“Lantern Parade – also known as the “Christmas Lights Switch-On Parade”

The annual Lantern Parade, also known as the Christmas Lights Switch-On Parade, took place on Saturday, 22 November, beginning at 4:30 pm. Children and school groups arrived early to create their lanterns, and all participating organisations assembled from 4:30 pm onwards.

This year’s parade was once again led with exceptional dedication by Annie Cullen of the Mercury Theatre, who has coordinated the event since last September. She invited local volunteer organisations to take part, and the Colchester Nepalese Society (CNS) was proud to be included. We are grateful to Annie for her continued administrative support and guidance throughout the preparations.

The CNS team arrived promptly at 4:35 pm at our designated location beside the Jumbo, opposite the Mercury Theatre. A total of 30 community groups participated in the parade, highlighting the diversity and unity of Colchester.

The procession set off at 5:15 pm, moving from Church Street along North Hill, then turning onto High Street. Music, provided by eBikes, added vibrancy between groups. As the parade made its way through the High Street, it passed the VIP viewing point where the Mayor of Colchester and the local MP waved from the Town Hall balcony. The parade concluded with a celebratory arrival at Firstsite.

Despite light drizzle, the atmosphere remained truly uplifting. The enthusiasm of participants, together with the thousands of spectators lining the High Street, made the event a memorable celebration for the entire city. CNS was proud to stand alongside so many groups in representing the spirit of Colchester.

The following members of the Colchester Nepalese Society proudly represented our community at this influential event:

Chair

Dinesh Thapa

Kamala Khatri

Shova BC

Umesh Pun

Rupa Pun

Sharon Pun

Amisia Evans

Rukman Lama

Chin Bahadur Pun

Jas Kumari Gurung

Dam Bahadur Pun

Karna Bahadur Rana

Kushal Ghale

Usha Ghale

Radhika Rai

Yal Kumari Pun

Asha Kumari Gurung

Cham Bahadur Pun

Surya Bahadur Gurung

Shovit Bahadur Gurung

Mishra Gurung

Chandra Bahadur Gurung (Senior)

Ganga Gurung

Bikash Rai

Mitra Gurung

Talak Lama

Rupa Tamang

Gun Kumari Pun

Mahendra Gurung

Manju Gurung

I extend my sincere gratitude to all of you for attending, despite the challenging weather conditions. Your presence demonstrated commitment, unity, and pride in representing the Nepalese community within mainstream British society.

Your participation is helping CNS strengthen its visibility, engagement, and contribution to Colchester’s multicultural landscape. I hope even more of our members will join us next year so that CNS can continue to grow in strength and presence at key civic events such as the Lantern Parade.

I am truly proud of each one of you who stood with CNS on this important occasion.

Udaibahadur Gurung MBE

Chair / Trustee

Colchester Nepalese Society (CNS)