The film tells the story of a woman who is grieving the death of her father and becoming obsessed with training a goshawk
An upcoming film hailed as an “unconventional yet moving grief drama” by Variety is set to hit the big screen soon.
Based on Helen Macdonald’s bestselling memoir, the film follows Helen, a woman grappling with the loss of her father, Alisdair Macdonald, portrayed by Brendan Gleeson.
Other stars such as Sam Spruell, Josh Dylan, Denise Gough, Lindsay Duncan, Emma Cunniffe and Arty Froushan also feature in the film.
The much-anticipated movie, H is for Hawk, will be released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on 23 January 2026, with a new trailer now available for viewing.
Overwhelmed by grief, Helen finds solace in memories of exploring the natural world with her father, reports the Express.
She becomes fixated on the idea of training her own goshawk, introducing us to Mabel.
The synopsis further reveals: “As she labours to tame Mabel, a grieving Helen undergoes an untaming of her own.”
H is for Hawk is a record of a spiritual journey, a story about memory and nature and how it might be possible to reconcile death with life and love.
The drama has already received positive feedback following its premiere at the 52nd Telluride Film Festival in August, boasting a Rotten Tomatoes score of 82%.
Geek Vibes Nation commended the lead cast, stating: “Foy’s emotionally resonant performance is a genuine depiction of grief, while Gleeson anchors the movie with his tender and engaging acting.”
Next Best Picture also chimed in, adding: “Whatever one makes of the title, Claire Foy’s performance alone is reason enough to see it.
“She soars in a role that proves once again why she is among the finest actors working today.”
The Hollywood Reporter concluded: “As an appreciation of birds and our connection to them, it’s engrossing and endearing — a fresher take, certainly, than yet another weepie about dog or cat owners.
“But as an exploration of grief, it’s hindered by a 128-minute run time.”
H is for Hawk will be hitting UK and Ireland cinemas on January 23.
An upcoming nuclear war thriller starring an A-list actress is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s best new films of the year
Netflix fans get ‘chills’ over trailer for star-studded nuclear war thriller(Image: NETFLIX)
Netflix subscribers have been going wild for a heart-racing trailer teasing what could be one of the best new films of 2025.
The political thriller from acclaimed director Kathryn Bigelow recently premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where it received an incredible 11-minute standing ovation.
Led by Mission: Impossible star Rebecca Ferguson alongside a packed supporting cast of A-listers, A House of Dynamite is a must-watch when it premieres on the streamer this October.
Ferguson portrays Captain Olivia Walker, a communications point for the US Armed Forces who scrambles to respond to an incoming nuclear missile heading towards Chicago.
Idris Elba portrays the President of the United States, with Gabriel Basso, Jared Harris, Tracy Letts, Anthony Ramos, Moses Ingram, Jonah Hauer-King, Greta Lee and Jason Clarke filling out the stellar cast.
This pulse-racing thriller imagines the real-life response to a nuclear threat(Image: NETFLIX)
A House of Dynamite is filmmaker Bigelow’s first film in almost a decade following her acclaimed 2017 historical drama Detroit. She has previously released hit films such as Point Break and Zero Dark Thirty.
The first trailer for the film dropped this Wednesday (3rd September) and film fans are already getting goosebumps over this timely take on an impending nuclear disaster.
One YouTuber user raved in the comments: “Probably Netflix’s best trailer.
“They showed just enough for me to not know what’s going on, but pulls me in enough to want to watch to see what happens.”
“That is an example of a fantastic trailer, I get the concept but know nearly nothing more and still managed goosebumps. Wow,” someone else gushed.
Another fan claimed: “Possibly the best trailer I have ever seen. Can’t wait to watch this!”
Kathryn Bigelow’s highly anticipated new film received an 11-minute standing ovation(Image: NETFLIX)
Watch Wednesday on Netflix for free with Sky
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Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan.
This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Wednesday.
Viewers have also praised the decision to use a sample of scientist Carl Sagan’s Pale Blue Dot to narrate the trailer.
“As soon as I heard Carl Sagan the tears started to fall and I will be there in theaters opening weekend!” someone exclaimed.
