It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Swansea. The popular Waterfront Winterland has just returned for the festive season bringing with it fairground rides, children's rides, an ice rink and ice walk, games, a bar, and a range of food and drink stalls.
And now we're only days away from the official start of the festive season in the city as the Swansea Christmas Parade heralds in the festive season. Dancers, bands, choirs, floats, inflatables, fireworks, light-up characters, princesses, superheroes, and more will all be on display – and of course Santa on his sleigh, who will switch on the lights.
Before it all gets under way we've compiled a guide to the big event giving you an at-a-glance guide of everything you need to know from the route and all important timings to the road closures which you'll need to be aware of if you're planning on travelling in and out of the city centre. Get Swansea stories straight to your inbox with our newsletter.
When's it taking place?
This year's event takes place on Sunday, November 20, starting from 5pm.
What route will the parade take this year?
An illustrative guide has been produced by Swansea Council which shows the route the parade will take allowing spectators to get the very best position to watch the parade pass by. The designated route of the Christmas Parade will be as follows: Somerset Place, Victoria Road, Princess Way, Caer Street, Castle Bailey Street, Castle Street, High Street, Orchard Street, The Kingsway.
What will there be to see in the parade?
You'll be able to see your favourite princesses and superheroes, entertainers wearing magical light-up costumes, and community groups parading through the streets on the evening. You’ll also be able to see light-up reindeers, the princesses’ carriage, characters from the much-loved musical Frozen, and more. There will be returning parade favourites as well as new additions, lights, music, snow machines, and Santa himself.
What roads will be closed?
In order to stage the parade safely a number of road closures will be in place on the evening of the event. Where possible closures will be implemented on a rolling basis. Access for emergency services will be maintained at all times.
East Burrows Road and Somerset Place will be closed between 2pm and 8pm. There will be rolling road closures, meanwhile, along Adelaide Street, Victoria Road, Princess Way, Caer Street, Castle Bailey Street, Castle Street, High Street, Alexandra Road, College Street, Orchard Street, The Kingsway, Dillwyn Street, and Wellington Street between 4pm and 8pm.
The council say for safety, security, and to aid traffic movement in the area there will be parking restrictions and a vehicle tow-away operation taking place along East Burrows Road, Somerset Place, Princess Way, Caer Street, Castle Bailey Street, Castle Street, High Street, Alexandra Road, College Street, Orchard Street, The Kingsway, Dillwyn Street, and Wellington Street from 2pm until 8pm.
Where can I park?
The city centre has number of council car parks that are free on Sundays but East Burrows car park will be closed on the day. The council also warns that the following car parks are available for parking but will be affected by the road closures for the event between 4pm and approximately 6.30pm: Park Street East car park (SA1 3DJ), Park Street West car park (SA1 3DF), Pell Street car park (SA1 3ES), Oxford Street car park (SA1 3AZ), Worcester Place car park (SA1 1HY), Quadrant (SA1 3QR), Bae Copr Bay South (Arena) (SA1 3BX), and Northampton Lane (SA1 4EW).
Accessibility for those who need it
The council says: "There will be loud noises, flashing lights, and special effects throughout the parade – if you need somewhere a bit quieter to enjoy the parade the lower part of the Kingsway (St Helen’s Road end) plus the top of High Street and Orchard Street will be the quietest part of the route. Please be aware though that the nature of a parade means that noise and lights will be present throughout. If you have any concerns and want to discuss further please contact us at 01792 635428. An accessible viewing area will be available on Princess Way and Orchard Street."
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