Festival of Light and the Cardigan Giant Lantern Parade.
Friday 5 December 2025.
Save the date for Cardigan Giant Lantern Parade as part of Cardigan’s Festival of Light.
This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administrated and supported by the Cynnal y Cardi Team for Ceredigion County Council. As well as the magical Christmas lights and Christmas tree organised by Cardigan Town Council, there will be a Festival Light Trail linking the town.
The Light Trail
30 Nov - 20 Dec 2025 - 4pm - 9pm
This year we’re adding lights, giant lanterns and other artworks in a Light Trail. As well as the town’s splendid Christmas lights, there will be illuminated artworks after dark.
PRESS 2025
Cardigan Giant Lantern Parade Fundraiser launched
The annual Cardigan Giant Lantern Parade preparations begin as Small World Theatre launches a fundraiser for 2025’s Eisteddfod Y Garreg Las-themed edition.
The organisers are proposing that this major local event be held on Friday 5 December, 7pm and have set themselves a £2,000 crowdfunding goal through Localgiving.
Director Ann Shrosbree said:
“We were successful with our application to Ceredigion County Council for the costs to organise and create Gwyl y Golau / Festival of Light this year. We’re proposing that we recreate the Light Trail to extend the joy of the Parade. Last year’s Trail was beautiful and included lighting up and adding giant stars to Cardigan Castle and The Guildhall. It 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. Ska and reggae bands The Chalk Outlines and Bad Bananas kicked off the appeal with a summer fundraiser on Saturday 1 August.
County Councillor Clive Davies said:
“Cardigan has come to rely on the Giant Lantern Parade happening each year. Over 300 lanterns were made last year as well as giant lanterns. The postponed event attracted 11,000 visitors despite the wintery weather! We must support our local creatives who work hard behind the scenes to make the magic happen.”
If anyone has fundraising ideas, or is keen to volunteer at the Parade, please get in touch with Sam Vicary sam@smallworld.org.uk. Anyone wishing to donate, please visit Localgiving’s site.
