Mark it in your diaries, Friday 18th November is the day the carnival returns to the streets of Llanelli, starting the official countdown to Christmas in the town.
One of the biggest Christmas community events in Wales, the lively parade, featuring dressed up trucks, sleighs and tractors, will travel through the town and the official Christmas lights switch on is not to be missed. The fun will begin at 4:00 pm 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 fair provided by the South Wales Showmen’s Guild and entertainment provided by Anyone Waiting and Terry Dean.
Organizers say anyone interested in entering a carnival cruise should contact Roger Bowen at Llanelli Round Table on 01554 750008.
The carnival procession itself will leave Festival Fields, Pwll, at 6.15pm and enter the town, arriving shortly after the Christmas lights switch on at 6.45pm.
To enable the carnival to go ahead, Station Road and Church Road in Llanelli will be closed from the junction with Murray Street to its junction with Gelli Onn from 5.45pm to 8pm.
Gelli Onn will also be closed to westbound traffic only, from its junction with Thomas Road.
A fireworks display will mark the finale of the entertainment at 19:40, while the fun fair will stay open until 21:00.
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 further afield to enjoy the spectacular parade.
“Many people work hard to organize an event of this scale, with months of planning involved. It promises to be a great event this year and will end with a fireworks display.”
Llanelli Carnival – A schedule for the day
(time may change)
- 12.00pm: Cowell Road closed
- 4pm: Fairground rides big and small open with lots of side stalls plus a selection of hot and cold drinks
- 17:45: Road closure for Gelli Onn westbound, Church Road and side roads.
- 6.15pm: Carnival parade leaves Festival Fields, Sandy Street
- 19:00: Arrival of the carnival parade in the City Hall area.
- 19:40: Spectacular display of fireworks ** (Town Hall Gardens)
- 21:00: Fun fair closes
