Swansea Christmas parade a huge success

They enjoyed the free Swansea Council event that featured a vibrant mix of local community groups, dancers, bands, choirs, floats, inflatables, light-up characters, princesses and superheroes.

Santa Claus was there too, switching on the city centre’s Christmas lights.

Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said:

“Those who weren’t in the festive mood before the parade, definitely are now! The parade – another free annual event provided by the council – was a great spectacle once again.

“It was one of Swansea’s biggest Christmas parades, attracting a massive crowd, and it was hugely well received by those who attended.

“Many Swansea groups and communities took part and I thank them all for their input and hard work in helping to make it a success.

“We had some excellent commercial acts in the parade but what really made it so special and unique was seeing so many Swansea people going to so much effort and thoroughly enjoying themselves in the process.

“I also thank all the event sponsors for their support for the parade.

“The Christmas countdown for Swansea really has started!”

Other festive attractions will help make this a fun-filled Swansea season. Waterfront Winterland next to the LC on Museum Park is already open. Run by Sayers Events, it offers an ice rink, fun fair attractions, big wheel and the Alpine Village food and drink area.

Lights in the city centre include colour-changing light features in the trees along Oxford Street and Wind Street. There are illuminated icicles around building canopies on Oxford Street, Whitewalls and Union Street. Lamppost columns around the city centre are lit with 2m-high gold and silver items.  

The city centre’s outdoor Swansea Christmas Market is due to run from November 24 to December 20. It’ll feature talented crafters, traditional traders and street food vendors. Festive chalets along Oxford Street, Whitewalls and Portland Street will offer unique gifts, tempting treats and beautiful decorations.

The Caroler’s Cabin, in Portland Street, accompanies the Christmas Market and will host a festive entertainment programme including school choirs and live music. A Mistletoe & Markets event on November 25 at the cabin and in Swansea Market will bring live entertainment, street performers and special characters from 11am-4pm.

Grand Theatre panto Cinderella is due to run from December 9 to January 7. Stars include TV favourites and dancing duo AJ & Curtis Pritchard plus Swansea panto legend Kev Johns.

The council’s city centre Glynn Vivian gallery is running a programme of free-entry Christmas-themed events including hand-on craft sessions allowing visitors to make cards, wreaths and crafts.

Bus services will be free every Saturday and Sunday in the countdown to Christmas if the journey starts and finishes within the county boundary and starts before 7pm.

More: www.enjoyswanseabay.com.