Monnow Street became a parade of light last Friday, 6th December, with the now firmly established annual parade of festive lanterns.

Music and spectacle welcomed the gathering crowds on the old Monnow Bridge with entertainment from Fiery Jack and the Brass Junkies and the Mari Llwyd. The parade was led off by Father Christmas, arranged specially by Monmouth Rotary for the evening.

In the square, the Rock Choir was in full voice singing carols to welcome the sea of people. After a welcome message from the Mayor of Monmouth, Kymin View and Osbaston school choirs helped to keep the atmosphere alive.

Restaurants, cafés and Monmouth’s market street food supported the event.

RS Harmony, the Harrison Trio and the Monmouth Community Choir, continued the festive singing and brought the event to a close.

The lanterns had been made at free lantern workshops, which were funded by Monmouth Town Council.

Charlotte Exton with her mum Sylvia Young and daughter Rosie Exton, made her Father Christmas lantern at the workshops. "The beard took a lot of making as did the frame, but it was all done at the workshops" she said.

The Mayor of Monmouth, Councillor Richard Roden said: "It was great to see at first hand the rather magical effect Father Christmas had on the large number of very excited young children as the sleigh made its way up to the Shire Hall.

"The great variety of lanterns showed the wonderful imagination of the children, and I look forward to next year’s event!"