Llandudno Christmas Fayre 2013

Just 4 minutes down the road, Madoc Street in Llandudno was closed off on Wednesday night in order for the marquees to be set up. How the guys managed to erect them I do not know as there was a gale blowing and it was bitter . Earlier on in the week we'd had horrendous hail storms so it didn't look too promising for the fayre. However by Thursday the stall holders, over a hundred, had got themselves installed and were ready to trade. When I popped down on Thursday I recognised many stall holders from previous years but there were many new stalls too.                                                                             

This stall sold rings made from old silver tea spoons. It's worth checking out their website

Good warming drinks on offer

Between the marquees there was an entertainment stage so there were various entertainers to keep the crowds entertained

 This man makes coracls and teaches bush craft

Womens chior  proved popular

Playing a dulcimer

A duo playing folk songs

There was certainly a good selection of products being sold.

Record Crowds Come to The Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza

The Llandudno Victorian  Extravaganza and Transport Festival were held over the Bank Holiday weekend here in Llandudno.  Wonderful sunny weather encouraged record crowds to visit Llandudno. This is the biggest yearly event to be held in llandudno and is the one time that accommodation providers are guaranteed to be full. The main streets are closed off and filled with both old and new fair ground rides and stalls.Many people get dressed up in Victorian costumes to parade through the town along with bands, traction engines and old vehicles.

The main street is closed off and is filled with fair ground rides both old and new

A traditional entertainer gathered quite a crowd

Lots of people dressed in Victorain costumes

One of the several bands in the parade

Playing the barrel organ

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All the family join in

Colour co ordinated cuople

New Years Eve on Llandudno Promenade 2012

Llandudno by moonlight

Well after the stormy weather the wind fortunately subsided and the rain stopped so that we could enjoy bringing in the New Year on Llandudno Promenade. First we had a very brisk walk to the quieter end of the prom and back, then we gathered with a few other people awaiting midnight. Several groups had brought fireworks some were cracking open champagne and we from Lymehurst had a flask of mulled wine. So between watching the various fire works and listening to two guys who turned up and started playing Christmasy music on their cornets (I have to check and see if thats the correct instrument!) it turned out to be a very festive event.
Happy New Year to everybody. Let's hope it's a good one

Well wrapped up for the New Year's Eve Walk

 musicians  turned up and played  festive tunes

firework displays.......not quite the Millenium display!

Christmas Eve in Conwy 2012

Conwy Christmas Tree in Lancaster Square

 Christmas Eve in Conwy. The traditional gathering in Lancaster Square for carol singing before going to the Castle to see Father Christmas arrive and a fireworks display.

Crowds gathering in Lancaster Square , Conwy

After the carol singing everybody paraded to  Conwy Castle

Father Christmas arrives on the ramparts to much cheering

Then the fireworks begin

Aspectacular display with the background of  Conwy Castle

Llandudno Boxing Day Dip 2012

After so enjoying the atmosphere at last years Boxing Day Dip in a fit of festive madness I decided to accompany my daughter into the freezing sea in Llandudno's North Bay. We were joined by my sister and her son who was visiting from France. As per usual everything was a bit last minute so between preparing the boxing day meal for 12 people and making the house ready I had to rush around trying to create a fancy dress costume suitable for the sea!
Here are a few photos from the day, enjoy, we did.

The ubiquitous Panto camel

Team Podiller!

The pre Dip group photo

Still looking happy.......

The first ones in.......they cheated and went in on the count of 2!!

The mad dash

.....and even the camel went in. RNLI on standby.

Looking remarkably alive after the Dip

..........and we found Matthew

A video taken by my nephew's wife

If anybody would like to sponsor these brave, intrepid Dippers the money will go to St David's Hospice in Llandudno. www.stdavidshospice.org.uk

Somebody performing at the local theatre Venue Cymru came to stay

 

 

November 25th

On Friday I had a guest booked in who was doing something at the theatre so out of curiosity i went on the Venue Cymru site to see what was on and discovered that there was a contemporary Dance Company performing so I thought perhaps the guest was a dancer. As it turned out she was a musician but I checked out the Rambert Dance Company on the web and was quite blown away by their work, so on Saturday I went to see the production. Certainly was very contemporary but the agility and complexity of moves was amazing www.venuecymru.co.uk/whats-on/Rambert-Dance-Company.html

http://www.venuecymru.co/

www.venuecymru.co

Llandudno Sea Triathlon

Jo assembling her bike

On Saturday a Sea Triathlon was held here. I was especially interested as two of my guests were taking part. They were up early to do a lap of  the cycle route (before breakfast!) which was the toll road round the Orme (10km).

Dan  almost ready to go

  I did manage to see the start of the 1500m swim. I couldnt believe how far they had to swim out before turning to swim parallel to the shore before then looping round and heading back for the slipway

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The first swimmer back and he was way ahead by about 10 minutes

 Others then start arriving at the slipway

Next set of swimmers

  
After that they then run along the prom some starting to strip off their wet suits while running to pick up their bikes and change into their cycling gear to then start their 40 k bike ride ( 4 laps of the Great Orme!!)

One swimmer arriving while others are being checked before setting off on their bikes

A mass of bikes and equipment all strategically positioned

 I was able, only just, to capture my guests speeding along Church Walks as they completed a lap of the Orme.

Jo just finishing a lap......

....and now starting the next

Dan speeding Down Church Walks

...and narrowingly missing an on coming car starting his next lap!

Once I'd taken the photos  I had to rush back home to get a room ready for my next guests so l missed the 10 k run.
This is such an amazing event, the competitors came from all over and they must have incredible stamina.
I  had an E mail from Dan to say that Jo came overall 2nd in the womens section and Dan came 3rd how amazing is that. I'm putting it all down to the porridge I served them at breakfast!!
To see more about this Triathlon visit  www.xtramileevents.com