What's on in and around St Asaph this December
St Asaph is a small city with a big sense of itself. It sits on the River Elwy in Denbighshire, with a cathedral at its heart and the Clwyd Valley rolling out towards Denbigh and Ruthin. We spend a lot of time here and in the villages around it, and December is when the area feels most like a community. Here are six things on the calendar worth putting in your diary.
Denbigh Farmers Market, Saturday 5 December
The monthly farmers market in nearby Denbigh runs on the first Saturday of the month, from 9am to 12 noon. It is held at The Vale Grocer, Unit 9 Vale Park, Colomendy Industrial Estate, Denbigh LL16 5TA. The stall list includes cheese and yoghurt from Cosyn Cymru, sourdough and pastries from Surdeig Bakery, and pickles, chutneys and jams from Mewn Picil. Stalls take cash and card, and dogs and children are welcome. If you want a drink afterwards, Black Cloak Brewing Taproom is a two minute walk down the road.
Tweedmill Artisan Market, Sunday 6 December
Tweedmill Shopping Outlet on St Asaph Road (LL17 0UY) hosts an artisan market from 10am to 4pm. Expect arts, crafts, bakes and drinks, with hot street food and a pop-up bar. Entry is advertised as free, and there is parking on site. It is a handy place to pick up a few gifts that did not come from a big retailer.
North Wales Business Network Festive Fun, Tuesday 8 December
The North Wales Business Network is holding a festive session at The Plough Inn, St Asaph, from 10am. It is aimed at local business owners and self-employed people who want to meet others over the Christmas period. Booking is through Eventbrite.
Christmas wreath workshop at Brookhouse Mill, Wednesday 9 December
Local flower farmer and florist Ellen Firth of Firth Flock Flowers leads this hands-on evening, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. You start with a twisted willow base and build your wreath from locally sourced foliage and dried flowers, grasses and seed pods. The venue is Brookhouse Mill, Ruthin Road, Brookhouse, Denbigh LL16 4RD, which has just reopened after a 12 month refurbishment. Contact Firth Flock Flowers for booking details.
Christmas tractor run, Sunday 13 December
Denbigh Rugby Club is the base for this year's Christmas tractor run, from 4pm to 8pm. The organisers say it is a tractor booking only event because of the interest last year, and that more details will follow. It is worth keeping an eye on the event page if you want to see the lit-up tractors out and about.
St Asaph Choral Society Christmas concert, Saturday 19 December
St Asaph Cathedral hosts this afternoon concert at 3pm. The choral society performs Respighi's Hymn for the Nativity of the Lord and Wadeley's The Holy Birth, with orchestra and soloists. Trystan Lewis conducts and Tim Stuart accompanies. Tickets are available through TicketSource (search for St Asaph Choral Society).
Get out and join in
Most of these events are run by local traders, volunteers and societies, and they rely on people turning up. Pick one, bring a neighbour, and say hello to the stallholders. If you are new to the area, a market morning or a concert in the cathedral is a good way to see why people stay in St Asaph once they arrive.
Dates, times and booking arrangements can change, so check with each organiser before you travel.