Father Christmas will return to Swansea this year for his traditional parade that heralds the start of the festive season.
The city centre procession, organised by Swansea Council, will take place on Sunday 20 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.
Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “Christmas is one of the most important times of year for the city centre.
“Santa’s arrival in the parade to switch on the lights is just the right kind of curtain-raiser to get people in the festive mood.
“We’re aiming to create a real carnival atmosphere full of light, music and dancing, featuring professional performers, local community groups and everyone’s favourite fairy tale and movie characters.
“With the cost of living crisis continuing to hit local families I hope they can take some comfort in this fantastic free spectacle.”
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 reindeers that seem to float in the air and magical Winter Wonderland Birds, whose moods change with the lights and music.
They will be joining hundreds of people from Swansea’s communities who will be picking up the festive spirit and sharing it with thousands of onlookers expected to be there.
Cllr Francis-Davies said: “It’s less than a month to the parade and we’ll have some more announcements before the big day.”
One of South Wales’ leading car dealers, Nathanial Cars, is one of the commercial supporters of the parade. It is providing vehicles for the floats.
Group manager Nathan Griffiths said: “We’re honoured to be part of this year’s Christmas festivities. Swansea has a special place in our hearts and we have a loyal customer following in and around the city.”
Swansea’s 2022 Christmas Parade will take place from 5pm on November 20. 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.
