Caerphilly town is to have its big Christmas lights switch-on tonight at 7pm at the Twyn Community Centre.
This year’s event has been expanded to include a ‘Twilight Market’ being held between 5pm and 8pm at Castle Court Shopping Centre, and ice skating at Caerphilly Castle.
Caerphilly Town Mayor Cllr Mike Prew said: “Caerphilly is punching above its weight in terms of getting these events to bolster the town in the run-up to Christmas.
“Having suffered over the last 12 months due to the road improvement scheme and general demise of the high street, I would like to think that residents will come out in their hundreds, if not thousands, to support the town on the night and in the months ahead.
“My thanks go to the councillors, such as James Fussell, who have been in discussions with all the participants to secure such a dynamic start to the festive period.”
The ice rink will be at the castle for two weeks, between Friday, November 23 and Sunday, December 9, and will be open from 12pm to 9pm on weekdays and from 10am to 9pm on weekends.
Ten penguin-shaped ‘ice walkers’ per session will be available at an extra cost for younger guests, with children aged between three and seven permitted to skate when accompanied by an adult.
Skate sessions should be pre-booked online with tickets priced at £7 for adults, £5 for children under 14 and £22 for families (two adults and two children). Standard skate hire is included in the price.
Visitors in wheelchairs are welcome to enter the ice rink, but must be joined by a companion. Autism friendly sessions will take place on Sunday, December 2 at 10am and Monday, December 3 at 12pm.
Festive refreshments will be available at the castle every day while the ice rink is operating and visits with Santa can be booked on the final weekend of Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9.
For more information about the ice skating sessions, visit the Cadw website.