Lantern event added to Shinju schedule

Hundreds of glowing lanterns are expected to be released at Cable Beach next Friday as part of a poignant sunset tribute ceremony being organised during the Shinju Matsuri Festival.

The Floating Lantern Matsuri invites people to honour loved ones who have died by dedicating, lighting and setting afloat a lantern in their memory.

Carrying prayers, wishes for peace and messages of hope to commemorate friends, relatives and unknown victims, the lanterns offer gratitude for life, recognising the spirit of friendship and love.

The event is also being held as a tribute to male and female pearl divers who lost their lives off the coast of Broome over the past century.

Everyone is encouraged to create their lantern leading up to the event and come together before sunset at 5pm at Cable Beach to float the lanterns towards the horizon with the outgoing tide.

Workshops will be held all week at the Sun Pictures information booth from 10am to 4pm, and later into the evening at the festival opening and Mardi Gras concert.

Lantern-making packs cost $10 each and include a Shinju Matsuri canvas bag, base and keel, a lantern for you to leave your individual message on the outside and a kids DIY lantern.

Lanterns are available to purchase online at www.shinjumatsuri.com.au.