225 Years of Chirk Aqueduct Celebrated at Historic Castle 2026

Key Points

• The 225th anniversary of Chirk Aqueduct took place at Chirk Castle on Friday 16th October, 2026.
• The free and sell-out event welcomed local communities, family and visitors from both Wales and England sides of the border.
• Among the activities were a musical performance by Fron Male Voice Choir, an anniversary movie made by Follow Films and lantern parade.
• Pupils of Pentre, Chirk and Weston Rhyn Primary Schools and other community members made the lanterns.
• The castle was lit up in blue for the anniversary.
• The Mayor of Wrexham, Councillor Jeremy Kent, joined in cake-cutting ceremony. The cake was prepared by Chris and the team at Caffi Wylfa.
• Chirk Aqueduct was opened in 1801 and constructed by William Jessop and Thomas Telford.
• The aqueduct is located about 70 feet above the Ceiriog Valley and is 700 feet long crossing the Wales–England border.
• It is part of the 11 miles Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• There were events commemorating the 225th anniversary during the whole year including various canal side events, a floating market, heritage exhibitions, school workshops, and creative works.
• David Morgan, Development Manager at Glandŵr Cymru – the Canal & River Trust in Wales, described the relation between the aqueduct and local communities as “truly special” even 225 years after opening.
• Lizzie Champion, General Manager for the National Trust at Chirk Castle, explained that the castle and aqueduct have “fascinating history”.
• Councillor Frank Hemmings representing Chirk North described the aqueduct as “part of our community and culture” mentioning the bid to be UK City of Culture 2029 for Wrexham.
• The Chirk Aqueduct 225 Partnership thanked Wrexham County Borough Council, Glandŵr Cymru, Transport for Wales, Caffi Wylfa, the National Trust, Three Counties Connected Rail Partnership, Chirk Town Council, Llangollen Canoe Club, Weston Rhyn Parish Council, and local primary schools.

Castle (Wales Times) November 10, 2026 – Chirk Aqueduct’s 225th anniversary has been celebrated in spectacular style at Chirk uk/local/swansea/castle/">Castle, with lanterns, music, community creativity and the premiere of a specially commissioned film bringing together residents, schools and visitors from across the Wales–England border.

As reported by Wrexham County Borough Council, the free and sold-out celebration took place on Friday, October 16, and marked the culmination of a year-long programme recognising one of Wales’ most remarkable World Heritage landmarks.

The event transformed the historic grounds of Chirk Castle into a setting for heritage, music and community participation. Families, local residents and visitors gathered beneath the castle’s blue illumination to mark 225 years since Chirk Aqueduct was completed in 1801.

The evening included a performance by the renowned Fron Male Voice Choir, the first public screening of an anniversary film produced by local company Follow Films, and an illuminated lantern parade featuring work created by local schoolchildren and community participants.

What happened at the Chirk Aqueduct anniversary celebration?

The celebration combined several elements designed to reflect both the aqueduct’s industrial history and its continuing role in community life.

As reported by Wrexham County Borough Council, the programme included:

• A performance by the Fron Male Voice Choir.
• The premiere of a specially commissioned anniversary film by Follow Films.
• An illuminated lantern parade featuring creations made by schoolchildren and community participants.
• An exhibition of community projects and school activities.
• A special anniversary cake-cutting ceremony attended by the Mayor of Wrexham, Councillor Jeremy Kent.

The cake was generously created by Chris and the team at Caffi Wylfa.

Chirk Castle was illuminated in blue for the occasion, providing a dramatic backdrop for the lantern parade and the wider celebration. The council described the event as a memorable celebration of the area’s internationally recognised heritage.

Why was Chirk Castle chosen for the celebration?

Chirk Castle was described as a particularly fitting location because of its historical connection to the aqueduct’s development.

According to Wrexham County Borough Council, during the planning of the canal in the 1790s, an initial proposal involved constructing a large embankment across the Ceiriog Valley. That proposal was opposed by the owner of Chirk Castle, who was concerned about its impact on the surrounding landscape.

