Llandovery celebrate 150 years of rail travel

Earlier this month and despite the weather, nearly 500 people turned up to help celebrate the 150the anniversary of rail passengers coming to the small market town of Llandovery.

Organised by the Heart of Wales Line Travellers’ Association with the support of Llandovery Town Council, Carmarthenshire County Council and Arriva Trains Wales the celebrations marked the 150th anniversary with many local stallholders gathering throughout the town.

In the morning, the ballroom at the Castle Hotel provided shelter for the school tableau competition and in the afternoon, a marquee covered the audience who enjoyed the entertainment provided by a cross section of Llandovery talent.

Local traders were also invited to enter a window display competition to promote Llandovery with the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Tourism Information Centre taking out first prize. Its winning window combined historical photos, information about the beauty and tourism of the line with up to date travel information producing an eye catching display for the town’s visitors.

Mrs Gill Wright, Chairman of the Heart of Wales Line said: “This was a wonderful day of celebrations that the whole town seemed to enjoy. We have so many people to thank but I know that the local stallholders who braved the weather were particularly grateful for the cover given by the Llandovery Farmers Market stalls.”