RESIDENTS turned out in force to mark the beginning of the festive season in a Vale of Clwyd town.

Denbigh's big festive celebrations culminated with the switching on of the town's Christmas lights on Friday.

It was a day of festive fun on top of town, with plenty of attractions and activities to entertain the young and the young-at-heart.

Denbighshire county councillor Mark Young said: "Denbigh not only turns the festive lights on once again but, as always, switched on this wonderful evening full of community spirit and magical lights.

"Delivering an event enjoyed and appreciated, so huge thanks to all the precious volunteers!"

Organised by Denbigh Town Council, festivities took place throughout the day in the town centre.

During what turned out to be a sunny morning, children from local primary and secondary schools were out singing on Crown Square.

During the day, there was a Christmas market and local entertainer John Sellars acted as the compere on Crown Square.

Fairground rides were also available later in the day, while Santa and Ellie the Elf were also in attendance.

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As part of its annual #lovelivelocal campaign, Denbighshire County Council will once again be offering free parking in its car parks after 3pm until New Year's Eve.

The #lovelivelocal campaign encourages more people to shop locally and support local traders and businesses, and the council’s ‘Free After Three’ initiative will provide free parking in most Denbighshire County Council car parks.

The campaign aims to encourage people to spend their money in Denbighshire, whilst encouraging shoppers and businesses to use their social media channels to share their positive experiences using the #lovelivelocal hashtag – the more people are out and about doing their shopping, and telling everyone about it, the better the atmosphere for everyone as Christmas approaches.

Car parks included in the initiative are:

  • Corwen: Green Lane car park.
  • Denbigh: Barkers Well Lane car park, Crown Lane car park, Factory Ward, Post Office Lane, Vale Street.
  • Llangollen: East Street, Hall Street, Market Street, Mill Street
  • Ruthin: Crispin Yard (Cae Ddol), Dog Lane, Market Street, Park Road, Rhos Street, St Peter's Square, Troed y Rhiw.
  • St Asaph: Bowling Green.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Denbighshire's lead member for environment and transport, said: “Free After Three has proved popular in previous years because it is a great scheme that enables residents to support their local communities, and every little helps with the current cost of living issues faced by all of us.

“We hope that everyone supports our local high streets and back our businesses, especially in the run-up to Christmas and take full advantage of the benefits of the scheme by using the county’s town centre car parks free of charge.”