Landmark bridge bathed in light to mark anniversary
[gallery] Hundreds of people were treated to a spectacular lights and fireworks show at the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct to mark the fourth anniversary of it winning Unesco World Heritage status.
The Thomas Telford-built aqueduct, near Oswestry, was bathed in a sea of multi colours last night.
Families from throughout the area pitched up deck chairs and picnics below the famous monument's arches to enjoy the light and firework show.
During the evening a host of local bands performed to entertain the hundreds of visitors.
Top of the bill was young cover band The Big Beat while local born vocalist and West End star Annie Hughes sang a range of musical showtunes. Younger visitors enjoyed funfair rides while a variety of food and drink stalls were available to keep people of all ages fed and watered.
The occasion had been organised to celebrate the aqueduct, and 11 miles of the Llangollen Canal that is carried over it, being awarded World Heritage Site status in 2009. The award puts the aqueduct on par with other global wonders including the Taj Mahal in India and the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia.
The giving of the award has proved a huge boost to tourism numbers in the area and many more cyclists, motorists, boaters and walkers are coming to the canal and its famous landmark than in previous years.
Organisers said they were delighted to be able to stage a truly Welsh summer celebration evening under the magnificent 126ft pillars of the aqueduct.
Wrexham county councillor Pat Jeffares welcomed the hundreds of people who attended the event to last night's entertainment spectacular.
He thanked Acrefair FC for allowing the use of their football field for the event.
And he said he hoped the event, now in its second year, would grow in future years. He reminded the audience that events such as the Glastonbury Festival began on a small scale.
