Albany 2026: Those wanting to be at heart of Carrying the Fire given opportunity to be lantern leaders

The opportunity to lead a glowing trail of thousands along Albany’s coastline is now open, as Southern Edge Arts puts out a call to register as one of 200 lantern leaders to guide the bicentenary’s “closing ceremony”.

From sunset on November 7, the community will gather as lantern bearers to form a moving river of light travelling along the coastal trail from Emu Point to Middleton Beach/Binalup.

Organised by Southern Edge Arts, FORM and the City of Albany, Carrying the Fire will be filmed from above, with thousands of residents expected to join the walk with lanterns lit up by phone torches flashing in a choreographed pattern via a special app.

The role of a lantern leader is to guide community members along their designated section of foreshore and serve as connection points between the participants and organisers to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Albany 2026 co-ordinator Adam Gregory said lantern leaders can experience Carrying the Fire from its heart.

“Lantern leaders will be an incredibly important part of bringing thousands of individual participants together to create something much bigger,” he said.

“It is a chance to be more than a spectator and have a genuine role in one of the defining moments of Albany 2026.

“You don’t need to think of yourself as a performer or have any special experience.

“If you’re willing to get involved, meet people and help lead the way, this is a wonderful opportunity to be part of something we hope people will remember for years to come.”

While no experience is required for the role, lantern leaders must be over the age of 15 and comfortable in moving their body for the simple lantern dance and leading the public.

Lantern leaders must attend at least one lantern making workshop and rehearsal, including the dress rehearsal on November 6, before the performance itself on November 7.

Workshops will be held across Albany and Denmark from August 23 to September 12, with three rehearsals to run from September 13 to November 3 at Southern Edge Arts.

Southern Edge Arts artistic director Annette Carmichael said the role had been designed to be accessible and was not limited to experienced performers.

“We’re looking for people aged 15 and over who are comfortable moving their body in a simple way and happy to help guide members of the public on the night,” she said.

“Each lantern leader will attend one workshop where we’ll explain the project, make lanterns and learn the simple movements, followed by a few fun and easy rehearsals before participating in the final event.

“Everything you need to know will be taught along the way, so you don’t need any performance or dance experience.

“We’re really looking for people who are enthusiastic, reliable and excited to help bring the community together.”

Registration and further information on the event is available via the Southern Edge Arts and Albany 2026 websites.