Lighting up local landmarks to support #lovelivelocal

A number of key sites across Denbighshire towns are being lit up in December as part of an overall winter shopping marketing campaign launched to support local businesses.

In the absence of some of the Christmas activities normally held in the county’s towns, the Council has been working with its partners on an alternative approach to boost the recovery of town centres, in support of the Winter Shopping campaign already underway.

The Light Up Denbighshire project will aim to boost the number of people visiting town centres and to enhance the work already carried out by the Council to make commercial centres safe places to shop and enjoy hospitality.

The lights are expected to be switched on from December 4th and will run for a month, to try and reap the benefits of additional visitors, not only in the run up to Christmas but into the New Year as well.

The locations due to be lit up are:

• Prestatyn – Churches and chapels
• Rhuddlan – Rhuddlan Castle (currently closed to the public)
• Rhyl - Town Hall
• Denbigh - Denbigh Castle (Information on opening hours at: cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/denbigh-castle)
• Ruthin – St Peter’s Square, St Peter’s Church
• St Asaph – St Asaph Cathedral
• Llangollen – Main town bridge
• Corwen – The Square

The scheme is funded by the Council.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, said: “The lead up to Christmas is going to be a bit different this year, with large events normally held during switch on of town lights unable to take place.

“Whilst the towns will have their own traditional Christmas lights, the Council came up with the idea of adding a little sparkle and bringing some additional Christmas cheer by lighting up historic and iconic buildings and structures in our main towns. We are delighted to have received support from many city and town councils across Denbighshire to carry out the project.

“Our aim is to bring people into the town and to promote our Winter Shopping marketing campaign, designed to encourage residents to support their local shops through this crucial buying period. This campaign will also look at supporting wider businesses activities, including online sales and forms part of the #lovelivelocal initiative.

“ We hope people enjoy the lighting experience and are tempted to visit the town centre for themselves to see what’s on offer and add some festive cheer”.