A GIANT beam lit up the night sky as part of the spectacular celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of an iconic landmark.

The Jubilee Tower, on Moel Famau, the highest spot in the Clwydian Range, has been a popular destination for people from North Wales and beyond for countless generations.

Centrepiece of the display was a powerful beam of light radiating from the tower, which was designed in part to replicate the Egyptian-style design of the original100ft high structure.

In keeping with the environment within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the generator powering the display was run on recycled bio-fuel, producing two to seven kilowatts, roughly the same range as required for a lighthouse.

Permission had to be gained from the Civil Aviation Authority before the display could go ahead.

The light installation, including a laser show was designed by artist Chris Oakley from Coedpoeth.

Images and text created through a number of community workshops were projected onto the tower. Schools in Denbighshire and Flintshire were also involved.

Chris said: “I spent much of my childhood in Broughton, so Moel Famau is something of a personal beacon to me, especially as my father used to fly model planes up here. The view across the Vale of Clwyd provides a unique sense of time.”

There was also a lantern procession, live music, storytelling and other entertainment, as well as a firework display.

The event was the result of a partnership between Denbighshire and Flintshire county councils, the Clwydian Range AONB and the Forestry Commission. It was supported by the rural regeneration agency, Cadwyn Clwyd, and was coordinated by Xuberance Events.

David Shiel, countryside officer with the Clwydian Range AONB, said: “This was truly remarkable event.

“It is important to raise awareness of the area as a sustainable tourist destination.

“The tourism economy in Denbighshire and Flintshire is incredibly valuable. By increasing the profile of the Jubilee Tower this event will hopefully strengthen funding bids that will enable much needed conservation work that will preserve this Welsh icon.”