As the nights draw in, Crickhowell becomes even more picturesque. Once twinkling Christmas lights appear in November there is no denying the festive atmosphere. The town epitomises the magic of Christmas as the local independent retailers dress their windows to celebrate the season and welcome visitors warmly. With everything from homeware, furniture, flowers and gifts to wonderful food, books, clothes and art to please the most discerning of shoppers, Crickhowell is at the best of times the perfect destination for shopping, browsing or just lingering over a warming drink or meal.
A highlight of the local festivities annually is Late Night Shopping on 7 December when the town can be seen and enjoyed at its best. Music, choirs, complimentary mulled drinks and a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere abounds. The Christmas Fair on this evening will this year take place in the Clarence Hall. With more than 25 stalls to enjoy, this has to be a “not to be missed” date for the diary. It is a festive occasion where you will find artists, crafters, designers and food producers under one roof, offering a unique shopping opportunity to take home a selection of cards, hand painted decorations, ceramics, jewellery, fused and blown glass, aromatherapy products, beautiful textiles, stoneground flour and fresh bread, traditionally smoked foods, gourmet food gifts, hampers and handmade cakes to name but a few. Whether to shop or just enjoy an evening out – how could one resist?
CRiC’s Christmas tree decorating competition has become a very popular event during the Late Night Shopping evening. Local community groups such as the Cubs, Scouts, Civic and Horticultural Societies and others join in the fun to produce the most beautifully decorated trees. Centre manager, Jan Morgan said, “We look forward to welcoming these groups to the Centre. It is a good excuse to come together annually to celebrate the contribution they make to the vibrant community in and around Crickhowell and has become a highlight of the CRiC calendar. It is certainly no easy task to choose a winner.”
With celebration at the heart of these events, Crickhowell has to be an unmissable destination.
The young bellringing group from St Edmund’s added festivity to the gallery in 2016
The Choral Society never disappoints with their decorations
Suzette Pratton
