A NEWLY renovated landmark building in Deeside held its first major event as a community hub.
The John Summers Clock Tower building, which is now run as a community hub by the Enbarr Foundation, held an Operation Street Party event on Saturday (June 4) to mark the Queen's Jubliee celebrations.
The event, which was free, was attended by about 3,000 people throughout the day and involved an array of live music acts, stalls, vendors and other fun activities.
Woodworker Rob Dalton was on hand to showcase his talents to the awe of the crowd.
It was the brainchild of local music promoter, Cal Roberts, and Vicki Roskams - the director of the Enbarr Foundation.
Cal Roberts, of North Wales Concerts, said: "We had an amazing day/night on Saturday. Approximately 3,000 people attended throughout the day, and we raised around £3,000 pounds for various causes, including the Aria vs DIPG campaign to help a young girl with an inoperable brain tumour to get to Disneyland to make her dreams of meeting Mickey and Minnie from Disney come true.
"Vicki is a proper crusader for the greater good and is on a mission to change the area for the better using its strengths to empower hope and growth.
"I had helped to book some of the artists for the previous event last August, and when she got in touch with me to help plan something for the Jubilee, I jumped at the chance. I'm not much of a royalist, but I'll take any opportunity I can to champion local music."
He continued: "Vicki and her wonderful team, The Guardians of The Clock Tower, did an amazing job organising the stalls, vendors and activities, with wood carving from Rob Dalton being a big hit, and the old-school kids’ games being a hive of activity all through the day for all ages.
"These events are all about supporting local businesses and creators, and it was amazing to see people taking it all in.
"Wilsons Auctions provided the bar and kept everyone happy with a selection of the most affordable drinks and snacks, which was lovely to see given the current cost of living crisis.
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"In running 1619 Studios and North Wales Concerts, I'm surrounded by so many talented artists. What was interesting to me was the idea of unleashing some of those acts onto a completely new audience."
They are also looking at hosting another free event in September, with a date to be confirmed.
"With a bit of luck and community spirit, the site will go from strength to strength," Cal added.
Vicki Roskams said: “It is with true collaboration that we can support the community, we initially were luck enough to gain Platinum Jubilee funding from the National lottery to support the ideas, and earlier in the week Airbus did a volunteer afternoon to help prepare the gardens, and the Guardians worked their socks off to ensure that the event without a hitch, and Cal and his amazing team provided the music.”
"The community have often said that they have nothing to do with their families unless they travel out of the area, and it lit us all up inside to see people of all nations young and old just coming together for a good time.
"The magic was created from the amazing Dragon gifted by Theatre Clwyd, with further collaborations to be announced later in the year."
She thanked everyone who supported the event, which included stalls Ollies Fudge, Ego Wax Candles, Crescent Moon Makes, Inversion Aerial Fitness, Lavender Events, Cariad Gin, Hope Cottage Farm Shop.
Vicki said: "Not forgetting the amazing Rob Dalton from Daltonwood who is a true inspiration himself, and Mickey Connolly and Rob Wright for capturing the moments and magic as they unfolded.
"We must also like to thank Hi Tech Turf who helped supply some artificial grass to bring our recycled creations and games to life and Wilsons who have rallied at the last minute to support us put on this amazing event and provide a bar with 2012 prices to help those on low budgets have a great time with their families at an affordable cost."
"We are looking to hold regular events like this to become a honey pot of activity for the thousands of people which surround this amazing site."
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