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Night of the Basilosaurus Lantern Parade: Lantern Making Workshop with Miyuki Kasahara
Sunday 11th January 2026 , 10:00am to 1:00pm
Across weekends in January, join artist Miyuki Kasahara to delve into the ancient Eocene sea in this workshop to create marine lanterns for a parade through the town in 2026.
Inspired by the fossils of ancient whale species, artist Miyuki Kasahara will guide participants to create beautiful paper lanterns in the shape of ancient marine life, fish and Cnidaria such as jellyfish. This workshop will be the first in a series of workshops continuing in the new year.
Working with wicker and paper, we will bend the willow to make a frame, and shape the paper around it into a working sea-creature lantern. These lanterns will appear in a public parade through Bexleyheath in January, accompanied by the centrepiece: a gigantic Basilosaurus lantern-puppet. Participants are invited to return to celebrate the Night of the Basilosaurus in 2026.
As well as an invitation to imagine the rich oceans of the past, the workshop also 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!
All materials provided – no experience in lantern-making or wickerwork is necessary! This workshop is children and family-friendly.
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.