Another said: “This is how a Netflix trailer should be, not long that it spoils the whole movie. That Carl Sagan Voiceover is chilling.”
While another fan was particularly impressed by the taste of the film’s score, replying: “Volker Bertelmann giving us chills yet again. Wow. What a trailer.”
The thriller currently has an impressive 89 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, so it’s definitely one to add to the top of your Netflix watchlist this autumn.
A House of Dynamite will be released Friday, 24th October on Netflix.
Ted Lasso fans are going wild as one of the show’s biggest stars is taking on a brand new role that’s worlds away from the plucky football comedy
Ted Lasso star Brett Goldstein is nothing like his iconic grumpy footballer Roy Kent in a heartwrenching trailer for an upcoming sci-fi drama film.
Helmed by one of the directors of Black Mirror, William Bridges, who co-wrote the film with Goldstein, All Of You is led by the star opposite Imogen Poots in a decades-spanning romance for the ages.
Set in the not-so-distant future, the AppleTV+ film follows two best friends from college who drift apart when one of them takes a test that promises to find your soulmate.
Their lives still cross over the years and they’re forced to confront their unspoken feelings.
An official synopsis for the film reads: “Best friends since college, Simon (Goldstein) and Laura (Poots) drift apart when she takes a test that finds her soulmate despite years of unspoken feelings between them.
Brett Goldstein is nothing like his iconic footballer Roy Kent in his new film(Image: APPLE TV+)
“Over the years, as their paths cross and diverge, neither can deny the feeling that they’ve missed out on a life together.
“Faced with the uncertainty of changing the course of their lives, are Simon and Laura willing to risk everything to experience the love that had been between them all along, or should they accept their fate?”
The trailer, released this week, has already received a rave response from fans who are eager to see the Ted Lasso favourite taking on a new role.
One fan predicted a stellar performance from the leading man: “Brett Goldstein’s ‘face acting’ is next level.
“He can perform an entire, silent dialogue with just one look. It’s so good to see him in a role like this.”
While another quipped: “It’s so weird to see Roy Kent be friendly and not growl every 5 seconds.”
For those still not quite convinced by the tear-jerking trailer, the film has already received critical acclaim after its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last September.
Get tissues prepared for this soft sci-fi romance coming very soon(Image: APPLE TV+)
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It currently stands at an impressive 83 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics warning fans to have tissues at the ready.
Entertainment Weekly called it a “weepie of the highest order”, adding: “It’s familiar fodder for romantic drama, but it’s of the highest caliber thanks to its sharp script and devastating central performances.
“Watching All of You is like pressing on a bruise, and ooh, baby, it hurts so good.”
Awards Buzz declared: “Goldstein and Poots are both terrific and would certainly be deserving of Golden Globe nominations.”
While Matt Neglia raved: “ALL OF YOU just emotionally soothed and wrecked my heart.
“An aching adult drama about the choices we make, the regrets we feel, and whether or not we actually have soulmates out there for us in the world.
“I adore adult romantic dramas where the conflict doesn’t feel manufactured & the characters behave like adults. I got plenty of that here with two heartfelt & endearing performances from Brett Goldstein & Imogen Poots.”
Are you ready to get your heart broken by All Of You? There’s just a few more weeks to wait before this devastating drama hits screens.
All Of You premieres Friday, 26th September on Apple TV+.
Ecuador in South America is a country steeped in culture, rich in history and bursting with natural beauty – yet it doesn’t see many tourists. Here’s why it should be on your list
Early morning mist lingers in a valley below Mount Chimborazo in central Ecuador(Image: STEVE ALLEN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY via Getty Images)
Fancy a getaway to an under-the-radar destination? Though bursting with cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, the South American gem of Ecuador tends to slip under the tourist radar but truly deserves a spot on your bucket list.
In 2023, Ecuador welcomed just shy of 1.5 million wanderers to its shores. In comparison, with a whopping 125 million holidaymakers flocking to Spain in the same timeframe, Ecuador certainly isn’t topping the charts as a travellers’ favourite. Yet, adventure gurus from Adventure Life have dished out all the insider info on why you should be writing Ecuador into your next adventure itinerary, reports the Express.