Engineers subsequently developed the aqueduct design that remains one of the area’s most recognisable landmarks today.

Lizzie Champion, General Manager for the National Trust at Chirk Castle, said it was a “real privilege” to welcome so many people to the castle for the celebration.

As reported by Wrexham County Borough Council, Ms Champion said: “Chirk Castle and the aqueduct share a fascinating history, so it felt particularly appropriate to bring everyone together here to mark such an important anniversary.”

She added that the lantern parade was a “truly special moment”, particularly because of the creativity and enthusiasm shown by local schoolchildren and families against the backdrop of the castle.

Ms Champion said: “Events like this demonstrate how our historic places can continue to bring communities together, creating new memories while celebrating the stories and heritage that make them so significant.”

What is the history of Chirk Aqueduct?

Chirk Aqueduct was completed in 1801 and was one of the most ambitious engineering achievements of its time.

According to Wrexham County Borough Council, the structure was designed by pioneering engineers William Jessop and Thomas Telford. It stands approximately 70 feet above the Ceiriog Valley and stretches more than 700 feet across the Wales–England border.

Today, the aqueduct forms part of the 11-mile Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site. It continues to attract visitors from across the world and remains an important symbol of the area’s industrial heritage.

The anniversary has been marked throughout 2026 through a series of community activities, including canal-side celebrations, a floating market, heritage exhibitions, school workshops and creative projects.

A particular focus has been the involvement of pupils from Pentre, Chirk and Weston Rhyn primary schools. The children explored the aqueduct’s history through educational activities, model-making and lantern workshops.

Their illuminated creations helped bring the anniversary celebrations to a memorable conclusion at Chirk Castle.

What did community leaders say about the anniversary?

David Morgan, Development Manager at Glandŵr Cymru – the Canal & River Trust in Wales, said Chirk Aqueduct remained closely connected to local communities 225 years after it first opened.

As reported by Wrexham County Borough Council, Mr Morgan said:

“Chirk Aqueduct is an extraordinary example of engineering innovation, but what makes it truly special is the connection it continues to have with local communities 225 years after it first opened.”

He said the anniversary year had seen “tremendous enthusiasm” from schools, volunteers, residents and partner organisations, all coming together to celebrate and learn more about the landmark.

Mr Morgan added: “The celebrations at Chirk Castle were a wonderful culmination of that work. Seeing the lantern parade, the involvement of young people and the pride that local communities have in their heritage was incredibly rewarding.”

He said the anniversary film was intended to help share the story of Chirk Aqueduct with new audiences and inspire future generations to appreciate and protect historic waterways.

Councillor Frank Hemmings, who represents Chirk North, described the event as a “fantastic celebration” for Chirk and the wider community.

As reported by Wrexham County Borough Council, Councillor Hemmings said: “Chirk Aqueduct has been part of our landscape for 225 years, but more importantly, it’s part of our identity. Generations of local families have grown up with this remarkable landmark on their doorstep.”

He said it was “wonderful” to see local schools, volunteers, businesses and community organisations playing an important role in the celebrations.

Councillor Hemmings also linked the event to Wrexham’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2029, saying: “As Wrexham looks ahead to its UK City of Culture 2029 bid, events like this show exactly what we have to offer. We have extraordinary heritage, fantastic communities and the creativity and ambition to bring people together for truly memorable occasions.”

He thanked everyone who had worked to make the anniversary year a success.

What role does the anniversary film play?

A special anniversary film, produced by Follow Films, was premiered during the celebration evening at Chirk Castle.

According to Wrexham County Borough Council, the film was commissioned to capture the history of Chirk Aqueduct and the personal connections that local people and communities have with the landmark.

The council said the film provides a lasting legacy of the 225th anniversary and an opportunity to share the aqueduct’s story with audiences beyond the local area.

