Llanelli’s big night is back with a bang

THE annual Llanelli Christmas Carnival takes place on Friday November 22, sponsored by Rainscape, Dwr Cymru.

Market stalls full of festive eats, treats and gift ideas will line Stepney Street from 9am, building up the atmosphere ready for the biggest night of the year.

Street entertainment and fairground rides will begin at 4pm with live stage acts starting at 5.45pm. Radio DJ Tommo will compere the evening, with performances by local singers.

The carnival procession will leave Festival Fields, Pwll, at 6.15pm, arriving in town shortly after the Christmas lights switch-on at 6.45pm.

The road closure of Station Road and Church Street, Llanelli, from its junction with Murray Street to its junction with Gelli Onn, will start at 5.45pm until 8pm.

This year, for the first time, Gelli Onn will be closed to westbound traffic only, from its junction with Thomas Street.

Fireworks will mark the finale of the entertainment at 7.40pm. The funfair will remain open until 9pm.

This year, the town’s Christmas lights will be switched on by Llanelli Chamber of Trade and Commerce competition winners Farah Asada of Ysgol Brynteg and Weronika Szafran-Drafc of Ysgol Penrhos, whose winning designs will be illuminated as part of the Stepney Street decorations.

Chris Jones, Dwr Cymru’s Programme Delivery Manager, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Llanelli Christmas Carnival again this year. It was great to see the winners’ Christmas light designs converted into the real size thing which will be a focal point for the carnival. Well done to Weronika and Farah.”

Timetable

9am: Llanelli Outdoor Market situated on Stepney Street

12pm: Cowell Street closed

4pm: Big, small and scary funfair rides open with lots of side stalls plus selection of hot and cold refreshments (kindly supported by South Wales Showman’s Guild). Street entertainment (various locations)

5.45pm: Road closures in place for Gelli Onn westbound, Church Street and side streets.

5.45pm: Live entertainment and music begins on the stage located outside Town Hall including with compére Tommo.

6.15pm: Carnival parade leaves Festival Fields, Sandy Road*

6.40pm: Presentation to Christmas lights design winners (Main Stage). Kindly supported by Llanelli Chamber of Trade and Llanelli BID

6.45pm: Christmas lights switch-on by the Mayor of Llanelli Town Council, the Chair of Llanelli Rural Council and the Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council

7pm: Arrival of carnival parade in Town Hall area*. Kindly organised by Llanelli Round Table

7.40pm: Spectacular Firework Display ** (Town Hall Gardens)

8.15pm: Carnival parade prize presentation (Main Stage)

9pm: Fun fair closes

*Please note all times and activities are subject to change. Road closures will start to take effect from 12noon, effecting town centre to traffic until around 8pm.

** Timings subject to change due to Carnival Parade

For more up to date information on the day, check Discover Carmarthenshire’s Facebook page fb.me/DiscoverCarmarthenshire