Opening night: where to stand for the lights

The lantern parade gathers on the Corn Exchange steps at 17:30 and the lights go on at six (sample).
The steps fill first. With a buggy or a wheelchair, the step-free area by the fountain has the clearest view of the big tree. The stage side has the brass band but the biggest crowd.
Lanterns to borrow are at the information hut from 17:00. Trams run every five minutes until 23:00 that night.