CHRISTMAS in Harlech gears up this weekend with an art and crafts fair and children’s lantern-making workshops ready for late-night shopping next week.

The art and crafts fair takes place in Harlech Memorial Hall on Saturday, 26 November and Sunday, 27 Novemner from 10am to 4pm and features local and professional arts and crafts-makers. A wide range of items, including Christmas gifts and decorations, will be on sale.

Entrance is free.

The lantern workshops take place at Harlech Castle on Saturday and Sunday.

Places have to be booked, although some may still be available.

Santa Claus will lead the children’s lantern parade to launch Harlech’s late-night shopping event next Thursday, 1 December.

The procession, which starts at 6pm from Bron y Graig lower car park, will wind its way through the High Street before ending at Harlech Castle Visitor Centre where ‘Sion Corn’ will take his place in the children’s grotto.

The lantern parade is the colourful start for an evening which includes music from Harlech Silver Band and Côr Meibion Ardudwy, refreshments, open shops and crafts stalls as well as a raffle draw with major prizes.

The evening is one of a number of events planned for the build-up to the festive period in the town.

Others include a children’s disco at the Memorial Hall on December 22 and a shop window dressing competition.

The celebrations are a community effort with the town’s businesses, community council, tourism association, Cadw and others working together to prepare for the events.