Llanelli's Christmas Carnival spectacular makes its grand return to the west Wales town this week marking the official start of the festive season for all those who live and work there. One of the largest community Christmas events in Wales, the yuletide extravaganza sees thousands line the streets as dressed lorries, sleighs, and tractors travel through the streets on the same night the official lights switch-on takes place.
The celebrations are a joint effort by Carmarthenshire 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. Get stories like this straight to your inbox with our newsletters.
Ahead of the event's return we've compiled an at-a-glance guide complete with the key details including the schedule, the route, road closures, and much more.
When's it taking place?
This year's event takes place on Friday, November 18. It is completely free to attend.
What does the schedule look like?
Funfair rides will open along with refreshment and side stalls in the area of Cowell Street from 4pm. Road closures will be in place from 5.45pm before the carnival parade leaves festival fields at Sandy Road at 6.15pm. It will arrive in the town hall area at 7pm. A firework display at town hall gardens will begin at 7.40pm. The funfair will close at 9pm.
Which roads will be closed?
Cowell Street will be closed from noon. To allow the carnival to proceed from 5.45pm there will be a road closure of Station Road and Church Street from its junction with Murray Street to its junction with Gelli Onn. It will be in place until 8pm. Gelli Onn will also be closed to westbound traffic only from its junction with Thomas Street.
A rolling roadblock will be in place along the carnival route from 6.15pm affecting the route into the town centre from Pwll, through the town centre, along Queen Victoria Road, Erw Road, and Waunlanyrafon. Traffic may be affected until around 8pm.
What route will the parade take this year?
The following map illustrates the route this year's carnival will take:
Where can I park?
Murray Street's multi-storey car park, the car park in Church Street, and East Gate's car park are among the closest options to park your car for the evening if you are planning on attending the event.
What's been said about it?
Carmarthenshire Council cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture and tourism, councillor 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.”
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