A major event to celebrate Wales’ newest World Heritage Site can be summed up in two words – ‘absolutely quackers!’ The free event at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, near Wrexham, will offer a packed programme of entertainment – including hilarious duck-herding antics courtesy of Meirion Owen’s amazing Quack Pack.
Meirion, who comes from Llanarthne near Carmarthen, is a well known and respected sheepdog handler and has appeared several times on the BBC show One Man and his Dog.
His demonstrations showcase the unique bond with ‘man’s best friend’, as his team of highly intelligent Border Collies herd a spirited and comical pack of Indian Runner Ducks through all kinds of tunnels, slides and pens.
Meirion said: “Border Collies are like no other dog on earth. They’re renowned for their intelligence and hard work and, by the end of the demonstrations, spectators will have experienced first hand what commands like ‘come by’, ‘away’, ‘walk’ and ‘stand’ mean to a Border Collie.
“The ducks are also pretty amazing little characters. They’re very comical and daring with bags of energy, and instantly appeal to audiences.”
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal was granted World Heritage Status earlier this summer, joining the ranks of elite heritage sites like the Taj Mahal and Acropolis.
The public celebration is being planned for Saturday, October 3 at Trevor Basin, and will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display that will light up the Dee Valley.
The event starts at 1pm, with stalls, activities, fairground-rides, face-painting, falconry displays, puppet shows, a magician, ventriloquist and even a spot of ferret racing!
There will also be the chance to enjoy music by the canal, listen to the world-famous Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir, see demonstrations of traditional canal crafts and find out how the aqueduct and canal were built.
The event is being organised by Wrexham Council and British Waterways, with help from community groups in the area.
Lead member Councillor Bob Dutton said: “Achieving World Heritage Status places the aqueduct in the company of the world’s greatest 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 1pm-6pm, entertainment will be provided in the main marquee from 2.30pm-7pm, with a lantern parade at 7pm and the firework finale at 7.15pm.
For more information telephone 01978 292537
