CARDIGAN was alight with lanterns last night (Friday, December 8) as hundreds of people paraded through the packed town centre.

It was fitting in the Year of the Sea that the wind blew but the rain held off as all manner of creations and creatures wound their way along Pendre and the High Street to Cardigan Castle.

The streets were packed to witness the stunning spectacle, led by the amazing mermaid created by event organisers Small World Theatre.

All sorts of weird and wonderful sea creatures invaded the town – including a giant 50ft sea serpent created by Carnifal Aberteifi.

There was even a lighthouse and a yellow submarine while on the river itself the giant mythical Cragen which has toured the coast this summer called out across the water, highlighting the clean seas message.

There were drummers, musicians, fire jugglers and the evening was rounded off by a spectacular fireworks display on the banks of the River Teifi paid for by the town’s traders.

A film crew from S4C captured the action to show Cardigan’s community spirit at its very best.

Town mayor Cllr John Adams-Lewis said: “There must be thousands of people here tonight.

“There was a fantastic turnout last year but I think that this time it is even better, despite the weather and the wind blowing.

“It is superb to see all the work that the kids and other organisations have put into this and it can only be good for the town.”