Ammanford Christmas Lights Switch on

AMMANFORD’S Christmas Lights Switch-on will take place on Saturday November 17 in the town’s Quay Street.

Not only is Father Christmas coming to town but Ammanford is hoping to gather the largest ever gathering of Santa’s Elves.

The Switch-on event has been organised collaboratively by Carmarthenshire County Council, Ammanford Town Council and Gail Jones, liaison officer for Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd, the main contractor for the regeneration works on Quay Street.

The event is based around the annual Christmas lights switch- on event, however, this year the event has been brought forward by three weeks and the day changed to a Saturday to encourage more participation by children. The decorative Christmas lights have been supplied and erected by Alun Griffiths as part of their commitment to the community.

Carmarthenshire Radio advertising is currently on air. Radio Carmarthenshire will control the stage events and is providing some of the entertainment.

Stage entertainment will be between 3pm-6.30pm with the Christmas Lights being switched on at 5pm. A local school pupil will switch on the lights on the nine trees newly planted in Quay Street and the Mayor of Ammanford Cllr Paula Treharne will switch on the main lights.

Father Christmas will be in the Pensioners Hall from 5.30pm. Ammanford Town Silver Band will perform on stage and there will be a circus skills workshop, fire eater/juggler performance.

The Big Yellow Play Bus, a double decker bus converted into a soft play area for children aged 3-9 years, will also be in town.

Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd are organising The Guinness World Record Attempt for The Largest Gathering of Santa’s Elves. The current record is 607.

For information regarding this event please contact Gail Jones on 07966 318 171. Costumes are available to buy from Lil Alfi’s on College Street where Fiona the proprietor has kindly offered to sell the costumes at cost to support the event.

You can also email gail.jones@alungriffiths.co.uk

The events also mark the end of works in Quay Street which has been transformed well in time for Christmas and is open for business.

Whether it’s the Sunday joint or shoppers looking for gift and present ideas, the street provides a comprehensive mix of national and individual independent shops with plenty of choice for everyday purchases, Christmas and special occasion gifts, something for all the family.

The landscaping and tree planting provides a modern uncluttered street designed to meet the expectations of Ammanford traders and shoppers. The scheme has created a modern and ambient environment with more seating and green landscaping giving the street an attractive and relaxed new identity.

Police will use new CCTV cameras that cover the pedestrianised street to keep the area safe, with the further enforcement of traffic regulations. The county council is calling on traders and members of the public to help ensure that pedestrians have a safe environment to enjoy the town centre.

Carmarthenshire County Council executive board member for regeneration and leisure Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “The improvements to Quay Street together with regeneration activity will ensure Ammanford retains its vitality and helps it become a vibrant and economically successful destination.

“The aim is to ensure that the town centre, which is home to many independent traders alongside national chains, is an attraction in retaining and encouraging new people to relocate to and remain within the area.

“Quay Street, Ammanford’s busy shopping street, has been transformed in time for Christmas and is a fitting venue for the festive celebrations.”

Council leader Cllr Kevin Madge said: “I’m delighted that the new-look Quay Street is open for business in time for Christmas. That is great news for both traders and shoppers.

“Quay Street will be a better than ever venue for the Carnival and Christmas Lights switch-on.”