“The archipelago consists of 19 islands and numerous smaller islets, each offering a unique glimpse into nature’s unparalleled creativity, as this unique ecosystem hosts a variety of species not found anywhere else in the world.”
The Galápagos Islands promise remarkable encounters with the animal kingdom – snorkel alongside playful sea lions or watch in awe as giant Galápagos tortoises roam their native turf. Curious explorers can join expert-guided excursions, delving into the mysteries of the islands and their extraordinary residents.
Playa Cerro Brujo on Ecuador’s Isla San Cristobal (Image: photography by Ulrich Hollmann via Getty Images)
A volcanic past has sculpted the islands into an extraordinary geological tapestry, from Sullivan Bay’s black lava flows to Bartolomé Island’s spatter cones – the terrain is as diverse as its furred and feathered inhabitants.
Rainforest
The Ecuadorian Amazon, a treasure trove of biodiversity, offers guided tours through its lush greenery where visitors can marvel at exotic orchids, ancient towering trees, and an array of wildlife including vibrant macaws and the elusive jaguar.
Tourists have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of the Amazon’s inhabitants, learning about their use of rainforest resources, traditional cuisine, and age-old ceremonies.
For the more adventurous souls, there are options to kayak along serene rivers, trek jungle paths, or zip-line across the rainforest canopy.
Nature
Nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike can ascend the formidable Cotopaxi volcano, one of the planet’s highest active volcanoes, or traverse the Quilotoa Loop with its breathtaking volcanic crater lake.
Adventure Life highlights the cultural vibrancy of the Andes, especially during the many festivals that dot the calendar. “The Andes are also alive with cultural richness, evident in the numerous festivals that fill the calendar. One of the most vibrant is the Inti Raymi, or Festival of the Sun, which celebrates the Inca sun god and marks the winter solstice with music, dancing, and ritual ceremonies,” they say.
Views over Ecuador’s capital Quito(Image: John Coletti via Getty Images)
A trip to the Andes wouldn’t be complete without delving into its market towns. Otavalo boasts one of South America’s largest and most renowned indigenous markets, brimming with handcrafted textiles, jewellery, traditional musical instruments, and artwork.
History
“You can explore significant architectural landmarks such as the ornate La Compañía de Jesús, which is adorned with gold leaf interiors, and the imposing San Francisco Church, which houses masterpieces of the Quito School of Art.”
Quito’s vibrant culinary scene is another highlight, offering everything from upscale restaurants that showcase local staples like Andean potatoes and exotic Amazonian fruits to street vendors serving up traditional empanadas and hornado.
The capital’s proximity to nature is best experienced at the nearby TelefériQo. The cable car provides stunning views over the city and ascends towards hiking paths on the Pichincha Volcano’s slopes.
“Ecuador seamlessly blends a rich history, unparalleled natural beauty, and vibrant cultural expressions into a journey that feels both timeless and essential,” according to Adventure Life.
“For those looking to explore beyond the familiar, Ecuador presents an unmatched choice of activities and scenery in which to immerse yourself.”
The 79-year-old actress will debut her new film, Dragonfly, at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in August, after it was met with glowing reviews at Tribeca
Vera’s Brenda Blethyn(Image: ITV)
Brenda Blethyn is set to star in the gripping new thriller Dragonfly, a far cry from her iconic role as DCI Vera Stanhope, with the film set to premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in August.
The movie follows the story of Colleen, played by Andrea Riseborough, who takes it upon herself to care for her elderly neighbour Elise, portrayed by Blethyn, amidst concerns that the professionals are not doing an adequate job.
However, it remains to be seen whether Colleen has ulterior motives or if those around her are simply making unfounded judgments.
The film boasts an all-star cast, including Jason Watkins as John, Sandra Huggett as Mary, and Lolly Jones as Jane.
Having garnered widespread critical acclaim at Tribeca, Dragonfly has already achieved an impressive 92% approval rating, reports the Express.
Brenda Blethyn in the new thriller Dragonfly(Image: Tribeca Film Festival)
Since her departure from the hit series Vera, the 79 year old actress has gone on to take on a string of exciting new projects, including the highly anticipated historical comedy Fools.
