly Lantern Making Workshop at No Ordinary Bookshop
20th of February – 14:30 – 18:30 – Times tbc – Liberty Tea Rooms, Hemel – £2’s per group bookng, email to access, and if cost is a barrier to participation, get in touch kerry@nysa.co.uk
Booking Link – River of Light Lantern Making Workshop at Liberty Tea Rooms
Lanterns created in artist-led workshops will form a beautiful walking procession and a series of installations telling the story of Hemel, recreating the built landscape as a model village and replicating the natural World through the creation of flora, fauna and creatures of the locality.
The project provides opportunity for schools to participate in free workshops, community centres to host bespoke sessions, training for young people, paid opportunities for artists and creative skills development for emerging artists (early career). The project also invites interested individuals to create with us in a voluntary capacity.
Book a school workshop
If you are interested in hosting a session, taking part in the procession, volunteering with us, joining the artistic team or simply making a lantern.
Email kerry@nysa.co.uk or wildwisdomcalls@gmail.com
Or phone 07980 315580
More details coming soon, generously supported by Dacorum Borough Council, with thanks.
‘This project, The River Of Light Lantern Parade has received £24,499 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.’
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