Musicians and giant lanterns led hundreds of people through the town and into Cardigan Castle to the delight of thousands of spectators at a ‘fantastical’ Lantern Parade on Friday evening.
Cardigan's mayor Sian Maehrlein and the mayor’s escort David Maehrlein were in attendance at the revival of this year’s major event created by Cardigan-based Small World Theatre which mark the start of the festive season.
In the run up to the event, the parade received funding from Cardigan Town Council, Ceredigion County Council and Leafed Through community bookshop.
A public campaign to raise £2,000 began in October to cover the cost of lantern making materials and by the end of November, the target had been reached. Over 80 donations from local people ensured that lantern making workshops were free in November. Small World Theatre worked with pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Aberteifi and Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi to add more spectacle to the parade.
"We're all delighted to see the Cardigan Giant Lantern Parade return.' said Councillor Elaine Evans. "It is the cherry on the cake for this bustling town, and for a lot of people this will be the highlight of their Christmas. Congratulations to Small World Theatre and the community."
The Parade left Pendre at 7pm accompanied by musicians and processed along the High Street and into the grounds of Cardigan Castle, where there were fire jugglers, delicious food and drink supplied by Kitchen 1176, and a fireworks display.
Fifteen giant paper and willow lanterns were inspired by the 'Fantastical Beast' theme including a minotaur, griffin, boar, phoenix, rainbow, dove, and a life-size baby elephant puppet made by Small World Theatre. With Space to Create artists lending a hand at the event and creating a beautiful swan and a unicorn. Other large lantern creatures were made by Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi's sixth formers as well as a beautiful show of pyramid lanterns by pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Aberteifi.
This year 'upmarket' Cardigan was named by The Times as one of the prettiest towns for Christmas shopping. Last weekend saw the switch-on of the Christmas lights and Cardigan's independent cafes, shops and galleries transformed their windows into winter wonderlands to welcome shoppers.
Small World Theatre director Ann Shrobree said: “Let's hope that the resounding success of this year's Parade is recognised, and we get the support we need to make this an annual event.
“Thanks to everyone who helped; stewards from Cardigan Show and Barley Saturday Committees, Cardigan Castle, Cardigan Town Council, Cardigan's traders, musicians, performers, volunteers, St John's Ambulance and so many more. Well done everyone – you were all stars!”
