Hundreds welcome Santa to town

Port Talbot town centre came alive with excitement and song this weekend.

Hundreds of children turned out to watch the switch-on of the Christmas lights and to greet Santa when he arrived in his brand new sleigh.

Swansea Sound and The Wave radio Roadshow set up in the Civic Square entertaining the crowd in the run up to the spectacular switch-on by County Borough Mayor, Pam Thomas.

Parents and children sang along with pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Rhosafan and the Corus Brass Band who delighted the crowds with traditional Christmas carols.

Stars from Jack and the Beanstalk, this year's pantomime in the Princess Royal Theatre, joined in the Christmas festivities.

The pavements were lined with excited children eagerly waiting Santa's Parade who gave a huge welcome to the big man in the red suit.

Santa arrived in style on his glorious new sleigh following a wonderful parade of local community groups and clubs all dressed up in fabulous costumes full of Christmas cheer.

"The start of Christmas celebrations in Neath Port Talbot was a wonderful riot of colour, song and dance that got everyone in the mood for the season of festivities to begin," says Council Leader Ali Thomas.

Santa made his way to his log cabin in the Aberavon Shopping Centre where he will be in residence until Christmas.

The Princess Royal Theatre was transformed into a bustling Christmas market filled with unusual and hand crafted gifts while Bethany Square hosted the ever popular funfair.