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With the festive season around the corner, it won’t be long before Christmas lights are switched on and winter food and craft markets return to town centres across Caerphilly County Borough.

Bargoed, Blackwood, Caerphilly and Ystrad Mynach will all play host to a variety of Christmas activities in the coming months.

Dates for the events have now been confirmed by Caerphilly County Borough Council.

Each of the winter markets will host between 20 and 50 food and craft stalls, as well as a range of children’s funfair rides and street theatre entertainment.

There will also be lantern-making workshops, giving residents the chance to create their own lanterns for the River of Light Lantern Parade, which will take place on December 3.

Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “We are very excited to be bringing winter food and craft markets back to four of the town centres in Caerphilly County Borough again this year.

“Businesses at the heart of our high streets should also be supported and I would encourage residents who are visiting these markets to also shop locally and help small businesses prosper this Christmas.”

What’s on?

Friday, November 18

• Christmas lights switch-on, Caerphilly town centre (5pm to 7pm)

Saturday, November 19

Winter food and craft fair, Ystrad Mynach town centre (9am to 5pm)

• River of Light lantern-making workshop, Twyn Community Centre (10am to 5pm)

Sunday, November 20

• River of Light lantern-making workshop, Twyn Community Centre (10am to 5pm)

Saturday, November 26

• Winter food and craft fair, Blackwood town centre (9am to 5pm)
• River of Light lantern-making workshop, Caerphilly Library (10am to 5pm)

Sunday, November 27

• River of Light lantern-making workshop, Caerphilly Library (10am to 5pm)

Saturday, December 3

• Winter food and craft fair, Caerphilly town centre (9am to 8pm)
• River of Light lantern parade, location to be confirmed (6.30pm)

Wednesday, December 7 to Sunday, December 11

• Roller skating rink, Bargoed town centre (10am to 7.30pm)

Saturday, December 10

• Winter food and craft fair, Bargoed town centre (9am to 5pm)