Directed by Paul Andrew Williams, Blethyn’s latest venture has been hailed as a “stark, fierce and wonderfully acted film” by The Guardian.
The Film Stage praised the film, saying: “Williams and his brilliant cast create a film that is equal-parts tender and shocking, turning horror tropes on their head.”
NYC Movie Guru lauded Blethyn’s performance as award-worthy, adding: “What begins as a slow-burning and tender drama with shades of Mike Leigh turns into a dark and gripping Hitchcockian thriller.
“Brenda Blethyn and Andrea Riseborough give powerful and Oscar-worthy performances that ground the film in raw authenticity.”
Brenda Blethyn at the TV Choice Awards 2025(Image: Getty)
Brenda’s latest role comes almost a year after she was spotted filming her final scenes for Vera in Newcastle.
ITV left fans heartbroken when they announced in spring 2024 that the beloved detective drama would conclude this year, following a triumphant 14-year run.
The plot summary for Dragonfly is as follows: “Disgusted with the state of care that her elderly neighbour Elsie is receiving, Colleen offers to help for free.
“Over tea and through trying moments, the pair become trusted confidants despite their differences. But Colleen’s intentions may not be exactly as they seem. As suspicions grow, a shocking act triggers a violent chain reaction that threatens to irreparably alter the lives of both women.”
Dragonfly will premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in August.
EXCLUSIVE: Renowned DJ, Judge Jules, has opened up about his appearance on The Chase’s Celebrity Specia,l which saw a historic victory for him and his co-stars
Daniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor
17:00, 21 Jun 2025Updated 21:06, 21 Jun 2025
Judge Jules had a special connection to Elstree Studios(Image: Supplied)
Judge Jules has revealed that the pressure was eased slightly during his appearance on The Chase Celebrity special, thanks to his connection with the studio. The renowned DJ appeared on the ITV special last year alongside other famous faces, including Lesley Joseph, Jenni Falconer and Patrick Kielty.
The group went up against Shaun ‘The Dark Destroyer’ Wallace in the tense rounds before eventually all four celebs were part of the final chase. It was during the final round that they managed to get one over on Wallace and walked away with a total of £200,000 to split between their chosen charities.
But while some may crumble under the intense pressure of the ITV game show, lawyer and DJ Judge Jules, 58, admits that he didn’t feel too pressured due to a connection with the studios where the show is filmed. “I’m not nervous in my normal activities, before I go on the decks or anything else related to the music business,” he exclusively told the Mirror.
Judge Jules appeared on The Chase last year alongside a string of famous names(Image: ITV)
The Londoner went on to add: “It was a little bit nervy because it’s such an unfamiliar environment. The weird thing was, it’s filmed in Elstree Studios where EastEnders is filmed, or it was when I did it anyway. My dad (Shaun O’Riordan) worked there his entire working life, so I’d been to those studios multiple times – my dad was a TV director so I think maybe that eased off the pressure a little bit.”
Jules, who will be DJ’ing across the UK and Balerics this summer, went on to add: “It’s fast moving, you meet three others who you’ve never met before, all of you are there for a common purpose, it’s quite comedial backstage but at the same time, it’s more the alien environment.
“When you’re experienced in one area and suddenly you’re thrust into this alien environment, it makes it more nervous. We earned a chunk of money for charity, which was great. It was £200,00, so it was quite a lot.” This year, fans will see Judge Jules, the nephew of Rick Stein, at Tom Kerridge’s Pub In The Park Festival, Foodies, as well as dates across Ibiza and Sheffield’s 90s Fest at Don Valley Bowl.
The world-renowned DJ will be performing across the country this summer(Image: Supplied)
“I’ve done quite a few food-oriented festivals,” he said. He went on to add: “I think the core element of the sound stage and DJ’ing is quite similar, it’s more about what’s going on around the edges. It’s one of those that, as a DJ, I might under normal circumstances turn up an hour before, do my set and then probably go reasonably soon afterwards if I’ve got somewhere else to go, whereas I would make a day of it because there’s so much more to do.”
Jules explained that he faced difficulties last year after taking part in a live cooking demonstration on the stage, which was “very comedic”. Last summer, he and his wife were also judges on a cocktail-making stage just before he took to the stage himself. “It’s a unique day out,” he joked.
