Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know …..
What is the Lantern Parade?
The highlight of the entire weekend is the highly anticipated lantern parade, where spectators will be treated to a flurry of colourful light displayed in multiple different forms. Anyone and everyone is welcome to join in, as long as you’re carrying a lantern!
Children under 10 need to be accompanied by an adult. NO live flames are permitted – please use a battery operated light in your lantern.
The starting point for Festival 2025 is still TBC. Please ensure that you arrive with plenty of time so that the parade can begin at 5.30pm
Remember it WILL be dark so please ensure that children have a meeting place organised in case you lose sight of them.
What can I expect at the main festival?
Everything! We’ll have lights and lanterns, open fires, music and food. There’ll be street performers and more. The parade will wind it’s way through the streets of Mansfield and finish in the festival space. Please note BYO alcohol is not permitted. The Saturday festival / parade is a NO DOGS event.
What else can I do during the weekend?
We’re updating the calendar as we go – with events and experiences from businesses in the Mansfield Shire. Stay tuned!
Weather
The festival will go ahead regardless of the weather – unless it is unsafe to do so. Please dress warmly and bring your umbrella if it looks like rain. Remember that Mansfield is located in the foothills of Mount Buller – we’re hoping there’ll be snow on the hills!
Stay up to date with alerts on the day via our Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Music
We were really excited to welcome Moto Bella Vespa to our festival for 2025 – there will be some fabulous tunes for you to dance (or sway) to throughout the night.
Access
Where can I park?
If you are staying in town, please consider walking to the festival from your accommodation.
If you need to drive, there is parking available along Highett Street and near the Botanic Gardens. Please make sure you observe all parking signs and road closures to avoid fines.
What services are available for people with a disability?
The main festival on Saturday night is located on a hard, flat surface (road and carpark). The area can become busy and crowded so we advise you to have someone with you to assist movement through the area.
Additional events throughout the weekend will have their own access information. Please contact the business provider directly.
Can I get to the festival on public transport?
Yes – V/Line run a number of coach services to Mansfield from Melbourne. For further information visit the V-Line website
Dogs
Our festival is NOT the place for your to bring your dog. It’s really busy, we have lots of food vendors and it’s not a suitable space for your fur baby.
Accommodation
Mansfield has an enormous range of accommodation options available – from high end luxury apartments to family friendly houses and caravan /camping sites and everything in between! The Mansfield – Mt Buller Information Centre runs a booking service – you can jump online www.mansfieldmtbuller.com.au or call 03 5775 7000
Food & Drink
Can I bring my own food and drink?
As a fully licensed venue, strictly no alcohol can be brought into the festival area.
Can I buy food and drink at festival?
Absolutely – Mansfield Lantern Festival has teamed up with some fabulous food and beverage operators to serve up a delicious range of food during the festival. Alternatively – grab some take away in town and bring it into the festival space. Our 2025 Vendors will be listed on our Food & Drink page as they are confirmed.
I’m a Food / Drink vendor and would like to apply to have a site at the Mansfield Lantern Festival on Saturday night.
Applications for our F& B vendors for the 2025 Event are now open via our contact page. We are not interested in fairy floss / twisty potatoes / icecream vendors. Thankyou for your interest.
Lanterns
Can I buy a lantern at the event?
You’ll need to bring your own lantern with you BUT Mansfield Primary School P & F will have glow in the dark products for purchase.
Why can’t I use a candle in my lantern?
Too many people and too high a risk for something to not go to plan. If you have an open flame, you will be asked to put it out. Bike lights make a great insert for your lantern.
Will you be running workshops so that I can make a lantern?
Yes! Keep an eye on our Events page for details on our workshops.
Everything else...
Can I bring my dog?
Pets of any kind are not permitted within the festival hub with the exception of guide dogs
Can I bring my camera?
Yes, you can – we’d love to see your photos. If you share, please use the hashtag #mansfieldlanterns
Are there any ATMs close by?
Yes – in High Street there are 3 ATMs available.
Festival Countdown
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