Boston Borough Council and Transported would like to invite businesses and residents of Boston to share their hope, gratitude and reflection on Thursday 26th November in the creation of 1620 spectacular and beautiful lanterns, in celebration of the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrim story, and in celebration of our community in the context of the Covid Pandemic.
2020 is the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower, a connection to Boston’s own Pilgrim story we will be exploring and celebrating over the next 10 years, leading to the anniversary of the Rev Cottons’ decision to set off to America, leading to the foundation of Boston Massachusetts.
Over the last 7 years we have been involved in the Illuminate festival spectacular procession, entertaining and bringing joy to the town’s residents. This year, the procession and programme of workshops to make it all, has had to be cancelled.
But we want to keep the candle burning.
There are two parts to the project:
- The first is the creation of the collection of 1620 lanterns, illuminated with candles or battery tea lights. The collection will be exhibited in clusters around the town, creating a trail to be explored and discovered by families and friends in November, with a focus on Thanksgiving Day on the 26th November.
- The second is an invitation to residents, shops, businesses to illuminate the town by placing a candle or lantern in their windows on the 26th, giving thanks and expressing positive hope for the future – #onesmallcandle This part of the project is also wider across the Pilgrim Roots partners.
If you would like to take part, either by yourself or by working with our specialists let us know, by emailing transportedart@gmail.com
Cllr Richard Austin, portfolio holder for heritage, said: “Boston played a very important part in the establishment of the USA that we know today.
“It is a very important anniversary that we should all do our best to celebrate in these suggested ways.
“I would like to encourage all residents and businesses to do what they can in these circumstances and support this event and look forward to all the ideas coming forward.”
We will be sharing updates on our website and Facebook pages, so keep an eye out.
