All of Swansea’s Museum Park Christmas

The closure of the big wheel, funfair ride, games stalls and food and drink outlets follows today’s Welsh Government announcement that outdoor attractions across Wales must close – part of the government’s bid to curb the pandemic as the number of coronavirus-related Welsh hospital patients continues to rise.

The city centre Christmas Market will remain open in line with restrictions although a fairground carousel there will close.

The changes, announced today by Swansea Council, follow a huge rise in the Covid infection rate in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.

Today, Swansea had an infection rate of 580 per 100,000 people while Neath Port Talbot had Wales’ second highest rate of 718.

Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism said: “Both Swansea and Neath Port Talbot are facing daily rises in the infection rate. More and more people are becoming infected and we need to take steps to reduce the amount of social mixing.

“All the Museum Park Christmas attractions have complied with guidelines to date and the operator, Sayers Events, has worked closely with the council to ensure this. However, the Welsh Government now want outdoor attractions to close across Wales.

“Given the worrying level of infection in the community this is the right course of action – it will protect the public from the potential of spreading the virus.

“Our health and social services are under immense pressure and we need to do all we can to help stem the rising tide of Covid cases.

“We are complying with Welsh Government regulations and we hope that others may also consider what actions they can take to protect the public. The level of risk in Wales is very high.

“We apologise to those who may have been planning to visit Swansea’s Museum Park Christmas attractions, but we know people will understand that the priority for us all should be to protect people and our vital services at this very difficult time.”