Spectacular celebration marks 200th anniversary

More than 2,000 people trekked to the top of Moel Famau, the highest peak in the Clwydian Range, as a giant beam lit up the night sky.

They were there to witness the spectacular celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of Jubilee Tower at the summit of the iconic landmark.

There were lasers and a colourful firework display which could be seen for many miles around, even in Liverpool.

Ruth Williams, the Cultural Tourism & Marketing Manager of Denbighshire County Council, was delighted the event had been such a huge success.

She said: “It has been a fantastic night. We handed out 1,500 commemorative medals – but there were many more people actually there. They were like ants on the hill.”

Moel Famau has been a popular destination for people from North Wales and Merseyside for countless generations.

Centrepiece of the display was a powerful beam of light radiating from the tower, which was designed in part to replicate the Egyptian-style design of the original100ft high structure.

In keeping with the environment within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the generator powering the display was run on recycled bio-fuel, producing 2 – 7 kilowatts, roughly the same range as required for a lighthouse.

Permission had to be gained from the Civil Aviation Authority before the display could go ahead.

The light installation a laser show was designed by artist Chris Oakley, from Coedpoeth, near Wrexham.

Jubilee Tower 200 event, Moel Fammau.

Images and text created through a number of community workshops were projected onto the tower. Schools in Denbighshire and Flintshire were also involved.

Chris said: “I was amazed by the sheer volume of people who came and I am thrilled at the way everything has gone. It was spot on.”

There was also a lantern procession, live music, storytelling and other entertainment.

The lanterns were made by children from North Wales and Merseyside at a series of workshops. The lanterns each had their own little power source so there were no naked flames.

The event was the result of a partnership between Denbighshire and Flintshire county councils, the Clwydian Range AONB and the Forestry Commission. It was supported by the rural regeneration agency, Cadwyn Clwyd, and was coordinated by Xuberance Events.

David  Green, the Managing Director of Xuberance, said: “The turn-out has been absolutely phenomenal and the atmosphere has been fantastic.”

The summit of Moel Famau now attracts 200,000 visitors a year and the celebration captured the public’s imagination.

Hudreds of people from across North East Wales and Merseyside registered on the Jubilee 200 website www.jubileetower200.co.uk, with many sharing their own personal memories of the Jubilee Tower.

Jubilee Tower 200 event, Moel Fammau

David Shiel, Countryside Officer with the Clwydian Range AONB,  said: “This was truly remarkable event.

“It is important to raise awareness of the area as a sustainable tourist destination.

“The tourism economy in Denbighshire and Flintshire is incredibly valuable. By increasing the profile of the Jubilee Tower this event will hopefully strengthen funding bids that will enable much needed conservation work that will preserve this Welsh icon.”

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