Arts and crafts in Denbighshire

Denbighshire is in North Wales. It has a population of around 93,000 and covers approximately 83,000 hectares. Here is a list of nearby or neighbouring counties: Conwy, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Powys, Wrexham.

Denbighshire (Sir Ddinbych in Welsh) has a landscape of mainly moorland hills and an economy dominated by farming, light industry, the service sector and tourism. Among the counties tourist destinations is Rhyl, a seaside town located on the coastal plain in the north of the county, which became a popular resort during Victorian times. Denbighshire has also been chosen to host the National Eisteddfod of Wales (Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru) a number of times, most recently August 2013. The Eisteddfod, which traditionally takes place for a week in early August, dates back to the 12th century and in its modern form to 1861. It is the most important cultural event in Wales, attracting more than a hundred thousand people and promotes Welsh language and culture through literature, music, the performing and visual arts.

The largest medieval festival in Wales is held each year at Bodelwyddan Castle, during the second week of August, and attracts medieval re-enactment groups from across Britain. Bodelwyddan Castle dates back to the 15th century and was rebuilt during the 19th century, with additions and refurbishments to the earlier structure. The property was bought by Clwyd Council during the 1980s and today houses an exhibition of paintings, sculpture and furniture from collections such as the National Portrait Gallery, the Royal Academy of Arts and the Victoria and Albert Museum, in rooms decorated with period features. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful parklands and gardens which surround the castle.