Thousands of visitors descended on Caerphilly town centre on the weekend as Caerphilly County Borough Council and CADW hosted its largest Medieval Christmas Fayre to date.
The town centre was lined with stalls and the streets were jam-packed with Christmas shoppers. Traders were thrilled with the impressive turn out and many are already asking about future events in the county borough that they can attend.
Visitors came from far and wide including Ireland and Lithuania! Many organised coach trips arrived from all over the UK brining shoppers to the town. Caerphilly Castle saw its busiest ever weekend with over 7,000 visitors enjoying the many medieval stalls, re-enactment camp and Father Christmas, who greeted children in the newly opened tower. Visitors were also able to climb the tower to see the much talked about Dr Who Tardis that is currently occupying the top of Caerphilly Castle.
The many street entertainers and musical performances enhanced the buzzing atmosphere throughout the town and Castle. The arrival of Father Christmas on horse and cart on Saturday afternoon proved to be a real hit with families along with ‘Lenny the land train’ running trips across the town centre. Dragon Puppeteers, a Medieval Magician and a Juggling Jester all entertained the crowds as they browsed the stalls, Continental Market and Farmers’ Market.
Caerphilly’s Medieval Christmas Fayre is largest Christmas Market in Wales, with many visitors making comparisons to well established and successful markets such as Bath and Lincoln.
Cllr Lindsay Whittle, Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council said, “This year’s market has been a huge success and really helped put Caerphilly on the map. Visitors came from far and wide to enjoy the festive atmosphere and we will no doubt be organising the event again next year. We couldn’t have hoped for better weather and the event has been welcomed and enjoyed by everyone involved.”
As part of the promotion for the Christmas Fayre, several competitions were organised giving away shopping vouchers and luxury Welsh hampers. The competitions were extremely successful with hundreds of entries received.
