The first Newington Lights Festival in Ramsgate took place with hundreds of people attending despite the threat of Storm Babet.
The event on October 20 was made possible through funding from Arts Council England and Ramsgate Town Council. It was led by local residents, through collaboration with Newington Big Local, Starlings Support CIC, aim4 Partnerships CIC and was co-produced with Future Foundry and Cohesion Plus.
Hundreds of children and young people from Ramsgate Arts Primary School, Newington Community Primary School and Newington’s Chill Club spent the week making their own lanterns and learning African songs, Djembe drumming and Bhangra percussion. Residents participated through community workshops at the community centre and at Copperfield’s Residential Home.
The focal point of the event was the lantern parade which started at Newington Community Centre and processed via Melbourne Avenue all the way to Ramsgate Arts Primary School. The parade stopped on route outside the Copperfield’s Residential Home to allow elderly residents to enjoy the spectacle.
The lantern procession was led by resident, Catherine Curtis in her decorated hearse, followed by a Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, Paul Auston, Kent County Council Chair Cllr Gary Cooke and Ramsgate Town Mayor, Cllr Patricia Moore.
They were joined by a range of culturally diverse artists, a New Orleans style band, Samba drumming group, stilt walkers, African djembe drummers, brass band and Indian Dhol drummers. Hundreds of local people joined the parade, with thousands more watching online.
Resident Jacque said: “The whole event has been amazing. The parade, bands, groups, children need to be congratulated along with the organisers. Superb fireworks to end too; not so small and certainly to rival the coastal displays. Well done everyone.”
The finale for the light festival took place at Ramsgate Arts Primary School where there was a free firework display for everyone to enjoy.Find video of the event at: https://www.renewington.com/blog/2023/10/2/newington-light-festival
