Scores of people descended on the streets of Swansea on Sunday for the Christmas parade and lights switch-on.
Organised by Swansea council, the city centre came alive with an extravaganza of colour, music, dancing and the famous festive lights switch-on all under the gaze of Santa himself.
The parade featured floats, dancers, clowns and choirs, with a new route this year.
As it happened, and the best pictures from the event:
The best pictures from the Christmas parade
Here are some of our snaps from the festive event today. Thanks for staying with us, we hope you enjoyed!
Families flock to the parade
Sarah Stanton has come from Clydach today. She said: “We come to the parade every year. It’s always a great atmosphere and we are looking forward to seeing all the different floats. Our 2 year old is also very excited. (Sarah pictured with Chris Bodley and kids)
Nicole Thomas, 42, from Gowerton has been here since 11am. “We got here early to make sure there was somewhere for us to park. We come here every year. We are all looking forward to seeing Santa.”
Road closures for the event
To accommodate the Christmas Parade, the following road closures will be in place today.
From 3pm-8pm:
- Princess Way
- Caer Street
- Castle Bailey Street
- Castle Street
- College Street
- The Kingsway, to the junction with Dillwyn Street
- Dillwyn Street, to the junction of Wellington Street/Clarence Terrace
- Wind Street
From 4.30pm-5.30pm:
- Oystermouth Road (from Princess Way)
What time does it start?
So, crowds have been gathering this afternoon for the pre-event entertainment before the main event begins at 5pm.
What will be happening?
The city centre will come alive with an extravaganza of colour, music, dancing and the famous festive lights switch-on all under the gaze of Santa himself.
Santa will be starring in his very own time-travelling adventure featuring floats, dancers, clowns and choirs.
It will not be a traditional parade, Swansea council say, but the local authority said it would be spectacular thanks to the amazing special effects on show.
In total, there will be five choirs plus professional musicians and soloists. Clowns Tom and Pepe will be leading Santa’s little helpers on a merry dance.
This year, you will be able to stand anywhere along the route and have the same experience, because there will be four areas featuring entertainment.
Swansea’s community will be supporting Santa in his travelling adventures as he will be joined by dance and theatre troupes including Rising Stars Theatre Company, Mellin Theatre Arts and Dani Dee School of Dance.
They will be accompanying procession spectacles boasting amazing new technology designed to transport onlookers to Christmases past, present and future.
