Llanelli Christmas Carnival and Lights-switch on to be held November 22

There is only one week to go until Llanelli Christmas Carnival 2024 – when the vibrant parade, featuring dressed lorries, sleighs and tractors hits the streets of Llanelli on Friday, November 22.

Families from Llanelli, Carmarthenshire and beyond will come together at the town centre to celebrate and mark the countdown to Christmas and, of course, see Llanelli’s Christmas lights switched on.

The fun will begin at 4pm with the opening of the fairground rides.

Llanelli’s Christmas Carnival is one of the largest community Christmas events in Wales, and is delivered in partnership by Carmarthenshire County Council, Llanelli Town Council, Llanelli Rural Council and Llanelli Round Table with the funfair supplied by South Wales Showmen’s Guild.

Keep an eye on the Council’s social media channels for more information nearer the time.

The volunteers of Llanelli Round Table coordinate the carnival parade, with tremendous support from Owens Group, M & M Greene and Oliver Jordan Transport and confirm over 22 entries for 2024.

The carnival procession itself will leave Festival Fields, Pwll, at 6.15pm, and make its way into the town and arriving shortly after the Christmas lights switch-on at 6.45pm.

To enable the carnival to proceed, the road closure Church Street, Llanelli, from its junction with Murray Street to its junction with Gelli Onn, will start at 5.45pm and be in place until 8pm. Gelli Onn will also be closed to westbound traffic only, from its junction with Thomas Street.

A fireworks display will mark the finale of the entertainment at 7.45pm whilst the funfair will remain open until 9pm.

Announcing the Christmas lights competition winners

Every year, Carmarthenshire County Council, Llanelli Rural and Town Councils and Ymlaen Llanelli, run a Christmas lights design competition with the winning design displayed in the town.

We are delighted to announce that the 2024 winners are Frankie Rees, Maes Y Morfa School, Llanelli, is the winner of the junior category and Lucia Rees, Five Roads School, Llanelli, has been crowned the winner of the infant category. A huge congratulations to both.

Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans said:

The countdown to Christmas starts with the festive celebrations at Llanelli Christmas Carnival, which is a wonderful event that brings the whole community of Llanelli together and attracts visitors from afar  to enjoy the town’s celebrations.

I’m particularly excited to meet and congratulate the winners of the Christmas lights design competition and to see their designs brought to life.

It has taken a lot of hard work from many people over a period of months to put on a Christmas Carnival on this scale, and I am grateful for their careful and meticulous planning.”  

Llanelli Rural Council Chairman Cllr Martin Davies,

The council is once again delighted to support the annual Christmas Carnival and light switch-on event in collaboration with our partners. The event is a long standing and cherished tradition that brings the community together during the festive season. I very much hope this year, the event will offer a magical experience for everyone, from the sparkling light displays to the festive attractions that bring people of all ages together and that it lights up our town with joy and excitement and a true sense of holiday spirit in the run up to Christmas.”

Llanelli Town Council Leader Cllr David Darkin said:

As the leader of Llanelli Town Council, I am thrilled about the Llanelli Christmas Carnival 2024. This event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and showcase the best of Llanelli. With a vibrant parade, spectacular fireworks, and a host of fun activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. I look forward to seeing you all there and making this year's carnival the best one yet!"

Llanelli Carnival – A timetable for the day

• 12:00pm: Cowell Street closed
• 4:00pm: Big and small funfair rides open with lots of side stalls plus selection of hot and cold refreshments
• 5.45pm: Road closures in place for Gelli Onn westbound, Church Street and side streets.
• 6.15pm: Carnival parade leaves Festival Fields, Sandy Road*
• 7:00pm: Arrival of carnival parade in Town Hall area*.
• 7.40pm: Spectacular Firework Display ** (Town Hall Gardens)
• 9:00pm: Fun fair closes

*Please note all times and activities are subject to change. Road closures will start to take effect from 12noon, effecting town centre to traffic until around 8pm.

** Timings subject to change due to Carnival Parade

 For more up to date information on the day, check Discover Carmarthenshire