SANTA will return to Swansea this year for his traditional parade that heralds the start of the festive season.
The FREE city centre procession, organised by Swansea Council, will take place on Sunday 19 November – five weeks before the big day itself.
The parade will set off from Victoria Road at around 5pm before making its way through the city centre to The Kingsway.
Santa will be performing the city centre Christmas lights switch-on; one from Castle Square and another from outside the Dragon Hotel on the Kingsway.
Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “Christmas is one of the most important times of year for the city centre.
“Excitement is already mounting as it’s now less than 2 months until the parade. We’ll have some more detailed announcements over the coming weeks. The tens of thousands of visitors who’ll be there on the day can be assured of a brilliant afternoon and evening once again this year.
“Santa’s arrival in the parade to switch on the city centre lights is just the right kind of curtain-raiser to get people in the festive mood.
“The Christmas Parade is one of our most colourful and popular events and, as always, we’re aiming to create a real Christmas carnival atmosphere full of light, music and dancing, featuring professional performers, local community groups and everyone’s favourite fairy tale and movie characters.
“It’s been a challenging year financially for many people and we’re delighted that we’re able to stage this amazing free event once again this year.”
Cllr Francis-Davies said that the community groups and organisations are always an important and key part of the parade and the council’s Events team is already in touch with many of them to discuss their participation at this year. Community groups and organisations who wish to take part in the Christmas Parade are asked to contact [email protected] as soon as possible for more information.
Also back by popular demand is Spark!, a street-theatre show which combines a high-impact drumming routine with kaleidoscopic lighting design. There will be giant light-up sea creatures that seem to float in the air and magical Winter Birds, whose moods change with the lights and music.
Swansea’s 2023 Christmas Parade will take place from 5pm on November 19. The route will start at Victoria Road before heading up Princess Way, Caer Street, Castle Street and High Street, into Alexandra Road, before heading down Orchard Street and along The Kingsway.
As in previous years, for the safety of participants and spectators, there will be a number of temporary road closures in the city centre. Full details will follow.
For more information go online and visit www.enjoyswanseabay.com
