225 years of Chirk Aqueduct celebrated with community lantern event at Chirk Castle

The event marked the culmination of a year-long programme celebrating the historic canal structure, with a lantern parade and the premiere of a new film shown on a giant outdoor screen. The film highlighted the anniversary year and showcased the contribution of local communities and school children.

Visitors also enjoyed live music from the Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir, an exhibition, children's activities and the opportunity to build their own version of the aqueduct in LEGO.

Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales, has been marking the aqueduct's anniversary throughout the year in partnership with Wrexham County Borough Council, the National Trust, Chirk Town Council, Transport for Wales and Pontycysyllte World Heritage Site Partnership.

Standing 70 feet high and 710 feet long, Chirk Aqueduct carries the Llangollen Canal across the Ceiriog Valley. Uniquely, it spans the border between Wales and England, making it the only place on the canal network where visitors can be in both countries at once.

Designed by Thomas Telford, the aqueduct was built between 1796 and 1801 and was the precursor to the nearby Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Completed a few years later Pontcysyllte also now forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts visitors from around the world.

David Morgan, development manager for Wales at Glandŵr Cymru, said: "It was a truly special evening, with more than 800 people joining us to celebrate the 225th anniversary of one of the most iconic structures on the Llangollen Canal and within the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

"Throughout the year we have worked closely with our partners, local schools and communities to explore the aqueduct's remarkable story. It has been wonderful to see the pride people have in this unique landmark and to help share its importance, both historically and today.

"While this anniversary has been an opportunity to reflect on the last 225 years, it is also about inspiring future generations to value, enjoy and help protect this extraordinary piece of engineering heritage."

As part of the wider programme of activities, local schoolchildren learned about the aqueduct's history and took part in lantern-making workshops. Their lanterns were later featured in a unique parade across the aqueduct, which formed part of the anniversary film.

Other highlights included an exhibition at Chirk Town Hall, the creation of a large LEGO model of Chirk Aqueduct alongside smaller interactive builds, and participation by Glandŵr Cymru's Explorers programme at the Chirk Carnival in June.