A LIVELY community lantern parade will be lighting up Saundersfoot on Friday evening.

The event for all age groups will be adding to the festive buzz around the village as the Christmas Festival by the Sea swings into action.

The festival's market stalls, inside the heated harbourside marquee, will be opening earlier in the afternoon.

And at 5.30pm, the illuminated procession - led by Samba Doc and Father Christmas - will make its merry way to the harbour decking.

Following a countdown, the Christmas tree lights will be switched on and there will be carol singing led by Saundersfoot CP School choir and orchestral musicians.

The three-day Christmas Festival by the Sea is organised by Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism, and two members, Steve Balding and Dean Ludlow,have organised lantern-making workshops for youngsters from Saundersfoot School, as well as adults.

The lanterns are constructed of willow and waterproof parchment paper, with battery lights inside, and, said Dean: "If we have a good turn-out of people and nice weather, it's going to look quite a spectacle and really add to the atmosphere in the village.

"Everyone has really enjoyed the workshops and we're hoping to build on them next year to make them more of an occasion."

The parade will assemble at Coppet Hall car park at 4.30pm, where free parking is kindly being provided for the evening by Hean Castle Estates.

All lantern lights must be battery-operated, and children must be accompanied by adults.

*For more information on Saundersfoot's Christmas Festival by the Sea, see p55 of this week's Western Telegraph or visitsaundersfootbay.com