Fête de Noué

The Channel Island of Jersey invited Strange Cargo to develop a community event that would leave a lasting legacy of creative skills among the island's artist population.

The residency coincided with St. Helier's Fête de Noué winter celebrations, providing the perfect opportunity for the team to deliver a comprehensive training programme in large and small-scale lantern making. Workshops were held across the island in preparation for the festival’s night-time launch event. During the residency, several local artists honed new skills, and many have since hosted their own lantern events, utilising the techniques and logistical training provided by Strange Cargo.

On such a small island, word spread quickly, and by the night of the event, the streets were overflowing with excitement. Participants were treated like celebrities as Jersey’s first-ever lantern parade wound its way through the meandering streets of St. Helier, culminating in Parliament Square, where choirs and musicians performed for the crowd. As the final notes faded, confetti cannons launched from surrounding rooftops, creating a magical snowstorm finale.