Heritage Christmas event set to provide a boost for Morriston business

Residents and businesses of Morriston are being encouraged to take part in a Victorian-themed Christmas event.

Shops are being invited to dress their windows in period style, entertainment is planned for Woodfield Street, the main shopping street - and residents will be asked to shop locally.

Business staff are being urged to dress like the Victorians - anything from the landed gentry to miners and copper workers.

The Christmas event - Saturday, November 27 - is being organised by Swansea Council which already has a regeneration project focused on the celebrated Victorian landmark Morriston Tabernacle.

Those playing part in the fun will include Peter Taunton - a town crier, Ceri Phillips - a storyteller, Susan - a vintage barrel organ, and Pontarddulais Town Band.

Other attractions will include a circus skills workshop hosted by Swansea-based Circus Eruption, an appearance by the Mari Lwyd figure - and 11am and 3pm screenings of Morriston Tabernacle short film Towards the Light at the chapel.

Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: "The Victorian Christmas event - the day after Morriston's annual Christmas lights switch-on and parade - will help focus attention on shopping locally. It will bring more people to town - and more business."

The plans include food and drink stalls, children's entertainment, music and heritage exhibitions.

Roads will remain open as activities and performances take place. The Glantawe Lions will sponsor a competition for the best shop window displays.

Funding for the event is from the Welsh Government's Transforming Towns Town Centre Business Fund.

Those wishing to take part should email Chris Davies - Chris.Davies3@swansea.gov.uk.

Morriston Victorian Christmas Event 10am-6pm, Saturday November 27

Photo: Morriston Tabernacle - a Victorian gem at the heart of the community.