Carnival party will be biggest in town’s history

Llanelli is set to explode in to life with its famous Christmas carnival, throwing the biggest party in the town’s history.

The 20,000-plus pulling power of the biggest carnival in Wales has already seen 18 floats booked – more than any year ever before with six weeks still to go.

Executive board member for leisure Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “Llanelli certainly knows how to party. This carnival is going from strength to strength.

“It is wonderful to see the enthusiasm from the organisers and all those who attend the carnival let their hair down and welcome Christmas in style and with a panache that only Llanelli can muster.”

Carnival organiser and Round Tabler Roger Bowen said: “We have many of the regular entries and a number of enquiries from newcomers for this year’s event.

“The battle this year will be having enough lorries to go round. Owens Road Services and Greens Transport have pledged their support again but the entries are rolling in fast. We could easily top 30 floats this year making it the biggest Llanelli carnival of all time.

“We have another huge issue of providing generators for all the lorries but Andrew Scott Ltd, Port Talbot, has pledged a generator for each of the floats to make sure they are full of light. That alone is a £1,000 commitment.

“The carnival would just not be possible without the valiant support of these companies and I think it is so important that the thousands who turn up to enjoy the event are aware and can acknowledge that.”

The town’s Christmas carnival capers and fireworks spectacular explodes on Friday, November 21, sparking a three-day festive party with a craft fayre at St Elli Shopping centre on Saturday November 22 and the famous reindeer parade on Sunday November 23, starting at noon.

The carnival is organised by Carmarthenshire county and Llanelli town and rural councils, with massive support from Llanelli Round Table.

Mr Bowen said: “There has been phenomenal interest this year with schools, businesses, charity groups, streets, marching bands and baton twirlers.

“We are humbled this year with support for a float from the Field Sisters and I am sure there will be a lot of support for this courageous family not only with people attending but float entries too.”

The identical twins from Llwynhendy developed an illness so rare it was named after them – Fields Condition.

They have always been massive fans of Llanelli carnival and this year are bravely taking part to help promote awareness of an illness that they are the only people on the planet to suffer from.

If you want to enter a float contact Roger on 01554 750008