Lord Mayor's column - 13th November 2019

On Monday, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, I joined the High Sheriff, Lord Lieutenant and representatives of the armed forces, emergency services, the British Legion and many more at the windswept cenotaph on Swansea sea front to remember all those who have given their lives fighting for their country, and to preserve peace and freedom throughout the world.

At the same time the Deputy Lord Mayor joined residents at the Silence in the Square commemoration at Castle Square in the city centre, which also included performances by soloists Lauren Fisher and James Oakley.

Celebrations for Swansea’s 50th anniversary as a city continue this week with four more community groups from across the city visiting the Mansion House.

Groups include Friends of Swansea Botanical Gardens, the Veterans Club, Port Tennant Community Group and Friends of De La Beche Park.

We’re aiming for 50 community groups to help us celebrate the city’s 50th anniversary, and we are well on the way to achieving this milestone.

The annual Christmas Parade and lights switch-on takes place in the city centre on Sunday. This year’s parade promises to create a real carnival atmosphere full of light, music, dancing and featuring everyone's favourite fairy tale and movie characters.

It will be a community celebration of the city’s anniversary with over 500 local young performers taking part, alongside singers, dancers, marching bands and of course Father Christmas.

Starting at 5pm, the parade will run from the Dylan Thomas Centre up Wind Street, Castle Street and High Street, into Alexandra Road, down Orchard Street and along The Kingsway.

There will be not one, but two Christmas light switch-ons in Castle Square and the Kingsway. It promises to be a great evening, and I hope you will all join me there.