A CELEBRATION is being held to mark the 200th anniversary of Anglesey’s Menai suspension bridge.

Construction of the iconic bridge started on August 10, 1819.

Now, Menai Heritage, the charity which runs the Bridges Exhibition, in Menai Bridge, is holding special events on Saturday, August 10.

Historical themed activities will offer a chance to learn about life in the 19th century. A History Fair will include demonstrations of skills needed for bridge building during the period.

There will also be a chance to hear how people at the time thought the bridge was going to affect their lives, as a ‘Bridge to the Future.’

Then, after noon, at the foot of the Menai Bridge, a commemorative plaque will be unveiled, to three cheers.

Senior members of the civil engineering profession, with Nia Rhys Jones, chair of Menai Heritage, will take part in a ceremony to commemorate the laying of the first stone.

The history fair will be held at Prince’s Pier, Water St, Menai Bridge, from 10am to 4pm.

Activities include Anglesey Masonry giving demonstrations of stone splitting.

The Geomôn organisation will help people learn about limestone, and Menai Heritage will demonstrate lifting stone and model bridge building.

Bangor University’s marine sciences department will help explain “underwater in the Strait,” and Oriel Ger-y-Fenai will sell bridge prints.

The Holyhead Maritime Museum, is taking part with a visiting sea captain and maritime tools display, plus sales of museum merchandise

Maritime volunteers (originally from the Clio ship) will reveal how to tie knots and explain other maritime skills

Cadarn Consulting Engineers will explain about draughtsmanship and Menai Heritage will sell publications and merchandise, including a new book, from Bob Daimond and Menai Heritage, “Menai Suspension Bridge The First 200 Years.”