It is not possible to hold the much loved Monmouth Lantern Parade this year, but we are excited to announce that the town council will be bringing some festive cheer to the centre of town this weekend.

From today, Thursday December 3, Amanda Raynor, a skilled willow weaver will be creating an Pont Gobaith or Archway of Hope on the cobbles of the Shire Hall.

You are welcome to visit and watch Amanda at work. The public are also invited to bring small willow hearts to hang from the structure.

You can bring your hearts to Amanda from today and place them in a basket provided to be added at the end.

Amanda will finish the Pont Gobaith on Saturday and the structure will stay in place over Christmas for all to admire.

Meanwhile on Saturday December 6, Father Christmas will be making an appearance and greeting the children.

If you would like your children to meet the fellow, please contact Jo, the booking elf, who would be delighted to allocate you a time slot. Please do this before the event to avoid disappointment. Jo can be contacted on 07561 107979 or [email protected].

Also there will be street entertainment to help raise the spirits of everyone on Monnow Street. The activities are fully Covid compliant and we ask that you play your part to keep everyone safe and comfortable.

The (not the) lantern parade volunteers look forward to welcoming you this weekend.