Council encourages residents to ‘shop local’ and support independent businesses and events in the run-up to the festive period
Thursday 06 November 2025
The council’s annual ‘Spend Christmas in your town centre’ campaign has launched this week, bringing exciting seasonal shopping promotions and a packed calendar of festive fun for the whole family.
Featuring the popular Christmas Light Switch-On and Parade events organised by Bridgend, Maesteg and Porthcawl Town Councils, the campaign will promote a warm and welcoming festive atmosphere for visitors throughout the season - Town centre events.
Christmas Shoppers can discover perfect gifts while supporting local businesses, with festive markets, independent shops, and traders offering handcrafted goods and seasonal produce.
In addition, the return of the ‘Digital Christmas’ website provides exclusive offers and promotions, easily accessed via the ‘We Love BRIDGEND / MAESTEG / PORTHCAWL’ apps, which are available to download on the Apple App Store and Google Play by searching BRIDGEND / PORTHCAWL / MAESTEG.
Restaurants, cafés, and bars are also joining the festive celebrations, offering Christmas menus, seasonal cocktails, and special dining experiences - making Bridgend County Borough a destination for festive gatherings and celebrations.
Visitors can also take advantage of the council’s existing free parking initiative at Bridgend, Maesteg and Porthcawl town centres.
- The Rhiw, Bridgend (first three hours)
- John Street car park, Porthcawl (between 12pm and 3pm)
- Llynfi Road, Maesteg (all year)
People visiting Bridgend town centre after 6pm can also park for free at the large open air car park at Brackla Street (behind Wilkinson’s) and car parks at Tremains Road, Tondu Road and at Bridgend Life Centre - Car parks
“Our town centres offer a fantastic selection of independent traders and exciting ‘destination’ restaurants and by shopping locally this Christmas we can ensure that our town centres can continue to thrive while enjoying everything our town centre has to offer. “As ever, we are proud to support Bridgend, Maesteg and Porthcawl Town Councils with their magical festive events that not only reinforce our community spirit but will surely increase footfall throughout the town centres, providing a boost to local businesses.”