Underneath the Arches announced as finalist for top tourism award!

One of Wrexham’s biggest annual events has been announced as a finanlist for the 2018 National Tourism Awards.

Underneath the Arches, which is held each summer at the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, has made the final four for the ‘Best Event’ category.

It has been shortlisted alongside Green Man Festival, Visit Cardiff (UCLF’17) and Long Course Weekend.

The winners will be revealed at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, on Thursday 8th March.

Organised between This is Wrexham and Wrexham Council’s events team, Underneath the Arches attracts thousands of people to the county borough each summer for an evening of live music, fireworks and of course the illumination of the 126ft tall pillars of Thomas Telford’s aqueduct.

In July 2017 over 3,000 people flocked to the World Heritage Site, marking the fifth year of the Underneath the Arches celebrations.

The nomination follows on from an already successful few months for the event – which also branded one of the best visitor events in the region at the North Wales Tourism Awards in November 2017.

Tourism Minister Lord Elis-Thomas, said: “We have seen an exceptionally high standard of entries this year – who all showcase the best of Wales’ tourism businesses and I look forward to celebrating the industry’s achievements at the National Tourism Awards at the Celtic Manor Resort next month.”

Commenting on the shortlist, Destination Manager at Wrexham Council, Joe Bickerton said: “As winners of the North Wales ‘Best Event’ category back in November – Visit Wales have selected UTA to go forward to represent the North in the National Tourism Awards this March.

“This is the first National Awards to be held since 2015 and it looks like we’re in prestigious company with festivals such as Green Man included in the mix.”

Joe added that details of this summer’s event will be announced shortly – so keep an eye on This is Wrexham for the date and when you can purchase tickets!