Illuminate Parade Artwork Exhibition

Explore the Illuminate Parade Artwork Exhibition in Boston

Step inside Shodfriars Hall in Boston, Lincolnshire and discover a vibrant exhibition celebrating the creativity behind the Illuminate Parade. Located on the first floor in the historic Great Hall, this immersive display features suspended lanterns and large-scale artworks, offering a rare chance to experience these pieces up close.

Discover Handmade Lanterns and Community Craft
This inspiring exhibition showcases craft in Boston, Lincolnshire, with a collection of handcrafted lanterns created by professional artists alongside schools and local community groups. Each year, bespoke designs are developed in response to the parade’s theme, before being brought to life in workshops and carried through the streets in celebration. Many of these cherished lanterns even return to the parade years later.

See Iconic Parade Creations Up Close

Griffin Lantern
Created for the Fantastic Beasts of Boston parade, this striking lantern draws inspiration from the intricate griffin carvings found in the misericords at St Botolph’s Church. Artist Emily Cartwright led sketching workshops exploring these historic details, which then influenced the designs of lanterns and costumes across the parade. This griffin was brought to life by artists Emily Cartwright and Lou Jones with students from The Giles Academy, who later puppeteered the illuminated sculpture during the procession.

Mermaid Lantern
Designed by artists Nadya Monfrinoli and Lou Jones, this large-scale mermaid lantern reflects Boston’s rich visual heritage. Part of this year’s “Looking Up” theme, the piece is inspired by the many carved figures and faces adorning the town’s architecture. Crafted from willow and delicate tissue paper, the puppet is designed to be operated by two people, transforming it into a flowing, animated figure during the parade.

Wolves and Stags Costumes
Artist Ruth Pigott has created a range of imaginative masks and costumes for Illuminate’s parade dancers over the years. Highlights include:
Wolf Masks – featuring dramatic sharp teeth, inspired by Red Riding Hood, created with Boston High School dancers and decorated with help from the Crafty Ladies club
Stag Masks – elegant, nature-inspired designs made for young performers from Josie Clarke’s dance school for the Fantastic Beasts of Boston parade
Each costume is intricately crafted and illuminated, designed to move dynamically in performance.

A Free Family-Friendly Exhibition in Boston
Looking for free things to do in Boston, Lincolnshire this summer? This exhibition is free to enter, with no booking required. Simply drop in and explore these remarkable artworks. Ideal for families, creatives, and anyone interested in local heritage and making

Visit Shodfriars Hall:
Shodfriars Hall is opening especially for this exhibition as part of the We Are Boston programme.
This iconic historic building, currently undergoing restoration, offers a rare chance to experience its remarkable 600‑year‑old timber frame and evolving cultural programme.

The hall is open on 4–5 July and every Saturday throughout July 2026, 10am–4pm, and is hosted by the Transported team. No need to book, simply drop in. Enter via the double doors on Sibsey Lane.

Alongside this exhibition, visitors can explore a range of artworks and installations celebrating Boston’s history, people and creativity as the building begins to reopen as part of the town’s Cultural Quarter.

Accessibility information:
We regret that this venue is not currently wheelchair accessible. Access involves several steps at the entrance, and all exhibition areas are located upstairs without step‑free access. The building is working towards improving accessibility, with aspirations to install a lift in the future.

Funding Acknowledgement:
The Illuminate Parade and bespoke artwork creations were possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England's project grants, delivered by Transported and supported by Boston Borough Council and the SELCP's StoryTeller's NPO.