Voted USA Today’s #1 Cultural Festival, the original floating lantern experience is now lighting up UK waters for the first time

LONDON, Sept. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Water Lantern Festival, the original and most celebrated floating lantern event in the world, is making its highly anticipated UK debut this September in Manchester, Birmingham, London and Edinburgh, with more dates to be announced.

Unlike recent imitators, Water Lantern Festival is the only reputable organizer of this experience, earning global recognition as USA Today’s #1 Cultural Festival and features in The New York Times, BuzzFeed, ABC, PBS and more. With more than 100 events hosted annually around the globe and over one million attendees, the festival has consistently delivered safe, meaningful, and unforgettable evenings of connection, reflection, and community.

This one-of-a-kind experience invites guests of all ages to enjoy live music from local performers, explore unique vendors, local food trucks, play yard games, a scavenger hunt, and witness the breathtaking release of personalised lanterns — each carrying messages of hope, love, and dreams as they float across the water.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting Water Lantern Festival.

UK Event Dates:

Manchester - Heaton Park - September 20, 2025
Birmingham - Dartmouth Park - September 27, 2025
London - Clapham Common - October 11-12, 2025
Edinburgh - Inverleith Park - October 4, 2025
Liverpool - Coming soon
Leeds - Coming soon
Nottingham - Coming soon
Sheffield - Coming soon

*Schedule subject to change

“As the sun sets and the lanterns begin to glow, something truly special happens,” says Nate Sorensen, Event Director. “It’s more than just a beautiful sight, it’s a moment of connection, reflection, and community experienced by hundreds of people at once. It’s an evening you’ll carry with you for a lifetime.”

Since launching in 2018, Water Lantern Festival has grown into the largest and most reputable lantern festival of its kind, with a professional production team ensuring safe, well-orchestrated events every time. UK audiences can now experience the signature moment, Light The Water, as thousands of lanterns float together to illuminate the night in a breathtaking display of unity and togetherness.

About Water Lantern Festival

Water Lantern Festival is the original floating lantern event, voted #1 Best Cultural Festival by USA TODAY. Since its launch in 2018, it has expanded to over 100 cities worldwide and welcomed more than 1 million participants. Backed by a professional team, consistent 5-star reviews, and a commitment to environmental responsibility, WLF remains the trusted name in lantern experiences—delivering nights you’ll never forget. www.waterlanternfestival.com/uk

Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

Media inquiries:
marketing@WaterLanternFestival.com

This item of content is a press release from a third party provider who make no warranties or representations in connection with this content and therefore PA can make no warranties in respect of its use.

Tags

More Like This

The most popular cultural festivals revealed

CGTN: CMG 2024 Lantern Festival Gala captivates audience with blend of tradition and technology

CCTV+: Pinghu Hosts Watermelon Lantern Festival and Youth Talent Competition

North America's Iconic Vegandale Experience Unveils UK Expansion

"Happy Chinese New Year • Lantern Festival Fair" Brightens Sweden with Cultural Celebrations

Embracing Cultural Diversity: The 35th Shanghai Tourism Festival Celebrates Local and International Cultures

2023 Shining Shanghai Festival lights up downtown Shanghai

Thousands of people gather for Bradford 2025’s epic closing event