Festive fun to light up your life
HOT chocolate, mulled wine and hats and gloves at the ready, the Christmas lights switch-ons are almost upon us. From Mumbles to Pontardawe, neighbourhoods across Swansea are planning their big festive occasions - and there are many other communities a little further afield with Christmas events too.
If you have a Christmas lights switch-on in your area and we haven’t seen it, email postnews@walesonline.co.uk
1. SWANSEA When:
Sunday, November 19, from 5pm.
Where:
The city centre will once again have a festive parade which will travel up Wind Street, High Street, Orchard Street and The Kingsway before finishing in the Grand Theatre area.
A selection of floats
Info:
will take inspiration from winter and Christmasthemed movies and events, including Frozen, Snow White and Cinderella. Santa will switch on the lights close to a real Christmas tree at The Kingsway end of Princess Way.
2. MUMBLES When:
Thursday, November 22, from 5.45pm.
Newton Road. Info: A samba band will start the parade by The White Rose, and entertainment will be on a main stage by the Ostreme Hall. The road closure will allow stalls and fair rides, and Santa will be joined by the RNLI. Newton Road closes at 5pm, and the lights will be switched on at 7pm.
Last year James Hook and Wilfred Bony were guests and this year Swans captain Leroy Fer will help with proceedings, as will Badger from The Wave, plus entertainment from the Rock Choir, Fiddlesticks String Orchestra, Mum’s The Word Choir and choirs from St David’s and West Cross schools.
Where: 3. MORRISTON When:
Friday, November 23, from 4.30pm.
Woodfield Street. A Christmas market begins at 3pm, with the lights being switched on at 6pm, followed by fireworks. Entertainer Kev Johns will compere the evening, which features a children’s lantern parade, and choirs including Morriston Ladies, Morriston RFC, Morriston Phoenix, and a performance by Morriston Comprehensive School. Father Christmas will arrive on his polar express train.
Where: Info: 4. YSTRADGYNLAIS When:
Saturday, November 24, from 1pm. From The Ynyscedwyn Arms through the town to The Gorsedd. The parade is part of
Where: Info:
a day’s worth of Christmas events which begin at 10am. The Gorsedd Park will have Santa’s grotto, school choirs, Ystradgynlais Brass Band, reindeer and donkeys.
The Welfare Hall will feature craft stalls, food vendors and a funfair. The Con Club will host a choirs stage. The Sacred Heart Church will also host craft stalls. Michael Sheen, pictured above, did the duties last year.
5. KILLAY When:
Monday, November 26, from 5.30pm.
From Stephenson Road to Killay precinct.
Santa has a new sleigh, which is quicker than his old one, so adjustments should be made to viewers looking out for him. He will meet primary-aged children from Killay in his grotto.
Where: Info: 6. GORSEINON When:
Wednesday, November 28.
Lime Street. A lantern parade and fireworks. Lantern-making workshops take place in the Welfare Hall, Loughor, today and Friday November 23 from 5.30pm; and at Ty Newydd, Gorseinon, tomorrow and Saturday, November 24, from 10am.
Where: Info: 7. BISHOPSTON When:
Friday, November 30, at 6.30pm.
Bishopston Community Centre, Murton Green.
Pupils from Bishopston ward can enter a competition to be the one to switch on the Christmas tree lights. Bishopston Jazz Orchestra will provide entertainment.
Where: Info: 8. ALLTWEN When:
Monday, December 3, from 5.30pm. Alltwen Triangle. Sion Corn will be at the event, which runs until 8pm.
Where: Info: 9. PONTARDDULAIS When:
Friday, December 7, from 6pm.
Hendy Square to Dulais Glen Gardens.
The parade will be joined by a lantern parade at the Black Horse at 6.15pm. After lighting the tree Dulais Glen Gardens the parade will proceed to Dantwyn Park to light the other tree.
Where: Info: 10. PONTARDAWE When:
Friday, December 7, from 5pm.
Herbert Street, outside the Arts Centre.
Live entertainment outside the Arts Centre from 5pm to 6.30pm, with Santa’s parade at 5.30pm. A firework display will follow the switching on of the lights.
Where: Info: