The northern NSW town finds solace by the banks of a river that has wrought so much destruction on it this year

Lismore’s lantern parade is a celebration of nature, to mark the passing of the longest night of winter, but the New South Wales northern rivers town has a troubled relationship with nature.

Lismore was twice swallowed by the Wilsons River this year, and that is why the festival director, Jyllie Jackson, decided the parade of mammoth electrified lanterns must finish on the banks of the river.