MONMOUTH absolutely dazzled on Friday night as hundreds joined the annual Christmas Lantern Parade.

People were thrilled not chilled despite the icy weather, as the event brought a rosy glow to the faces of children and adults alike, with home made lanterns lighting up the night in a huge illuminated parade from Monnow Bridge to Agincourt Square.

Headed by the main man himself, Santa, and supported by a marching band, jugglers with illuminated batons and the town’s civic leaders, the fantastic array of creative lights included giant dragons and snowmen, plus Christmas trees, mermaids, penguins, angels and eagles.

The parade headed up the main street at 6.30pm, before entertainment in the square provided by the likes of Rock Choir, Monmouth Community Choir, Monmouth’s Mayhem Music Theatre Group, the Mayor and Youth Council, Overmonnow, Osbaston and Kymin View primaries, Monmouth Prep School, the Sparrow Singers and the Kingfisher/Kangaroo Choir.

Santa greeted youngsters and there was also hot chocolate and mulled wine.

Town councillor Emma Bryn said: “A huge thank you to everyone who came along to the Monmouth Christmas Lantern Parade on Friday. How magical was it to see Monnow Street and Church Street so full of people.

“And a massive thank you to the businesses who stayed open, displayed posters, offered warm space, supported us with donations or gave away freebees on the night.

“And of course an enormous thanks to the rest of the small team that helped put this together, it was as ever a pleasure to work with you all.