Support Slaithwaite Moonraking Community Lantern Festival so that we can keep raising the moon for many generations to come!
The Festival is run by local people as an independent charity. It is a biennial event running in the "odd" year, with a Festival of window lanterns in the "even" year.
We create opportunities for local people of all ages, artists, musicians, schools and community groups and bring people together in a heartwarming celebration to bring light to the darkest time of the year. We also aim to raise the profile of Slaithwaite as a great place to live, work and play and aim to shine a spotlight on all of the hardworking businesses in the village bringing great food and drink and selling lovely clothes, toys and homewares. Because of our ongoing PR work, Slaithwaite has been featured as one of the best places to live in the country!
In 2019, the Festival was cancelled as the Arts Council were unable to fund us due to limited resources. This year we have been delighted that the Arts Council and Kirklees Council have been able to support us for the 2023 Festival. With the cost of living crisis and government funding cuts we may not be so lucky next time. A donation now will help to fund the next Festival but will also demonstrate just how warmly our audiences value the festival to help to make the case for funders!
“Light up your lantern, light up your light
Remember your friends on this cold frosty night
The Moon she has fallen out of the sky
Take her round Slaithwaite and hold her up high
Peace to the village, peace to the town
Peace to all cities all the world round.”
Thankyou so much!