Away from his music career, Jules is the world’s only active entertainment lawyer and artist(Image: Supplied)
He said: “It’s the perfect thing for the more senior music business person to go and do. It’s such a varied experience. There is more than just food stalls, there’s comedy, there’s music, it’s an amazing experience.” Reflecting on dance music taking centre stage at festivals this year, with Reading and Leeds Festivals bringing the Chevron Stage back, he said: “It’s a different immersive action at a festival, dance, music. I’m the ultimate salesperson for it, and I don’t really know any different. I’m truly institutionalised by the experience of sort of dance floors.”
Having been in the industry since the Eighties, it’s fair to say that Jules has seen his fair share of odd moments. One memory that sticks out to him during the vinyl era was one clubber running up to the decks and stealing the record, before running back through the crowd, while the record was actually playing.
His ultimate highlight, though, is doing a job he would pay others to do. “I will always be mindful of how lucky I am,” he explained. He added: “Anybody who’s had any degree of success in the arts will have had certain lucky breaks along the way – that’s just facts, whether people choose to admit it or not. And I’m very humbled and just so grateful to do what I love doing. Sadly, there are plenty of people out there who don’t enjoy what they do to make a living.”
Jules was just 16 when he started, though, explaining he had a “slow trajectory” towards his success. He does, however, know musicians who have been propelled to global fame at the start of their career and admits it can be a “difficult process.”
Away from his music career, Julius O’Riordan is also an active lawyer, mainly centred around electronic music, making him the only active artist and entertainment lawyer. “It’s a very unique viewpoint,” he said. Jules added: “To be a successful artist, you need to be a little bit selfish – hopefully not to a really intolerable extent.
“I think when you become an entertainment lawyer, whilst my experience in the music industry has got me quite a lot of work as a lawyer, the tables are entirely turned. I have to be humble, they’re not interested in my war stories, they’re interested in how my experience can play out in the advice and guidance that I give to them, that’s been really good for me as a person, I think.”
A HIGH street retailer will issue a refund for any used tent it sells over the summer, in a boost for campers and festival goers.
Decathlon has pledged to offer a full gift card refund for the return of every tent it sells to encourage people not to abandon them.
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Decathlon will give a full refund to customers who return their tents this summerCredit: Google
Customers must purchase a tent online or in store between June 9 and September 14 to qualify.
Shoppers need to return it with proof of purchase before September 14, to receive the full purchase value back in the form of a Decathlon gift card.
The retailer said this is regardless of how much they used the camping tool.
Customers must also be a Decathlon member at the time of purchase, which is free to sign up for.
The scheme started in 2023, but this year has been upgraded to include every Decathlon brand tent across both its Quechua and Simond ranges.
A Quechua four man tent can cost £199 at the retailer.
Tonnes of waste and tents are abandoned at festivals every year, which can put huge strain on the environment and those required to clean up the mess.
A typical single-use tent contains as much plastic as 9,000 straws or 200 bottles.
Decathlon UK sustainability leader Chris Allen said: “By making it easy and rewarding to bring tents back, we’re not only reducing waste across all camping activities, but also creating a vital supply chain for our Second Life programme, making quality outdoor gear accessible to even more people.
“This is about driving systemic change and changing camping culture for the better.”
Waterpark to have Wave Festival this summer
Broadcaster Vick Hope, who is supporting this year’s campaign, added: “Whether you’re dancing at Glasto, on a hilltop, or roasting marshmallows with family, your tent deserves more than one weekend of glory.
“Decathlon’s pledge is brilliant because it simplifies doing the right thing.”
End-of-life tents from previous seasons have been repurposed and transformed into oversized flags bearing the message “I’m not leaving my tent behind, you shouldn’t either”.
BECOMMING A DECATHLON MEMBER
If you want to receive a voucher for returning a tent you will need to sign up for Decathlon’s membership scheme.
This is free to do and can be done online.
Customers earn points when they spend in store, which can be then used as money off vouchers.
Shoppers also get personalised offers which are tailored to their interests.
You can find out more by visiting, membership.decathlon.com/en-GB/.