The film forms part of the wider Chirk Aqueduct 225 programme, which has used heritage, education and community creativity to mark the milestone throughout 2026.

How does the celebration support Wrexham’s cultural ambitions?

The event was also presented as an example of the growing confidence and ambition of Wrexham County as it progresses its bid to become UK City of Culture 2029.

Wrexham County Borough Council said the county has a wealth of cultural stories to share, from its internationally recognised World Heritage Site and historic landmarks to its creative communities, music and traditions.

The council said the Chirk Aqueduct celebrations demonstrated how heritage can provide a platform for community participation, creativity and collaboration, bringing together different generations and organisations to celebrate a shared sense of place.

The anniversary programme was also described as an example of strong partnerships in developing and promoting Wrexham County as a visitor destination.

Through the This is Wrecsam Tourism Partnership, local businesses, attractions, public bodies and community organisations are working together to celebrate the county’s identity, develop visitor experiences and promote more reasons to discover Wrexham.

The council said the successful Chirk Aqueduct 225 programme showed how collaboration can bring heritage to life, support local communities and create compelling new experiences for residents and visitors.

It added that, with Wrexham’s international profile continuing to grow, initiatives such as this play an important role in showcasing the diversity of attractions available across the county and encouraging visitors to explore beyond the city centre.

Who supported the Chirk Aqueduct 225 programme?

The Chirk Aqueduct 225 Partnership thanked all organisations, sponsors, volunteers and community groups that helped make the anniversary programme and celebration evening possible.

Special thanks were extended to:

• Wrexham County Borough Council
• Glandŵr Cymru – Canal & River Trust
• Transport for Wales
• Caffi Wylfa
• The National Trust
• Three Counties Connected Rail Partnership
• Chirk Town Council
• Llangollen Canoe Club
• Weston Rhyn Parish Council
• Pentre, Chirk and Weston Rhyn primary schools

The partnership also thanked the many other individuals and organisations that contributed throughout the year.

Wrexham County Borough Council said their collective support helped create a fitting tribute to one of the area’s most important historic landmarks and a celebration that will be remembered for years to come.

Background of the development

Chirk Aqueduct was completed in 1801 and designed by engineers William Jessop and Thomas Telford. It stands approximately 70 feet above the Ceiriog Valley and crosses the Wales–England border over a span of more than 700 feet.

The structure forms part of the 11-mile Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its construction followed an earlier proposal for a large embankment across the Ceiriog Valley, which was opposed by the owner of Chirk Castle because of concerns about the impact on the surrounding landscape.

The revised aqueduct design became one of the area’s most recognisable landmarks. The 225th anniversary has been marked during 2026 through canal-side celebrations, a floating market, heritage exhibitions, school workshops and creative projects involving local communities and schools.

Prediction: how may this development affect the local community?

The anniversary celebration may strengthen local engagement with Chirk Aqueduct and encourage greater participation in heritage activities across Wrexham County.

For residents, the event may reinforce a shared sense of local identity, particularly through the involvement of schoolchildren, volunteers, community groups and businesses. The lantern parade, school workshops and anniversary film provide a record of community involvement that may continue to be used in local heritage education and future cultural events.

For visitors and local tourism organisations, the celebration may help promote Chirk Aqueduct and the wider Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site as destinations beyond Wrexham city centre. The council has positioned the programme as part of efforts to encourage visitors to explore the county’s towns, villages, landscapes and historic landmarks.

For cultural and community organisations, the partnership behind the anniversary may provide a model for future collaborative events. The involvement of Wrexham County Borough Council, Glandŵr Cymru, the National Trust, Transport for Wales, local schools and community groups suggests that heritage-led activities can bring together public bodies, charities, businesses and residents around a shared local landmark.

As Wrexham continues its UK City of Culture 2029 bid, the Chirk Aqueduct 225 programme may contribute to the county’s cultural profile by demonstrating how historic sites, schools, creative organisations and local communities can work together on large-scale public celebrations.