The picturesque town of Llangollen is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors for what promises to be its most spectacular Christmas Festival to date, marking the event's 16th year with record-breaking crowds anticipated.
Festive Programme Promises Day of Celebration
The annual celebration takes place on Saturday, November 29, transforming the town into a winter wonderland bursting with Yuletide cheer. Organisers are expecting up to 4,000 visitors to descend upon Llangollen, travelling from across North Wales, Cheshire, and as far as Yorkshire to participate in the festivities.
Festival chair, Cllr Paul Keddie, revealed that the event was originally the brainchild of the late town clerk, Ian Parry, and the Town Crier, Austin Cheminais. It has since grown to become the undisputed highlight of Llangollen's winter calendar.
Parade, Grotto and a Spectacular Finale
The day's events will commence at 1pm with a vibrant parade starting from the Llangollen International Eisteddfod field. The procession will be led by the VIP guest of honour, Sion Corn – the Welsh Father Christmas – who will be wearing his traditional green outfit.
The parade will proceed into the town centre, where streets will be closed to accommodate bustling stalls offering festive goods and treats. The procession concludes at the Town Hall, where a free grotto will be established for children to meet Sion Corn.
The festival will culminate in a breathtaking fireworks display lighting up the sky above the historic Dinas Bran castle. This year, the pyrotechnics are proudly sponsored by The Wild Pheasant Hotel & Spa.
Community Spirit at the Heart of the Festival
Cllr Keddie emphasised that the event is powered by incredible community spirit and local business support. "The Christmas Festival has become an integral part of Llangollen’s winter season," he said, highlighting the work of an enthusiastic group of volunteers, this year in partnership with the Llangollen Festival Fringe.
Becky Shields, Manager of The Wild Pheasant Hotel, confirmed this is the third year the hotel and its parent company, Everbright Hotels, have supported the festival. "Our staff are all local... it is important that businesses like our own play their part in the life of the local community," she stated, outlining the company's philosophy.
Ms Shields also extended thanks to Brian Davies from Festival Fireworks in Cefn Mawr, who is providing the display and even supplied a snow machine for a festive photoshoot with Sion Corn at the hotel.
Adding a charitable dimension to the celebrations, Cllr Keddie confirmed that the event raises vital funds for the North Wales Air Ambulance.
