It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas as Monmouth showed off its talent for organising spectacular and successful events.

The Lantern Parade on Saturday December 3, drew the crowds to see the ingenuity created at the six lantern workshops held throughout November .

The workshops, led by volunteers including town councillors, were held at the Shire Hall and The Grange and saw children and adults make lanterns out of willow and paper themed on ‘Monmouth’s History’. Artist Stephanie Reeves made a 13 foot lantern of a bee keeper - Aneirin Bryn was controlling the lantern with Ellis and Baxter directing the arms and Manon Bryn (with the lantern bee wings) guiding the way. All materials were provided free, thanks to the town council.

The annual Santa Fun Run the following morning attracted nearly 350 Santas of all ages.

Organisers wish to thank sponsors Evans of Monmouth and with their support, the Spirit of Monmouth Running Club will be donating in excess of £1,500 to charity, divided equally between St Michael’s Hospice and Monmouthshire County Council’s Children’s Services Christmas Wishes Appeal. Some of the costumes were truly impressive and prizes were awarded to the best dressed male, female, boy, girl and, new for this year, pet.