Wrexham’s Victorian Christmas Market Brings 15,000 Visitors to Town Centre

One of Wrexham’s largest Christmas events saw visitors top 15,000 last week – with free parking initiatives also giving town centre trade a boost.

Thursday 8 December saw thousands of visitors and shoppers flock to St Giles Church to enjoy the annual Victorian Christmas Market.

Set along Church Street and the grounds of St Giles Church, over 75 stalls were on hand throughout the day – selling everything from hot mulled wine, cakes, Christmas crafts and homemade gifts.

During the afternoon there was also the chance to see Wrexham from a different angle, with trips up the top of St Giles Tower offering a unique experience for visitors.

It’s been a bumper few weeks for the town centre, with festive events such as the Christmas Light Switch On, Small Business Saturday and Coca Cola Truck attracting thousands into the town centre.

Throughout December Wrexham Council is also offering free parking in all town centre car parks – an initiative which the local authority say has helped boost footfall in the past two weeks.

Cllr David A Bithell, Lead member for the Environment and Transport, said: “We are very pleased with the response to the free parking initiative and we have noticed that Wrexham town centre is noticeably busier every day with Christmas shoppers.”

Picture – Wrexham Council Events Team

Cllr Neil Rogers, Lead Member for the Economy and Regeneration, added: “We have brought in this initiative to support our town centre retailers, many of whom are independent shop traders and in our indoor markets.

“All have lots to offer Christmas shoppers and I encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of the free parking and pay them a visit.”

The free parking initiative is available in all Council owned Wrexham town centre car parks until 31 December.

The free parking offer is restricted to length of stay:

• Crescent Road – all day
• Guildhall – Saturday and Sunday only up to two hours
• Library – up to two hours
• Market Street – up to two hours
• St George’s Crescent – up to two hours
• St George’s Crescent South – one hour
• St Giles – up to two hours
• People’s Market – levels 1 and 1a up to two hours, levels 2, 2a, 3, 3a, 4, 4a all day
• Waterworld – short stay area up to two hours, long stay area all day

This week has also seen the first for the town’s festive calendar, with a large tipi arriving in Queen’s Square yesterday.

The tipi, which is free to enter offers children’s crafts, drinks, cakes and the chance to warm yourself next to a spectacular log fire.

More information about the Christmas tipi and when it is open, can be found here.