People looking forward to attending this Sunday’s Christmas parade in Swansea city centre are being urged to plan ahead.
It will feature a vibrant mix of local community groups, dancers, bands, choirs, floats, inflatables, light-up characters, princesses and superheroes – all joining Santa Claus to switch on the city centre’s Christmas lights.
The council is encouraging those planning to attend to check arrangements beforehand as some roads will be closed to allow the parade to start at 5pm.
The parade will start from Victoria Road with an anticipated finish time of approximately 6.30pm at the end of the Kingsway.
Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “To enable a safe procession it’s necessary to close some roads. We’re advising people to plan ahead and arrive early.”
The parade route is: Victoria Road, Princess Way, Caer Street, Castle Bailey Street, Castle Street, High Street, Orchard Street, The Kingsway.
Road closures will include East Burrows Road and Somerset Place from around 2-8pm and Bellevue Way from around noon- 9pm.
There’ll be rolling road closures from around 4-8pm on a number of roads. Diversions will be signposted.
Parking will be available at city centre car parks. Two park and ride car parks will operate – Fabian Way and Landore. Buses will leave every 15 minutes from 2-5.15pm from both park and ride sites. After the parade, buses will run continuously until 8pm. There’ll be additional buses running back to the park and ride car parks. Motorists should note that both park and ride sites will be locked overnight.
Throughout the parade there’ll be loud noises, flashing lights and special effects. For those who need somewhere a little 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 parts.
Those with concerns about noise and lights in the parade and want to discuss further, please phone the council – 01792 635428.
An accessible viewing area will be available on Princess Way and Orchard Street. Accessible toilets and limited seating will be available.
Stay safe wristbands will be available. They can be picked up by parents and guardians on the night from a number of sources, including the LC, Pump House, National Waterfront Museum, Waterfront Winterland, First Cymru park and ride buses and event stewards. Further details will appear nearer the event on EnjoySwansea social media.
Stephen Williams, sales director of wristbands sponsor Consumer Energy Solutions, said: “As a Swansea company, our focus is on keeping the local community warm and safe this winter.
“We’re delighted to sponsor the stay safe wristbands for the Christmas parade this year and have no doubt that it’ll be a great event to kick off the festive season.”
