West Cemetery Lantern tours return with new twist early in October

West Cemetery is the site of this year's Lantern Walk. | R. Carter

Posted By: David Fortier September 18, 2024

This West Cemetery Lantern tours return this year with a new twist, an open dress rehearsal prior to the real thing.

The event, sponsored by the Bristol Cemetery Commission and the Bristol Historical Society, are guided walking tours of the cemetery that begins early evening at dusk and continue until darkness falls.

“This is an engaging way to spend and evening and learn a little Bristol history,” the announcement from BHS reads.

During the walk, participants encounter notable cemetery “residents,” in period costumes performed by local actors who share parts of their life stories.

The walking tours will be held Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5 and 6, at West Cemetery at 6 p.m., 6:20 p.m., 6:40 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:20 p.m., 7:40 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The rain date for both evenings will be Oct. 12. If the rain date comes into play, those who have signed up will be notified by email. The change will be posted on the BHS website and Facebook page, as well.

The suggested donation for the tours is $10. Reservations for the tours are required and can be made online via Sign Up Genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4AA9AA2DA7F58-51412733-west
or by emailing president@bristolhistoricalsociety.org.

New this year is the dress rehearsal for those who prefer to view the reenactments indoors on Thursday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Bristol Historical Society on Summer Street.

Refreshments, programs with information about the historical figures portrayed and a question-and-answer period are included. Suggested donation for the dress rehearsal is $10.

Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (860) 583-6309 or emailing president@bristolhistoricalsociety.org.

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