CARDIGAN will be transformed into a glowing winter woodland with the return of the much-loved Cardigan Giant Lantern Parade on Friday, December 11. Giant illuminated puppets, lanterns and live music will fill the streets, bringing the community and visitors together for a spectacular and creative celebration with Small World Theatre.

The organisers have decided the theme this year will celebrate the magic of the forest, with illuminated tree sculptures, extraordinary forest creature lanterns, and mysterious plants that thrive beneath the canopy. The parade will shine a light on the importance of protecting and restoring temperate rainforests, some of the UK’s most precious woodland habitats, and the restoration work taking place to help them flourish for future generations.

This year the Cardigan Giant Lantern Parade is funded by The Wildlife Trusts, Community Foundation Wales, a Healthier Communities Grant from CAVO, The National Lottery Community Fund, Cardigan Town Council and The Black Lion, Cardigan. The organisers, wish to extend their thanks and hope that a public fundraising campaign will help to meet the costs.

Local shops and businesses are invited to take part in Business Lantern Making sessions on Friday, November 20 and 27, 5.30-8.30pm, to create nature-inspired lanterns for their Christmas windows and be a crucial part of the festive Light Trail throughout December. Public Lantern Making sessions are across the weekend November 28-29, 10am-3pm. Place are sought-after and booking is essential.

The Lantern Parade on December 11 will set off from Pendre at 7pm, making its way towards the Quay accompanied by the vibrant rhythms of Samba Doc and Jake Madhatter. A low-noise fireworks display is planned for around 8pm, before the parade returns along the High Street. A lively drumming finale on the steps of Cardigan Guildhall, in front of the town’s Christmas tree, will bring the festivities to an exciting close.