Date set for Llanelli Christmas Carnival and lights switch-on

Mark it in your diaries, Friday, November 18, is the day that the carnival returns to the streets of Llanelli, starting the official countdown to Christmas in the town

One of the largest community Christmas events in Wales, the vibrant parade, featuring dressed lorries, sleighs and tractors, will travel through the town and the official switch on of the Christmas lights is not to be missed. The fun will begin at 4pm with the opening of the fairground rides.

The celebrations are a joint effort by Carmarthenshire County Council, Llanelli Town Council, Llanelli Rural Council and Llanelli Round Table with the funfair supplied by South Wales Showmen’s Guild and entertainment provided by Anyone Waiting and Terry Dean.

Organisers say that anyone who is interested in entering a float in the carnival should contact Roger Bowen at Llanelli Round Table on 01554 750008.

The carnival procession itself will leave Festival Fields, Pwll, at 6.15pm, and make its way into the town and arriving shortly after the Christmas lights switch-on at 6.45pm.

To enable the carnival to proceed, Station Road and Church Street in Llanelli will be closed from its junction with Murray Street to its junction with Gelli Onn from 5.45pm until 8pm.

Gelli Onn will also be closed to westbound traffic only, from its junction with Thomas Street.

A fireworks display will mark the finale of the entertainment at 7.40pm whilst the funfair will remain open until 9pm.

Carmarthenshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Gareth John said: “The Llanelli Christmas Carnival is the highlight of the year for thousands of families from the town and for those who travel from beyond to enjoy the spectacular parade.

“Lots of people work hard to put an event of this scale on, with months of planning involved. It promises to be a great event this year and topped off with a fireworks display.”

Llanelli Carnival –  A timetable for the day

(timings subject to change)

• 12:00pm: Cowell Street closed
• 4:00pm: Big and small funfair rides open with lots of side stalls plus selection of hot and cold refreshments
• 5.45pm: Road closures in place for Gelli Onn westbound, Church Street and side streets.
• 6.15pm: Carnival parade leaves Festival Fields, Sandy Road
• 7:00pm: Arrival of carnival parade in Town Hall area.
• 7.40pm: Spectacular Firework Display ** (Town Hall Gardens)
• 9:00pm: Fun fair closes