Wedding plans for I’m A Celeb castle
THE Welsh castle that played host to ITV’s I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! during the pandemic has announced plans to expand as a wedding party hotspot.
Gwrych Castle in Abergele, Conwy, became the substitute star of the long-running series in 2020 and 2021 when travel restrictions caused by the Covid pandemic made it too difficult for the show to return to the jungle Down Under.
As a result of that global exposure the Grade I-listed building found itself enjoying a burgeoning popularity as a function venue, especially for newlyweds wanting to book a post-nuptial bash. And now those behind the historic landmark are applying to the local licensing committee to seek permission to play live music and serve alcohol at parties for those who’ve just got spliced.
“The castle has been obtaining temporary events notices for a decade, so applying for a premises license was recommended as a natural progression,” said a spokesman for The Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust, which is also seeking an expansion of current opening hours.
“It’s a small part of what we’re able to offer, but we would like our visitors to have the option.”
Gwrych Castle first opened as a visitor attraction in 1948 and had various bars and restaurants. It then became well-known in the 1970s and 1980s for its medieval themed banquets and jousting events.
Having been able to host civil ceremonies on site since last year, the trust spokesperson added that it’s hoped the plans will create jobs at the venue and boost local businesses.
“We’re following the precedent set by neighbouring and local businesses to have the ability to open until 1am for private functions, so we’ve applied to extend our hours which currently end at 10pm,” the spokesman said. “So the licence will align with other wedding venues and will expand what we currently offer to make the castle an even more attractive proposition.”
He added: “We’re hoping that more jobs will be created as our offering expands, as well as local businesses and overnight accommodation being used by people attending and hosting private functions and events.”
Last summer Gwrych Castle also opened up part of its premises as a holiday let. Sleeping six across three bedrooms, its Tan-yr-Ogo gate lodge – the castle’s ceremonial entrance – was made available to the public.
In addition, bookings included passes to explore the castle and see where the likes of Sir Mo Farah, Shane Richie and others took part in numerous trials.