MARK it in your diaries, Friday, November 18, is the day that the carnival returns to the streets of Llanelli, starting the official countdown to Christmas in the town
People from far and wide are welcome to come together again in Llanelli to enjoy all that the carnival has to offer.
One of the largest community Christmas events in Wales, the vibrant parade, featuring dressed lorries, sleighs and tractors, will travel through the town and the official switch on of the Christmas lights is not to be missed. The fun will begin at 4pm 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 funfair supplied by South Wales Showmen’s Guild and entertainment provided by Anyone Waiting and Terry Dean.
Keep an eye on the council’s social media channels for more information nearer the time.
Anyone who is interested in entering a float in the carnival should contact Roger Bowen at Llanelli Round Table on 01554 750008.
The carnival procession itself will leave Festival Fields, Pwll, at 6.15pm, and make its way into the town and arriving shortly after the Christmas lights switch-on at 6.45pm.
To enable the carnival to proceed, 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 and be in place until 8pm.
Gelli Onn will also be closed to westbound traffic only, from its junction with Thomas Street.
A fireworks display will mark the finale of the entertainment at 7.40pm whilst the funfair will remain open until 9pm.
Announcing the Christmas lights competition winners
Every year, Carmarthenshire County Council, Llanelli Rural & Town Councils and Ymlaen Llanelli, run a Christmas lights design competition with the winning design displayed in Stepney Street, Llanelli.
We are delighted to announce that the 2022 winners are Phoebe Davies, Halfway School, Llanelli, is the winner of the junior category and Sophia Rose Walker who also attends Halfway School, Llanelli, has been crowned the winner of the infant category. A huge congratulations to both!
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 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.”
Llanelli Carnival – A timetable for the day
12:00pm: Cowell Street closed
4:00pm: Big and small funfair rides open with lots of side stalls plus selection of hot and cold refreshments
5.45pm: Road closures in place for Gelli Onn westbound, Church Street and side streets.
6.15pm: Carnival parade leaves Festival Fields, Sandy Road*
7:00pm: Arrival of carnival parade in Town Hall area*.
7.40pm: Spectacular Firework Display ** (Town Hall Gardens)
9:00pm: 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
