Cymru North: Vale of Clwyd derby venue is switched on Boxing Day

ARTICLE: OLLIE BEECH

The historic Vale of Clwyd derby has switched venues ahead of the highly anticipated clash between Denbigh Town and Ruthin Town on Boxing Day.

The match, which was originally slated to take place at Ruthin’s Memorial Playing Fields, will now happen at Central Park following a change in circumstances.

With Ruthin temporarily playing at Bala Town’s Maes Tegid due to work taking place on their home turf, the decision was made between the two clubs with approval of the Football Assosiation of Wales to change the location.

The decision was made in the interests of supporters and to keep the game within the Vale of Clwyd during a busy festive period.

The game will be underway at 1pm following a number of Christmas traditions in Denbigh including Roll the Barrell on Boxing Day morning – a series of events that bring thousands to the town.

The two clubs have also agreed an undisclosed sum to mitigate lost revenue on Ruthin’s part for what is historically a well attended match for both clubs.

A JD Cymru North record 1,145 attended the fixture at Denbigh’s Central Park last year with the home side winning the derby with a stoppage time goal from Paul Fleming in a 2-1 success.

FACTFILE

• The Vale of Clwyd derby between Denbigh Town and Ruthin Town has been played since 1880, and competitively since 1882.
• The two teams have competed against each other 85 times in recorded competitive history
• This will be the 77th league meeting between the two sides
• Denbigh Town will be one of five stadiums to host the 2026 U19 European Championships announced in September 2023.
• Denbigh Town has hosted a number of international matches at Central Park in the previous two years, most recently in November 2024 (Victory Shield)
• Central Park is due a major redevelopment with plans announced by the club that will include a new community facility at the ground ahead of the tournament in 2026.
• Ruthin Town are currently undergoing pitch renovations following succesful funding to host the UEFA Euro U19 Championships as a training base.
• Ruthin currently play their home games at Bala Town’s Maes Tegid whilst work is completed.