Support Nadolig Rhuthun

“In the run up to Christmas, traders should abandon the idea of late night opening and concentrate on weekends. Late nights have been poor for a number of years”.

So said a Rhuthun town centre trader this week. Tonight’s the last late night before Christmas. It may well be busier, but how much so?

So to the weekend. A lot rests on it. Much effort’s gone into it. Gweledigaeth Rhuthun (Rhuthun Vision) has pushed the boat out. Saturday’s range of activities and pedestrianised town centre is bound to appeal to the larger numbers who shop in town on the last Saturday before Christmas. It aims to reinforce a busier day. And the town will be open on Sunday, too. That’s a first (currently Ethel Austin and a couple of cafés and the odd estate agent are all that we see; plus the supermarkets, of course).

The marketing push has tried to lure both those who might chase the bargains in larger towns and people who wouldn’t normally consider shopping in Rhuthun. If the weekend’s slightly disappointing, the organisers must realise these things take time to build.

But there are two problems. First is the weather. Heavy rain’s forecast for both Saturday and Sunday. Last minute people may still need to shop but will they just dart in and out?

The second is the range of credit crunch-related discounts being offered by national chain stores. With even normally recession-proof toy sales some six per cent down this year, the retail industry’s prophesying a very bad Christmas (doesn’t it always, though?). So much so that discounting is rife. Last minute shoppers can pick up a bargain in the pre-Christmas sales—likely to benefit Wrecsam, Llandudno, Y Rhyl and Chester. But we trust it won’t thwart Rhuthun.

Support Nadolig Rhuthun this year. Free parking at County Hall.

• 10.30—Mari Lwyd Parade

• From 11.00—Artists' Market in St Peter's Church, free pony and trap rides around the town, buskers, live music and street entertainers. Tables and chairs on St Peter's Square.

• 1.30—Ysgol Brynhyfryd snowball race, Clwyd Street.

• 2.00-4.00—Free mulled wine & mince pies at Nantclwyd-y-Dre.

• 3.30—Raffl Fawr draw.