The best Cardigan Giant Lantern Parade is to come

A spectacular lantern procession on Friday 6 December is planned in Cardigan by Small World Theatre with their river Teifi themed giant lantern sculptures and top-class local musicians Samba Doc and the Cardigan African Drummers.

Brought to you by the team at Small World Theatre, this year is set to be the best yet. A Small World artist said: “We’ve been busy making lanterns with local schools, groups and the public this month. We’re designing and making giant lanterns around the theme of the river Teifi, so expect to see a range of giant lanterns inspired by the Teifi’s abundant wildlife.

“We wanted our theme to celebrate the work to protect and restore the river by the community and through projects such as Llais yr Afon that is helping to celebrate its past, present and future. It’s such an important part of the town’s landscape.”

The parade is expected to leave Pendre at 19:00, heading along Cardigan High Street to the Quayside where there will be low noise fireworks and the Festival of Light Trail illuminations! Spectators will be met with a fire juggling display as well as food and drink supplied by Kitchen 1176 at the Quayside.

Siobhan McGovern of Small World Theatre said: “We are delighted to announce that Cardigan’s Castle is part of the Light Trail and its illuminations will be visible from the Quayside during the Parade. We also have a few extra surprises that we are sure to delight all!”

The extra Illuminations in Cardigan this year are part of the Gŵyl y Golau / Festival of Light Trail arranged by Small World Theatre. The events are made possible thanks to financial support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Cynnal y Cardi Community Fund, administrated by the Cynnal y Cardi team on behalf of Ceredigion County Council, with additional support from Cardigan Town Council.

Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, said: “Cardigan is set to host an extraordinary Christmas experience this year. Festivities begin on 30 November with the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights, a choir of local school children, and an illuminated Christmas tractor run. The Festival of Light Trail, presented by Small World Theatre and supported by Cardigan Town Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, will feature beautiful lanterns and artistic displays throughout the town. Visitors can enjoy late-night shopping, the Christmas Fair at Cardigan Castle, and a variety of events throughout December.

“This festive season promises to make Cardigan a magical destination for all.”

A free Richard Bros bus service provided by the festival is available on 6 December to bring spectators to the Parade from Aberaeron and along the coast.