Festive lights will dazzle city centre

Plans are in place to make sure Swansea city centre dazzles visitors this Christmas.

Over 58,000 eco-friendly pea lights will be switched on in the trees at Wind Street and Castle Square on Sunday November 15 to coincide with the annual Christmas Parade.

More than 24,000 extra pea lights have also been installed in the trees along Oxford Street and The Kingsway and bilingual Welcome to Swansea and Merry Christmas lamppost banners will be put up along Princess Way.

Also new for 2009 will be 14 three-dimensional, bright blue LED Christmas trees which will sit on top of the lampposts along Oxford Street.

An illuminated Welcome to Swansea sign and further banners will be introduced on High Street by the railway station and LED snowflakes, roof-top icicles and lighting curtains will be switched on in other parts of the city centre as well.

Swansea's historic indoor market will once again be adorned with festive decorations.

The Christmas lights are part of Swansea Council's drive to make Swansea's Christmas the best yet and the events and activities programme has been organised to provide a stocking full of festive fun.

The Christmas Market makes a return from November 27 to December 13 and the festive French Market comes into town from December 10 to December 13.

A daily entertainment programme for children is also being planned at various locations throughout the city centre to complement the return of Waterfront Winterland in the grounds of the National Waterfront Museum from November 15.

Lisa Wells, Swansea City Centre Manager, said: "We're continuing to work our way through a programme of replacing our older Christmas light stocks with more energy efficient decorations and that means the atmosphere this Christmas will be environmentally friendly as well as festive.

"A great deal of thought goes into both the appearance of the city centre and the range of festive themed events and activities that are on offer at this magical time of year to attract as many people as possible into the area."

Cllr Chris Holley, Swansea Council Leader, said: "Everyone's thoughts tend to turn to Christmas as we approach November and the combination of decorations and attractions this year augurs well for a festive season to savour.

"Swansea City Centre is the regional shopping capital of south west Wales so it's important the Christmas experience matches the aspirations of its prospective visitors."