Luminous Lantern Parade

Overview

Maybe you'll see a glowing giraffe. Perhaps you'll spy a dazzling koala. Or, you might find yourself peering at the sun — but much closer than usual. They're just some of the lanterns that could be brightening up the inky night sky at the 2021 Luminous Lantern Parade, with the event making its return to South Bank Parklands from 6pm on Friday, June 4.

The parade doesn't just give the riverside spot a new glow for the fun of it. It celebrates multiculturalism, and has for 14 years now. Over that time, it has grown to become quite the hefty event. This year's crowd might be a little more spread out than usual, but the parade will still champion diversity — and also welcome new Queenslanders, including migrants, refugees, international students and people seeking asylum.

As well as the main event — which is free to attend — there'll also be live music and performances in the South Bank Piazza afterwards. Following a Welcome to Country by Nunukul Yuggera, The Mad Mariachi, Unbreakable Dance Crew, Sahara Dance Company and Brisbane North Chinese Group will all take to the stage, as will Imanzi Rwandan Drumming Group, Cachicamo Latin Harp and Bolivia Marka.