07/12/2025
I loved speaking at our Under the Sea lantern parade this weekend, it was such a joyful community event. Here's a bit of my speech:
"As human beings, we have been doing this for a very long time. Illuminated processions have been part of many cultures for centuries—from the full moon celebrations of Chinese New Year to our own Celtic ancestors marking the winter solstice with bonfires to symbolise the re-birth of sunlight. European legend tells us of St Martin, who cut his cloak in half to share with a freezing stranger, and who, to this day, is celebrated by children singing and carrying lanterns through the town. It reminds us how lanterns have long symbolised hope, generosity and light in the darkest months. At a time when many of us feel the world itself is in a dark and uncertain moment, it’s easy to feel small or helpless—but gatherings like this remind us that hope begins close to home, in the simple act of coming together, creating something joyful, and remembering the strength and goodness we find in one another."
