First published October 2019

Each year the Isle of Man Arts Council runs a series of free Willow Lantern Workshops for the community. Led by members of the Isle of Man Government’s Arts Team, the sessions give families the chance to construct their own illuminated lanterns, using paper glued around a willow frame to form a wide variety of shapes and designs.

The Arts team have made a number of changes to the workshops this year to eliminate single use plastics. We caught up with Arts Engagement Officer, Grainney Sheard to talk about the new changes.

As a UNESCO Biosphere Partner, the Isle of Man Arts Council are committed to more sustainable practices where possible. Since I began in my post with the Isle of Man Arts Team I have been conscious of our use of plastics at these workshops and have been keen to find more eco-friendly alternatives. This year I am very proud to say that we have made a conscious effort to reduce the number of single-use plastics involved in the workshops.

We have invested in more sustainable materials such as reusable tablecloths and aprons as well as encouraging families to come to the workshops in their old clothing to reduce the number of plastic protective aprons needed. We hope that these changes will result in the workshops being more environmentally friendly as well as encouraging our participants to be mindful of sustainable practices.

Our aim is to support our ecosystem and make decisions that will benefit the environment. It is important for us to be mindful of unnecessary materials and their negative environmental impact.

These changes come as part of our pledge to Unesco Biosphere Isle of Man as proud partners.

How you can help

This year we hope to minimise single use plastics as much as possible and you can help us do this! We encourage all of our participants to wear old clothing to this event so that we may avoid the use of single-wear aprons. Haven't got any old clothes? You can pick up a second hand men's shirt from the charity shop and wear it back to front like an apron.

Due to the risks involved with having open flame candles in lanterns, we offer our participants glow sticks as a safer alternative. However, we recommend bringing your own battery pack fairylights with rechargeable batteries. They provide a more efficient source of light and can be reused year upon year to light your willow lantern.

When can I take part?

Families and people of all ages are invited to participate in the Isle of Man Arts Council's free lantern workshop sessions at the Villa Marina Arcade in Douglas at a date to be confirmed.

The workshops take place in the two weekends prior to the Douglas Light Switch On for a Willow Lantern Parade ending in the Villa Arcade for carols and refreshments.

Details about the 2021 Willow Lantern Workshops and Parade will be released soon.