Event Details

📅 Date: Friday 20th March 2026
⏰ Time: Parade from 6:30pm
📍 Location: Coalhouse Fort, Princess Margaret Rd, East Tilbury, Tilbury RM18 8PB

Light Up Thurrock

Join us for a lantern parade from East Tilbury Primary School, followed by a magical evening at Coalhouse Fort filled with light, sound and imagination.

This years theme: The In-Between

Light Up Thurrock explores the shared moment between going to bed and falling asleep – a gentle, dreamlike threshold where light softens, time slows, and imagination takes over.

Meet from 5:45pm, before we set off together at 6:30pm, lighting the way towards Coalhouse Fort. Collect your lantern, wrap up warm, and enjoy an evening of colour, creativity, and community.

At Coalhouse Fort, experience an atmospheric programme of illuminated artworks, soundscapes, and moments to pause, explore, and enjoy the night.

Event Timeline

5:45pm – Meet at East Tilbury Primary School

6:30pm – Lantern parade departs towards Coalhouse Fort

7:00pm – Arrive at Coalhouse Fort for a spectacular dance opening

7:15pm – Light and sound experiences open once dance finishes.
– Dance will be performed twice for those that couldn’t see the first performance.

10:00pm – Event comes to a close

Site Map

FAQ

• Where does the parade start?

The lantern parade starting point is at East Tilbury Primary School
We’ll meet from 5:45pm to collect lanterns before setting off at 6:30pm

• What happen’s when we arrive at Coalhouse Fort?

Once the procession reaches Coalhouse Fort, CoDa Dance will present a large-scale performance performed by members of the local community to launch the evening.

Following this, the site will open for you to explore the illuminations and interactive artworks. The dance will be performed twice, so if you’re further back in the procession
and miss the first performance, don’t worry, you’ll have another chance to see it.

• Is there parking?

There is free parking outside East Tilbury Primary School if you are walking in the parade.
The on-site car park at Coalhouse Fort will open at approximately 7:45pm once the procession has arrived and the road closure is lifted.
The car park will be closed to the public prior to this.

• Will there be food and drink?

Yes! The Engine Room cafe will be open all evening plus we’ll have some
visiting vendors serving hot drinks and snacks.

• What will I see at Coalhouse Fort?

There’s lots to see around the site. Follow the trail and experience a range of illuminated artworks, including projections on the fort itself, interactive pieces to engage with and plenty of spots perfect for photos, making it an evening to remember.

Limited access to Coalhouse Fort 16th – 20th March

During the setup for Light Up Thurrock between 16th and 20th March,
it may be necessary to limit access to certain areas of Coalhouse Fort and the surrounding park for safety reasons.

If you are visiting the site during the day, we kindly ask that you follow
the instructions of staff and any temporary signage in place.

On the event day — Friday 20th March — the car park will close to the public from 5:00pm, with Princess Margaret Road having restricted access from 6:00pm.
The road and car park will reopen once the parade has safely passed and
arrived at Coalhouse Fort at approximately 7:30pm.

You are warmly invited to join the Light Up Thurrock parade, setting off from
East Tilbury Primary School at 6:30pm.
The site at Coalhouse Fort will reopen to visitors once the parade arrives.

We thank you for your understanding and
apologise for any inconvenience caused.