Cardigan's giant lantern parade promises to be brighter than ever in 2025!
Planned to take place on Friday December 5, the organisers have this year set themselves a £5,000 crowdfunding goal through Localgiving.
'We've submitted an application to Ceredigion County Council for the costs to organis and create Gwyl Y Golau / Festival of Light, and we're proposing that we recreate the Light Trail to extend the joy of the Parade,' explained director Ann Shrosbree.
'Last year's Trail was beautiful and included lighting up and adding giant stars to Cardigan Castle and The Guildhall. And this helped make Cardigan one of the finest festive destinations in Wales in the run up to Christmas.'
Financially supporting this crowd funder will enable Small World to levy the funds to run lantern-making workshops to keep the parade at the heart of the community.
And local businesses are looking forward to joining in with yet another major event in Cardigan's bumper calendar.
'We had great fun making the otter giant lantern last year with the help of Small World's
Artists,' commented Vicky Walker who runs the popular 'Mundos' gift shop in Pendre.
' The otter took pride of place in our Christmas window, entertaining our existing customers as well as attracting lots of new ones to Mundos. A competition to 'name the otter' raised £300 for this year's lantern parade and we're delighted to see that the enthusiasm for the Parade is starting early this year.'
Ska and reggae bands 'The Chalk Outlines' and 'Bad Bananas' kick off the appeal with a summer fundraiser on Saturday August 1, and people are being urged to buy their £12 tickets in advance to avoid disappointment through Small World's website.
Also looking forward to it is Ceredigion County Councillor Clive Davies.
'Cardigan has come to rely on the Giant Lantern Parade happening each year,' he said. 'Over 300 lanterns were made last year as well as giant lanterns and the postponed event attracted
11,000 visitors, despite the wintery weather. It's important to support our local creatives who work so hard behind the scenes to make the magic happen.'
If anyone has any fundraising ideas, or is keen to volunteer at the Parade, they are asked to get in touch with Sam Vicary via sam@smallworld.org.uk.
Anyone wishing to donate, should visit Small World Theatre's website.
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