NEWLYWEDS from Aberdyfi have thanked the community for saving their wedding day after their marquee was blown down just hours before the ceremony.

Dan and Kate Stevens had been due to get married on the beach at 1.30pm on Saturday before moving to a marquee on Penhelig Gardens for the reception, but windy weather at 6am threatened to ruin the big day.

“Dan and his brothers slept in the marquee overnight to protect the alcohol,” said Kate, “and we knew there were winds on the way, but we didn’t know it would be that bad.”

The siblings moved quickly to remove the canvas from the frame and phoned family for help.

“I was told to stay away but I couldn’t,” said Kate.

“It was a nightmare but what happened next shows how we’ve been accepted in to the village.”

Around 60 to 70 people descended and moved everything from the marquee to Aberdyfi’s Neuadd Dyfi.

“I called Des George from the hall at about 7am and asked him if we could go to Plan Z,” said Kate.

“He said ‘yes’, got up and opened up the hall. He was amazing!

“Everyone was. We’re overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity and love and feel so privileged to have such great family, friends and help from the community.”

Dan agreed, adding: “Thanks to everyone who helped. It was amazing to see the support.”

Mr George said: “A team of around 60 or 70 people got together, family, friends and people from the village, and transformed the village hall. They had to move everything.”

Dan and Kate, both members of Aberdyfi lifeboat, borrowed furniture for the marquee from the hall, so that had to be moved back a bit earlier, while tablecloths and chair covers had to be washed and dried before they could be used.

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