Home > Events > Town Twinning - Wormhout

Llandudno has been twinned since 1988 with the town of Wormhout situated in Northern France.  The Twinning between the two towns was established to ensure that the events that occurred in 1940 in the lead up to the Dunkirk Evacuation during the Second World War are not forgotten, when German SS soldiers captured up to 100 British Soldiers, including men from Llandudno.  They were taken to a barn, La Plaine au Bois near the towns of Wormhout and Esquelbecq, where on 28th May 1940, 80 of them were massacred.

Today the site of the massacre is maintained as a memorial to those who were killed.  Llandudno Town Council contributes to the maintenance costs of the site.  

The Town Council supports and arranges cultural visits between Llandudno and Wormhout each year to allow interested members of the public to engage in fellowship and friendship with our French counterparts.  Visits to Wormhout from Llandudno include a service at the memorial site as part of the programme in order to allow visitors to pay their respects.

Town Twinning Exchanges

Exchange from Wormhout

Just over 50 people from Wormhout travel to Llandudno for a weekend of hospitality with host families who volunteer to accommodate the French families during their stay.  The visit usually takes place in April with a number of visits in and around Llandudno arranged during the weekend.

Wormhout Football Trip

Usually occurring in May each year, a team of 20 pupils from local primary schools, with their teachers, are invited to compete in the annual Wormhout International Junior Soccer Tournament.  As well as taking part in the tournament, the pupils are able to immerse themselves in the history of the town and the surrounding area.

Each July, a visit to Wormhout is arranged to coincide with the Wormhout carnival and music festival, with a group of 55 people from Llandudno participating.  All participants contribute to the cost of the trip.  Accommodation is provided by French host families and the Wormhout Town Council.  Those on the visit are able to learn about the history of Wormhout, paying tribute to those who gave their lives during the Second World War and in particular those who died during the Wormhout massacre in 1940.

If you would like to become involved with the work of the Town Twinning Committee by hosting some French visitors and perhaps taking part in one of the annual visits, please contact the Deputy Town Clerk on 01492 879130 or email: deputyclerk@llandudno.gov.uk

Town Twinning - Champéry

Llandudno is also twinned with the town of Champéry in Switzerland. The Twinning is administered by the Champéry – Llandudno Twinning Association. A private administrative committee consisting of independent members, members of the Town Council, representatives from local businesses and North Wales Tourism with support from Conwy County Borough Council Officers.
The aims of the Twinning are:

  • Trade: To foster trade between the two towns with local business able to explore new markets and share good practice.

  • Cultural: Showcase Food & Drink from the regions, learn and understand different cultures leading to long term friendships and explore cultural festivals. Future plans for cultural exchanges for young people.

  • Sport: exchanges over many difference sports involving adults and young people leading to long term friendships.

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