LLANELLI’S BIGGEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR!

Llanelli Town Centre is gearing up for its biggest night of the year, welcoming thousands of families to enjoy the spectacular Christmas carnival and lights switch-on.

Around 15,000 people are expected to line the streets to see the largest carnival procession in Wales, featuring some of the town’s best-loved community groups and businesses.

Just before the carnival arrives, the town will be lit up in Christmas illuminations with Heart Radio breakfast stars Jagger and Woody joining dignitaries and competition winners on stage to hit the switch.

As always, there will also be a spectacular fireworks display at the Town Hall, live music and entertainment on the main stage at Spring Gardens and a huge fun fair offering rides and refreshments for all the family.

The carnival is organised by Carmarthenshire County Council, Llanelli Round Table, Llanelli Rural Council and Llanelli Town Council and has been sponsored this year by Ffos Las Racecourse. It is also supported by Llanelli Chamber of Trade, and the South Wales Showmen’s Guild.

Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Emlyn Dole, said: “Everyone talks about the Llanelli Christmas carnival – it is known as one of the best in Wales and it draws people in from all parts of Carmarthenshire and beyond. It shows what brilliant community spirit there is in Llanelli.

“Once again, we have pulled out all the stops to make this a night to remember with a fantastic carnival parade, Christmas lights, fireworks, music and a funfair – the first of many Christmas events lined up for Llanelli Town Centre over the festive season.

“We would like everyone to enjoy the celebrations, and hope that all the volunteers -especially those taking part in the parade – have a safe and enjoyable night.”

Road closures will affect the town centre from 12pm starting with the closure of Cowell Street, followed by other town centre roads from 5.30pm. Church Street, Town Hall Square and adjoining side streets will close to traffic at around 5.45pm, ahead of the carnival procession.

A rolling road block will be in place along the carnival route from 6.15pm, affecting the route into the town centre from Pwll, through the town centre, along Queen Victoria Road, Erw Road and Waunlanyrafon.

Traffic may be affected until around 8pm. Llanelli’s multi-storey car park will be open until 10pm.

For more up to date information on the day, follow live updates from @discovercarms on Twitter.

Event details (Friday Nov 20th)

4pm

• Fun fair rides open with side stalls plus selection of hot and cold refreshments
• Live music from the Carmarthenshire Big Band ensemble on the main stage, Spring Gardens
• Balloon modelling, street entertainers and more at various locations

5pm

• Live entertainment and music begins. Acts include Neil Peters, Jasmine from X Factor and Leighton Phillips

6.15pm

• Carnival parade leaves Festival Fields, Sandy Road
• Mesmerising fire act circus performances

6.25pm

• Breakfast show DJ’s Jagger & Woody from Wales’s largest radio station Heart FM take over the main stage for fun and frolics

6.40pm     

• Presentation to Christmas lights design winners on the main stage, Spring Gardens

6.45pm 

• Jagger & Woody lead the Christmas lights switch-on by the Chair of Llanelli Rural Council accompanied by the Mayor of Llanelli Town Council and Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council

7pm (timing approximate)

• Arrival of carnival parade in Town Hall area

7.40pm (timing approximate)

• Spectacular firework display commences over Town Hall Gardens

8.15pm (timing approximate)

• Carnival parade prize presentation on the main stage

9pm

• Fun fair closes

10pm

• Llanelli multi-storey car park closes