The Isle of Man Arts Council Willow Lantern workshops are back!

Families and people of all ages are invited to participate in the Isle of Man Arts Council's free lantern workshop sessions at the Villa Marina Arcade in Douglas on the 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th November. Make your own willow lantern for the Douglas Parade. No experience necessary just enthusiasm and a little imagination!

Led by members of the Isle of Man Arts Team, the sessions give families the chance to construct their own illuminated lanterns, using paper glued around a willow frame to form a wide variety of shapes and designs.

"The willow lantern workshops are really popular and offer families the chance to get creative. Each year we see a huge range of designs and sizes from the straightforward to the highly elaborate!"

- Grainney Sheard, Arts Engagement Officer

At the workshops, families are shown how to make a basic lantern made from willow to bring along to the Lantern Parade on the 19th November taking place on the same night as the Douglas Light Switch On.

A note on session running times:

If you have booked a morning session then your slot is between 10am-12.30pm. If you have booked an afternoon session then your slot is between 1pm -3.30pm.

Sessions for the willow lantern workshops will be bookable via Eventbrite* in order that sessions are not oversubscribed. Bookings are free and will ensure your place. Participants who have booked a place will be given priority over walk-ins.

*Please select either a Morning or Afternoon Session. A Family ticket entitles you to 1 x 8ft table for the duration of 2.5hours. If you think you'll require longer then please book more than one session.

Please note that under 12s MUST be accompanied by an adult

Isle of Man UNESCO Biosphere Pledge

As a UNESCO Biosphere Partner, the Isle of Man Arts Council are committed to more sustainable practices where possible. In light of this, the Arts team have made a number of changes this year to eliminate single use plastics. The team will be using more sustainable materials such as reusable tablecloths and encouraging families to come to the workshops in their old clothing to reduce the number of plastic protective aprons needed. It is hope that these changes will result in the workshops being more environmentally friendly as well as encouraging participants to be mindful of sustainable practices.