Massive event to mark World Heritage Site

A major event is being held to celebrate Britain's newest World Heritage site - the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal, near Oswestry.

The 200-year-old engineering miracle was granted World Heritage status in June.

It joins the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal and the Ironbridge Gorge on the World Heritage list of about 900 landmarks deemed to have "outstanding universal value" for humanity.

The status not only covers the aqueduct, but also the 11-mile stretch of the Llangollen Canal from Chirk Bank to Llangollen.

To mark its achievement, a public celebration is being planned for October 3 at the Trevor Basin.

There will be the chance to enjoy music by the canal, listen to the Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir, see demonstrations of traditional canal crafts and find out how the aqueduct and canal were built.

The day will finish with a spectacular fireworks display at 7pm.

The event is being organised by Wrexham Council and British Waterways.

Lead member Councillor Bob Dutton said: "Achieving World Heritage Status places the aqueduct in the company of the world's elite heritage sites. This is a free event and we hope as many people as possible will join us to mark this fantastic achievement."

The stalls will be open from noon to 5pm, entertainment will be provided in the main marquee from 2.30pm to 6.45pm, with a lantern parade at 6.45pm and the firework finale at 7pm. For more information on the event telephone (01978) 292537.

The aqueduct was added to the prestigious list by officials at a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

Built by Thomas Telford and William Jessop between 1795 and 1805, it is the longest and highest aqueduct in Britain.