Arriva Trains Wales has announced that celebrations have taken place to celebrate the 150th birthday for the Conwy Valley line.

150 years ago, the Conwy Valley Line reached Betws-y-Coed, and to mark the occasion, Arriva Trains Wales and the Conwy Valley Partnership came together to organise a free celebration, with nearly 1,000 people attending.

The circus included fire eaters, jugglers, and clowns wowing the crowd and was complimented by the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway offering rides on a miniature locomotive.

Despite the poor weather, the day was a success and was a brilliant tribute to one of the most beautiful lines in Wales.

The Conwy Valley Line is 27 miles in length and runs from Llandudno, at the seaside, to Blaenau Ffestiniog, with the interchange with the Ffestiniog Railway.

What did the officials say?

Ben Davies, Stakeholder Manager for Arriva Trains Wales said:

“The Conwy Valley line is so important to this area and the fact it’s still going strong really reflects that. We’ve been proud to operate the line for 15 years of its story and we can look forward to a strong future ahead.

“The celebration was a fitting tribute to the line’s history and we’re really chuffed that so many people were able to come down and enjoy the day.”

Cllr Philip C Evans, chair of the Partnership said:

“Despite the weather, nearly 1000 people visited the event throughout the day and enjoyed the circus. We hope the line’s profile will be raised, particularly among the younger people.”

Melanie Lawton, Conwy Valley Railway Officer said:

“It was a privilege to put together and organise a free community event in Llanrwst to celebrate 150years of the line reaching Betws-y-Coed. Together with Chris Williams from HTC events we put on a bespoke circus with 6 performers and 2 sold out shows. The event was free to the community with hundreds of pounds donated towards the Llanrwst Eisteddfod fund. A free commemorative booklet for the event is available at libraries in Conwy County and train station ticket offices at Llandudno and Llandudno Junction.”

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