190 Lanterns Create River of Light in Gorseinon

Gorseinon saw hundreds of people line the streets to witness the community's first ever Christmas lantern parade.

Lanterns of every shape and size were created by local people in collaboration between Gorseinon College and Swansea Council's Arts for Us community arts team.

190 of them lit up the evening sky when the parade set off from the town's junior school to Argyle Gardens accompanied by a group of musicians.

And leading the way was a huge lantern in the shape of a dragon's head.

The event was organised by Gorseinon College's Community Arts Co-ordinator Nikki Neale, who said, "There was an enormous take up for these workshops, with a total of 190 lanterns created."

After it got to Argyle Gardens, the parade waited for Santa to arrive and for the Mayor of Gorseinon Cllr D Elwyn Davies to switch on the Christmas lights.

Gorseinon Development Trust Chairman Andrew Donald said, "This is the start of an ambitious programme to try to revive community spirit in Gorseinon, the enthusiastic take up of the workshops is a good indication that people are keen to be part of the regeneration of the area.

"We hope that this event will grow in future years and this can only be done in partnership with others."

Partners in this year's event are Gorseinon College, Gorseinon Town Council, Gorseinon Development Trust, Arts for Us, participating schools are Penyrheol Primary School, Gorseinon Junior School and Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontybrenin. Sponsors include the Arts Council for Wales and European Social Fund.