Dover Winter Lantern Festival
SATURDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2026
Events list
Every year, hundreds of people join the Dover Winter Lantern Festival procession with glowing star lanterns created in one of our free workshops.
The workshops are all free and open to everyone, but spaces are limited so please book before you arrive to avoid disappointment.
What is the Dover Winter Lantern Festival?
Since it began in 2021, the Dover Winter Lantern Festival has become a cherished local tradition – bringing light, warmth, and creativity to the darkest time of year. Over the past five years, this magical event has inspired and uplifted the community through workshops, parades, and creative celebrations.
The Dover Winter Lantern Festival, organised by Future Foundry and Dover Town Council, will return in December 2026 and promises to be the most spectacular yet!
About Future Foundry
We believe lasting change happens when young people are trusted, care is prioritised, and culture is shaped from the ground up. Based in Dover.
Based in Dover, we work with young people aged 11–25 — especially those from underrepresented backgrounds — to build confidence, skills and leadership through creative and cultural practice. We’re a Community Interest Company, so every action we take is designed to deliver community benefit.
Over nearly 15 years, our work has grown to include projects like Dover Youth Festival, Dover Winter Lantern Festival, Dover in Bloom and The Forge Youth Art Club — all designed to remove barriers, build confidence, and create pathways into creative careers.
Our promise to young people...
We don’t do things for you – we do them with you.
Born from the need to bridge the gap between school and creative careers, Future Foundry exists to amplify your voice. When the 2023 Dover Youth Survey told us you wanted more opportunities and a bigger say, we listened. Now, every project we run is led by your ideas, your creativity, and your leadership.
All our events are free, and designed + delivered in partnership with young people.
For more information about Future Foundry, go to futurefoundry.org.uk
