CELEBRATIONS took place yesterday to mark 200 years since the opening of Chepstow’s Old Wye Bridge – one of the world’s most historically important bridges.

The Grade I listed bridge was built by John Urpeth Rastrick and was a vital link between south Wales and the south West of England.

Around 1,000 people turned out to watch the procession through the streets of Chepstow on Sunday which re-enacted the bridge’s original opening ceremony on July 24, 1816.

Two centuries later, the structure is the only five-arch iron bridge of its age to survive and is considered a feat of engineering which has stood the test of time.

The procession, which started from Beaufort Square at 1pm, was led by the town crier, Wales and Union Flag bearers and then people organised into different groups holding placards depending on their job.

Walking two by two, first came the town band followed by engineers, workmen, councillors, magistrates, farmers, traders and then others.

Local societies and charities held a riverside fair with stalls, games, music, food and entertainment from 1.30pm to 5pm. At 2pm a convoy of vintage vehicles crossed the bridge and later in the evening there was fireworks and music.

Ned Heywood, one of the organisers of the event, said it was “amazing” despite the forecast of heavy rain.

At just before 5pm he said there were still around 500 people on the river bank and around 1,000 watched the procession on the bridge.

Glyn Jones, who is chairman of this year’s Eisteddfod science and technology committee and who lives in Bridge Street, Chepstow, said: “This is a major historical event.

“We run a bed and breakfast and we always send visitors down to the bridge and get them to stand half in England and half in Wales.”

Mr Jones carried the Welsh flag in the procession. He said: “It’s a great honour bearing in mind the success in the Euros and in all sport in general,

“The bridge’s link between the Welsh and the English links with the aims of the Eisteddfod.

“We have got a motto: no Welsh, no worries. We are encouraging non Welsh people and English people to come and visit the Eisteddfod in Abergavenny.”

Paul Pavia, Mayor of Chepstow, said: "I’m absolutely delighted with the celebrations today – they couldn’t have gone better.

“It was a privilege to have Sir John Armitt, this country’s most eminent engineer, commemorate this event with us and to re-enact the role of John Urpeth Rastrick. He, like Rastrick, has had extensive experience working on major railway projects in this country and he knows all too well, the major contribution that Rastrick made to UK railways and bridge building.

“I was particularly pleased to see so many local businesses and organisations taking part in the parade, all being cheered on by hundreds of local residents lining the route right down to the bridge and right across the river front.

“It was a spectacular sight and one which will live in the memory for many years to come.”