More than 2,000 people celebrated the 40th anniversary of Slaithwaite Moonraking Festival.
Participants carrying over 200 lanterns inspired by the 2025 theme “Shop!” were joined by samba band Banda Na Rua, street band The Peace Artistes, clown troops of smugglers and police and beautiful illuminated dancers.
The procession starred performers, illuminated dancers and bands with people young and old, not only keeping alive an old tradition but transforming this year’s into one of the most stunning ever with the procession taking ages to pass by there were so many people in it.
Susanna Meese, chair of Slaithwaite Moonraking Festival, said: “It has been an honour and a joy to see the valley come out and celebrate our village’s Moonraking legend and its fabulous community.
“It’s been a privilege to see the hundred-strong volunteer group support this festival and the thousands of people who came out tonight to celebrate on a dark February evening.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our community and of the Slaithwaite Moonraking Festival.
“The lanterns created by families in workshops during half term week were stunning, funny, charming and truly unique!
“We saw lantern ice creams, cupcakes, apples, carrots, tea cups and teapots, a cinnamon swirl, toy cars and trains, dresses and t-shirts, moons, stars, shops and houses, a chess piece, handbags and purses, diamonds, teddy bears, eyeballs, a shopping basket and a shopping trolley, a pile of books, a bobble hat, an alien and Mr Potato Head himself!”
Moonraking celebrates a local legend in which a band of smugglers hid their illegal bounty under a canal bridge in the village.
On the night of a full moon they took their rakes and went to fish out one of the barrels of rum, but they were caught in the act by the local militia.
The smugglers avoided arrest by claiming to be out Moonraking, the reflection of the full moon being clearly seen in the water.
Slaithwaite Moonraking Festival, which first happened in 1985, takes place every two years. To support the festival in 2027 donate HERE.
Words and photos above by ANDY HIRST who runs his own Yorkshire freelance journalism agency AH! PR (https://ah-pr.com/) specialising in press releases, blogging, website content, copywriting and ghost-writing autobiographies.
Images below by: NEIL TERRY PHOTOGRAPHY and POINT OF VIEW PHOTOGRAPHY
Slaithwaite Moonraking Festival 2025 was the launch event for “Shop!” an 18-month project that marks the 100th birthday of the Carr Lane parade of eight shops in Slaithwaite village centre.
Throughout 2025 Watershed Workshops working in partnership with the Moonraking Festival will delve into the history of the eight shops that were built on Carr Lane in 1925, unearthing stories, dialogues and memories.
Local groups will research stories, and local arts and community groups will bring them to life in creative projects.
The project will include a range of exhibitions, performances, podcasts and events, and an audio trail around the village shops bringing the past to life. The project will end with an exhibition at Colne Valley Museum and a community-based celebration event.
The 2025 Slaithwaite Moonraking Festival is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Dark Woods Foundation, Kirklees Third Sector Leaders Creative Steps, University of Manchester, Kirklees Council, Wilkinson Woodward Solicitors, Ryder and Dutton, McNair Shirts, Write Out Loud, Rumpus, Innovate Orthopaedics, Globe Arts and Yes Tuition.
Additional fundraisers have been organised by A New Leaf Bookshop, Waves, Anello Pizza, Zapato Brewing, Ruddi’s, Otso Clothing, The Clay Mill, Slaithwaite Civic, Red Deer Club and Far Cry Acapella.
