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Night of the Basilosaurus Lantern Parade
Saturday 31st January 2026 , 4:30pm to 6:30pm
Join us for a glowing parade through the town centre in Bexleyheath, alongside a gigantic Basilosaurus lantern sculpture created by artist Miyuki Kasahara.
Inspired by the fossils of ancient whale species, artist Miyuki Kasahara has guided participants to create beautiful paper lanterns in the shape of ancient marine life, fish and Cnidaria such as jellyfish in a series of workshops. The creations will become part of a brilliant parade, accompanied by the centrepiece: a gigantic Basilosaurus lantern-puppet.
To keep the energy high, the talented drummers from TARU Arts will be joining the procession, providing a rhythmic beat for the marine life display.
Information for participants:
- Arrival: be at Central Library, Bexleyheath by 4.30pm sharp to pick up your lantern. They may be tricky to carry through crowds, so getting yours early is a must.
- Parade start: The parade begins at the Broadway Shopping Centre entrance (right by H&M) at 5.15pm and then proceeds through the Broadway.
- Wrap up warm: it’s cold out. We’ll be moving, but it’s still best to layer up. Think hats, gloves and thick socks.
- Comfortable shoes: we’ll be walking the length of the Broadway, so leave the fancy shoes at home and wear your comfy trainers or boots.
- Fully charged phone: the lanterns look incredible in the dark alongside the giant Basilosaurus—you’ll definitely want to take photos and videos.
- Rain plan: If it’s drizzling, we’re still on! If it’s really heavy we may move the route inside the Broadway Shopping Centre so we stay dry.
As well as an invitation to imagine the rich oceans of the past, the parade carries an ecological message – ironically, current rapid global warming and climate change is now causing large marine animals to disappear. As we work, we can think about how much we should care about our oceans and the biodiverse community there. Together we can make Bexley’s night sky into an Eocene epoch sea!
We want you to be part of the magic! Residents are invited to walk with us in the parade, carrying prehistoric-themed handmade lanterns created in the run up towards the event.
We would like visitors to be aware that some filming will take place on the day to document the parade.
More about Night Visions
Night Visions is a celebration of local creativity that uses the theme of light to connect a series of unique events across the Borough of Bexley. It is part of Celebrating Bexley – a yearlong programme that celebrates arts and culture in Bexley, marking a number of significant anniversaries including the Council’s 60th anniversary, 100 years of Danson Park, 160 years of Crossness Engines and 500 years since Lesnes Abbey was closed.
More about Miyuki Kasahara
Born in Japan, Miyuki Kasahara graduated with an MA from the Royal College of Art and is based in London. Her work is research driven and addresses the impact of humans on the ecosystem.
Access information
The library has step-free access throughout from street level, including to an accessible toilet. Full access information for the event can be found here.
Transport Information
Address: Central Library, Townley Road, Bexleyheath, DA6 7HJ
Nearest station(s): The nearest station is Bexleyheath.
Bus: 89, 96, 99, 132, 229, 269, 301, 401, 422, 486, 492, B11, B12, B13, B14, B15 & B16 all service the surrounding area.
Parking: No on-site parking available, pay and display car parks nearby.
