A SERIES of events have been planned to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Wrexham’s twinning with the German town of Märkischer Kreis.

In March 1970 the former Wrexham Rural District Council signed a twinning agreement with the district of Kreis Iserlohn with a view to encouraging friendship between the two areas, especially among young people.

Forty years later the twinning continues to thrive.

To mark this anniversary there will be a week of activities starting on October 16 with a Europe Day organised by Europe Direct Wrexham.

The event will be held in Queens Square, Wrexham, between 10am and 3pm and local businesses, organisations and charities involved in the twinning or reflecting either Welsh, Polish or German culture will be invited to take part.

The programme also features performances by choirs and various clubs and will be compéred by Calon FM.

On the same day, there will be a concert by the Cambrian Philharmonic Orchestra starting at 7.30pm in the Parish Church of St Giles, Wrexham.

Conducted by Mark Lansom, the orchestra will present a programme of music including Brahms’ Violin Concerto played by the young German soloist Kira Kohlmann from Märkischer Kreis, who is a former member of the Märkischer Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets, at £8, £6 concessions and £3 for under-16s, are available from the Tourist Information Centre in Wrexham, on 01978 292015, or on the door.

Visual arts also have a part to play in the celebrations as Oriel Wrecsam will be hosting an exhibition of works by German, Polish and Welsh artists on the theme of Time, with paintings, film, photography, print, installation and sculpture.

An exhibition of work created by primary schoolchildren from Märkischer Kreis and Wrexham will also be on view in Wrexham Library’s Community Gallery.

On October 20 Theatr Ifanc, Rhos, will be presenting a performance featuring their twin music group, Spielmannzug Drupplingsen, at the Stiwt, Rhos.

This young music group from Märkischer Kreis has been involved in a successful twinning with Theatr Ifanc for several years.

Tickets can be obtained from Stiwt Theatre box office on 01978 841300.

The week ends with a celebration evening in the Memorial Hall on October 22, attended by the Landrat (mayor) of Märkischer Kreis and different groups from Germany who will be over to celebrate the anniversary.

Several groups including the Kreisjugendorchester (county wind band) together with ensembles from Wrexham Music Service, Rhosnesni High School and its feeder primary schools, and Spielmannzug Drupplingsen, will take part in an evening of music and song.

Tickets are limited but can be obtained in advance from the Tourist Information Centre on 01978 292015.