Thank you to everyone who joined us for ELF 2024!
See you next fall.
The Esquimalt Lantern Festival (ELF) is an annual, all ages, free event held at the Esquimalt Gorge Park on the traditional land of the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations.
It features music by local musicians, handmade lanterns, large-scale puppets, and interactive art installations throughout the park. The festival's mandate is to create a warm, welcoming environment that celebrates all things weird and wonderful!
Jessica Hickman is the current Artistic Producer of ELF, and a proud Esquimalt resident.
Do you have an idea you want to try out at the event? Would you like to get involved in the creation of new lanterns for 2025? Would your school or community group like to perform?
We want to hear from YOU!
Please reach out to Jessica at [email protected] !
It features music by local musicians, handmade lanterns, large-scale puppets, and interactive art installations throughout the park. The festival's mandate is to create a warm, welcoming environment that celebrates all things weird and wonderful!
Jessica Hickman is the current Artistic Producer of ELF, and a proud Esquimalt resident.
Do you have an idea you want to try out at the event? Would you like to get involved in the creation of new lanterns for 2025? Would your school or community group like to perform?
We want to hear from YOU!
Please reach out to Jessica at [email protected] !
Esquimalt Lantern Festival 2024
The sun is going down, and the creatures are stirring….
Bring a lantern and join us on Friday, October 4 to experience a unique,
magical evening unlike anything else in the township!
5:30 PM - PRE-SUNSET GATHERING
There will be live music, glow-in-the-dark face paint, lantern-making with Sophie Fuldauer,
and giant puppets by Puente Theatre and Mixed.Media.Monsters!
6:45pm - SUNDOWN LANTERN STRUT
A giant glowing Alebrije and glowing fish will appear to lead the crowd in a conga lantern line around the field!
7:00 PM - THE ENCHANTED FOREST & FLOATING GARDENS ARE OPEN!
Explore at your leisure. Musicians will be creating the soundscape,
the trees will be lit with handmade lanterns and lights,
and there will be puppets by Wonderheads, SNAFU Theatre, Mixed.Media.Monsters and Story Theatre!
7:30 PM - AFTER-GLOW PIANO LOUNGE
Need a break from wandering around the woods in the dark?
Join Brooke Maxwell and guest musicians at the main site.
9:00 PM - HAPPY CAT KARAOKE CHOIR
All the creatures of the night will be gathering with their lanterns to meow a couple songs!
9:30 PM - LIGHTS OUT
How can you prepare?
Bring a lantern!
(LED only) Don’t have one? Click HERE for some ideas on how to make one. OR you can make a quick one at the event itself! In a rush? Throw a glow stick into a plastic bottle, attach a string and ta da - instant lantern!
Wear a costume!
Our theme this year is CREATURES OF THE UNKNOWN. Ooooooo. What does that even mean? Who knows! Perhaps there will be wizards, or elves, or cardboard gnomes, or princess’ with warts, or animals with wonky heads?? Let your inner creature run wild. Do you have anything that lights up? Wrap those fairy lights around your shoulders and hurrah! No pressure though - “normies” are welcome too. :)
Magically transport yourself to the park!
PARKING IS LIMITED. Don’t miss out on the event by circling around. If you are able….use an alternative mode of transportation. Here are some options… BIKE from downtown (15min ride) - there are now protected bike lanes all the way to Gorge Park. See map HERE BUSES #14, #11 & #26 all bring you within a 5min walk of the park. Park at FAIRWAY MARKET (272 Gorge Rd) and walk over (10 min walk). See map HERE.
Questions or concerns?
Contact our Artistic Producer Jessica Hickman at [email protected]
Thank you to our incredible sponsors…
BC Arts Council | Township of Esquimalt | Tudor House Liquor Store | Country Grocer | Seaspan | Esquimalt United Church | Hélène Cyr Photography | Brooke Maxwell's John Referee Music | SNAFU Theatre | Wonderheads | Story Theatre | Puente Theatre
Splash! of Light Lantern Festival 2023
Location: Sherwood Forest @ Gorge Park 1070 Tillicum Road
Program:
6.30 PM: Music / Entertainment / Miche Cafe
8.00 PM: Lantern Walk
8.30 PM: Light Show
With music music by DJ Anchor Hill. Be mesmerized by Tricky Magic, puppeteers, jugglers, and fire dancers!
Oh.... and beware of dragons!
Splash! of Light 2022
Thank you for joining us for Splash of Light 2022!
Sunday, September 4th
Sherwood Forest at Gorge Park
6:30 - 9:45PM
Magicians, jugglers, medieval Knights, a dragon and minstrel music will entertain you. Dress in your favourite costume, bring a blanket or chair, a picnic and lantern. End with a lantern walk and fire show.
Sunday, September 4th
Sherwood Forest at Gorge Park
6:30 - 9:45PM
Magicians, jugglers, medieval Knights, a dragon and minstrel music will entertain you. Dress in your favourite costume, bring a blanket or chair, a picnic and lantern. End with a lantern walk and fire show.
