Winter Wishes Lantern Parade

The Winter Wishes project was a cultural exchange that brought young people together to create and participate in lantern events in Boulogne and Folkestone.

Designed to foster community connections across the UK and France, the Winter Wishes parades provided an opportunity for children from each town to celebrate together.

Our bilingual artist team conducted workshops at L'École des Beaux-Arts in Boulogne, teaching lantern-making skills to both artists and young people. In Folkestone, a school-based lantern programme prepared students for the cultural exchange.

UK students enjoyed participating in Boulogne's traditional Fête de Saint Nicolas, while French students traveled to the UK to join Folkestone's Winter Wishes Parade.

Before the events, the children had the chance to dine and socialize together, practicing their newly acquired language skills and making new friends.