SOME of London’s biggest festivals face an uncertain future after residents won a court battle to block a major park from hosting events.
Backed by Oscar winning actor Mark Rylance, the campaign has ordered the council to confirm that events will be cancelled this summer.
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Festivals like Brockwell Live and the Mighty Hoopla might be banned from going aheadCredit: Alamy
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Lambeth residents have won a court case surrounding Brockwell ParkCredit: Getty Images
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The campaign was backed by Mark RylanceCredit: Alamy
Brockwell Park in Lambeth has long been a popular site for some of the UK’s biggest festivals.
Hundreds of thousands of Brits flock to the park every summer to attend events including Mighty Hoopla – which was set to host both Kesha and Jade Thirwall this year.
However, residents decided to fight back against the festivals after the park was left in a state they described as a “mud-bath”.
Rebekah Shaman, a member of the Protect Brockwell park group, successfully brought legal action against Lambath Council over the use of the area for events season – which kicks off on May 23.
The High Court was told that the challenge was over the council’s decision to certify the use of the land as lawful, since a change of the park’s use is allowed for 28 days per year.
Mr Justice Mold rule in Rebekah’s favour, since the park would be used as an event space for more than 28 days.
Now, events such as Brockwell Live and the Mighty Hoopla could be banned from setting up in the park.
Rebekah and her lawyers wrote a letter addressed to the council which asked if the “event has been cancelled” and ordered them to clear any fencing or infrastructure.
The draft letter from Goodenough Ring solicitors said that Brockwell Live does not have planning permission and cannot benefit from permitted development rights, and that a planning application could not be decided for at least three weeks.
The letter read: “It follows that not only do the Brockwell Live events not have planning permission, but permission cannot be obtained until after they are concluded.”
It continued: “As there is no planning permission for the Brockwell Live event, the event has to be cancelled.”
Billy McFarland Quits Fyre Fest: Festival Brand Put Up for Sale After Second Attempt Fails
Goodenough Ring has asked for a response by 10am on May 19.
A Lambeth Council spokesperson responded by saying: “We are currently assessing the impact of this judgement and determining next steps.”
Residents took Lambeth Council to London’s High CourtCredit: PA Media
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Residents have complained that the festival’s infrastructure damages the parkCredit: Getty Images
The Oscar nominated performer said: “Wonderful news. Brockwell park will be open to all for free again this summer. No walls. No trucks.
“The grass, and trees, and plants will have a chance to recover from the years of abuse.
“Now let’s help revive the beloved Lambeth country fair as it used to be, open to all. Congratulations to all who worked so devotedly to achieve this decision.
“Every small victory for nature makes a difference.”
However, the event’s cancellation is a blow to London’s beleaguered events industry.
Critics of residents’ associations have said that noise complaints have led to the closure of several major London locations.
Is there anything more like a fairy tale than thousands of glowing lanterns floating heavenward into the night? Long before the luminescent spectacle awed viewers of Disney’s 2010 film “Tangled,” real-life lantern festivals have been taking place around the world. In China, sky lanterns were first used as a means of communication in warfare during the Eastern Han Dynasty more than 2,000 years ago.
Since then, sky lanterns have taken on a more ceremonial and celebratory significance, marking occasions such as the end of Chinese New Year and the coming of spring. Yet, as wondrously beautiful as these floating mini hot air balloon launches are, the reality is there’s only a fine line — and a gust of wind — that can turn a sky lantern into a free-floating Molotov cocktail. Outlawed in many regions due to the fire risk and environmental hazards, the idea of releasing thousands of them indiscriminately into the sky literally wouldn’t fly here in Southern California, where memories of the January wildfires are all too fresh.
This is why when OC Japan Fair hosted a lantern release as part of its three-day festival at Costa Mesa’s OC Fairgrounds last month, organizers opted for a safer alternative: lantern-shaped helium-filled balloons tethered by string and lit by lithium battery-powered LEDs. I was among the hundreds of people who released their glowing boxy “lanterns” inside the OC Fair’s Hangar after a set by Japanese singer Minmi. For a few seconds, save for a piano playing a few pensive notes, there was silence. All eyes — and cellphones — were focused upward at the flickering white cubes.
