What a Year! Every year, every town has let-downs and business closures. But as we enter a new year, looking back over 2021 shows Wrexham’s had more triumphs than you may realise.
Hollywood Treatment
It’s no big surprise that last years’ top Wrexham news was the Wrexham AFC purchase by Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds. Wrexham was buzzing with excitement as this famous duo embraced the town during their visit in October.
The county achieved more star status with the sudden appearance of the mysterious Hollywoodesque sign on the Rhostyllen coal slag heap. Wrexham appeared on TV for more than just football last year, with Gemma and Jac from Location, Location, Location bringing the show from the Plassey Holiday Park.
Business and Investment
The new Lidl supermarket and Starbucks Coffee drive-through brought more jobs and retail possibilities. Yellow and Blue arrived in Wrexham town centre as a new community hub and cafe. In October, JCB promised ￡100 million would go into an efficient hydrogen engine project. A hundred engineers across three factories, including Wrexham, are already working on the project. Moneypenny are looking to recruit due to an enormous surge in calls and live chat.
Sense of Normality
Wrexham has seen live bands, car boots, baby and toddler groups, Slimming World meetings and festivals like the Wrexham Feast return, and with it, a sense of a return to ordinary life. The Jurassic Live Dinosaur Show left the town buzzing with excitement and little ones overjoyed.
Wrexham: A Giving Town
Last year, the area saw substantial fundraising activities. Welsh Wanderer and Penycae resident Paul Edwards’ efforts to aid Hope House Children’s Hospice saw him complete an epic, unsupported walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End, dressed as Deadpool! Covering 1,000 miles over 39 days and raising over ￡16,000, Paul is the well-deserved winner of the Charity Champion of the Year.
UK City of Culture
Many residents will enjoy hearing that Wrexham made the long list for the UK City of Culture 2025 bid and is the only Welsh applicant to make the long list. Winning such a bid would create jobs, promote cultural inclusivity, and drive investment. With a hugely positive impact on the area, we can’t wait for the winner to be announced in spring. Please read our article about the City of Culture on page 10.
The End of a Great Year!
Despite the threats of lockdown, Christmas brought with it a promise of festivity with the famous Wrexham Victorian market. Bellevue Park also became the core of Wrexham’s Christmas activity as it hosted the light switch-on and a traditional carol service. Lastly, we commemorated those who have lost their lives to Coronavirus in Wales with the Festival of Angels in St Giles’ church.
2022 We Are Ready for You!
Thank you for reading ‘Wrexham 2021: A Year in Review’. For more community news, click here.
Image by Geralt on Pixabay.com.
