November 2025
As part of Fratton Together’s 12th annual Festival of Lights, there will be a parade down Fratton Road on 14 November, starting at the Victory Business Centre (PO1 1PJ) at 7pm and finishing at St Mary’s Church.
Over the past month, local residents have had the opportunity to attend free lantern-making workshops. Inspired by Portsmouth Creates’ “In Our Words” campaign, each lantern has been influenced by ideas of literature, literacy, and storytelling. Those who participated in the workshops will be joining in with the parade, contributing an amazing variety of hand-crafted lights, each one expressing the individual creativity found in members of the local community. Please note that if people would like to bring their own lanterns they must be battery powered; no naked flames will be allowed.
The procession will be led by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth and the Batala Samba Band, who will provide a joyous marching beat. Upon arrival at St Mary’s Church, there will be various performances from local performing groups, including the Portsmouth Academy Dance Company and St Mary’s Church choir. The evening will end with a performance by Batala Samba Band.
Anna Potten, Fratton Together’s events organiser, said: “We have been particularly pleased with this year’s lantern making . Lots of people who have seen the parade before but never got involved have attended. We were particularly pleased to welcome students from Portsmouth Academy for the first time, who helped to create large lanterns as part of the Portsmouth Creative Educational Partnership’s “Under One Banner” project.”
The Venerable Bob White, chair of Fratton Together and vicar at St Mary’s Church, said: “As the winter nights draw in, Fratton’s Festival of Lights is an excellent reminder that the light we find to fight off the dark comes from our neighbours and our friends. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone in another celebration of the special community that surrounds Fratton.”