“When you let go of a lantern in the air or in the water, you let go of your feelings behind it,” said attendee Charles Mendoza, who drove to the event from West Covina. Anything that’s been weighing your thoughts, “you just let it go.”
Whether you attend a lantern festival to release pent-up emotions, send a message to a loved one you’ve lost or cast a prayer into the great beyond, the experience can become a quiet moment of reflection. Here are four lantern events happening at various locations in and near Southern California until the end of the year, where, at the very least, you will be awed by the beauty and peacefulness of the idea — one that ironically started from war.
Water Lantern Festival, Crestline and Lake Elsinore
When: May 16-17
What: The Water Lantern Festival returns to Southern California. It happens Friday and Saturday at Lake Gregory Regional Park in the city of Crestline, and on Saturday only at Elm Grove Beach in Lake Elsinore. As the festival name and venues suggest, these are water lantern launches. But just like sky lantern events, they will be visually spectacular and, hopefully, spiritually impactful.
Originally launched in Utah in 2018, the Water Lantern Festival first came to Lake Gregory Regional Park in 2020 and has since expanded nationwide. Though it is a for-profit event, the festival has partnered with Water.org, an organization that helps bring clean water and sanitation to communities in need around the world.
Admission is $57.99 at the event. It includes a drawstring bag with one floating lantern kit with a lantern, tealight and marker to write your wishes, hopes or messages. Beyond the lantern release, the festival offers an array of food via food trucks, shopping, and entertainment. You are allowed to bring your own picnic and snacks, but not alcohol as the event is alcohol-free.
What: One of Los Angeles’ beloved summer traditions — the Lotus Festival — is returning to Echo Park Lake. It began in 1972 as “The Day of the Lotus,” created to highlight the contributions of Asian American communities in Los Angeles. It was renamed the Lotus Festival in 1990, and each year since, it has spotlighted a different Asian or Pacific Islander culture. The event is timed with the blooming of the lake’s iconic lotus flowers, which was once the largest outside Asia.
Last year’s celebration honored the Philippines and its L.A.-based diaspora. This year it will honor South Korea, showcasing the richness of Korean culture through live music, traditional dance, cuisine and artisan vendors.
While the highlight of the weekend is usually the Dragon Boat Races — which have drawn competitors and crowds since 1991 — the sentimental favorite is the water lantern release onto the lake. Admission is free, but details on the cost of the water lanterns has yet to be announced. Check the website closer to the date for more information.
What: This fall, Rise Festival returns for three nights at Jean Dry Lake Bed, a desolate patch of Mojave Desert (three miles from Jean, Nev.) that has been used as a filming location for “The Hangover,” “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and other movies. In its 10th year, Rise is the only sky lantern release festival on this list. But because it also features large scale art installations and a stage that sets up the night with live music, it is the Burning Man of lantern release festivals. (Though unlike at Burning Man, you can drive less than 20 miles to the Las Vegas Strip when it’s done and end your evening with a shower in a hotel room of your choosing.)
Ticket packages start at $129 for the Silver tier, which includes the lantern release ceremony, live performances on two desert stages, access to large-scale art installations, meditation spaces known as Rise Halos, two lanterns per guest, a portable cushion for desert seating, and unlimited water refills. Higher-tier packages add perks such as gourmet dining, open bar access and reserved viewing areas.
What: Celebrated for centuries in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, St. Martin’s Day honors the life of Martin of Tours, a 4th century Roman soldier turned monk and bishop. He is best known for a simple but profound act of compassion — sharing his cloak with a freezing beggar on a winter’s night. That moment of generosity defined his legacy.
When he died, his body was carried by boat along the river to Tours. Legend has it that children bid farewell by standing on the riverbank with candles to light the way. Since then lantern processions, or Laternenumzüge, became tradition, symbolizing the light and the enduring warmth of human kindness embodied by the saint.
On Nov. 9 at around 5 p.m., this tradition continues in Huntington Beach’s Old World Village. Children and families will carry illuminated lanterns through the mall while singing traditional songs sung for generations. Hosted by German School Campus of Newport Beach, this St. Martin Lantern Parade is free to attend (but a $5 donation and reserving your spot online is requested).
