Fire eaters, street dancers and Britain’s Got talent stars Richard and Adam entertained the crowds at a housing association’s annual fun day.
Residents came in droves from across the county for Cartrefi Conwy’s Big Day Out at Eirias Park in Colwyn Bay when then organisation also launched a new rewards scheme.
Among the other activities on offer were wrestling demonstrations, pamper sessions, a climbing wall and circus stilts.
One of the highlights of the day was the performance of Richard and Adam Johnson, the singing brothers from Holywell, in Flintshire, who shot to stardom after reaching the final of Britain’s Got Talent.
Tenant John Roberts, 74, from Rhos on Sea, said: “It’s been a fantastic day and easily the best Big Day Out they have ever had.
“There is so much going on, it’s a great way for them to talk to tenants and for us to talk to Cartrefi Conwy staff.”
According to Bill Hunt, a tenant Board Member, it was a “wonderful and inspiring” event.
He said: “I’m impressed by the sheer volume of tenants that have come along and the vast amount of work that’s gone into organising what has been an amazing day.
“It’s a real chance for Cartrefi Conwy to engage with tenants. There are so many staff members on hand to help and offer advice while the fun activities are amazing.
“It means tenants, including myself, can learn more about what is going on and also offers an opportunity to raise any issues they may have on a face to face basis.”
Tenant Annabella Orr, from Llanrwst, gave her views on Facebook.
She said: “I would like to thank you all so much for a wonderful day out at Eirias park. I am sure a great day was had by all.
“The staff and everyone involved in making the day happen were all wonderful, and very helpful to the tenants who went out on the completely free day out, once again many thanks on behalf of myself and all who had a lovely day.
“A special thanks to my Independent Living Coordinator Allison who made all the arrangements for the Llanwrst people to be there today. Thanks again Allison, it was a wonderful day. Well Done Cartrefi Conwy.”
Cllr Brian Cossey, the chair of Conwy County Borough Council, was full of praise for the event had been organised.
He said: “I have said many times that transferring the housing stock to Cartrefi Conwy was the best decision we, as a council, ever took.
“Had we not done so then the £4 million spent on the Peulwys estate in Llysfaen would never have happened, the refurbishment scheme across all Cartrefi Conwy properties wouldn’t have happened and events such as the Big Day Out wouldn’t happen.”
“The event offers a platform so tenants can gain advice, help and assistance on so many issues whether its property repairs, debt advice, help with insurance, boiler repairs or any number of other issues.
“It’s great to see so many partners working with Cartrefi Conwy to make sure tenants get the help and advice they need.”
Cartrefi Conwy’s director of operations Gwynne Jones was delighted with how things had gone.
He said: “I’m really pleased with the mix of tenants that have attended from mums with babies to our older residents.
“We are also grateful to all our partner agencies that have come along to support the event and to offer tenants advice and any help they may need whether it’s debt advice, help with employment and training or crime and anti-social behaviour prevention .”
Cartrefi Conwy chief executive Andrew Bowden paid tribute to the staff whose hard work had made the event a big hit.
He said: “It really is all about building communities we can be proud of. And I’m certainly proud of what we have achieved through our Big Day Out and know our tenants appreciate the hard work that has gone into making the day such a success.”
