llanblogger news

Pavarotti’s widow sends special thank you package to North Wales

2026-07-22T06:51:09.919+01:00

* Pendine Park catering staff with the panettone (front left and right) Chris Tracey, catering manager and pastry chef Dave Quinn with chef Hayden Harvey, catering assistants Pavreen Muvalidhavan and Karen Blackmore, head chef Eli Mattar, chef Subin Alex, second chef Tyronne Moldrich, Bibin Reyer Meithew and Peter Reynard. Pictures by Mandy Jones

* Mario and Gill Kreft and Nicoletta Mantovani (centre) and husband Alberto Tinarelli with the Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir in 2025.

A surprise thank you gift from the widow of opera legend Luciano Pavarotti has landed in North Wales after a local choir’s dream trip to Italy.

Nicoletta Mantovani sent a bumper box of delicacies from Pavarotti’s home city of Modena to Mario and Gill Kreft, the owners of the Pendine Park care organisation, in recognition of their support for the Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir.

The couple made the choir’s once-in-a-lifetime visit to Italy possible through the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT) after Nicolette invited them to perform in a concert at the Teatro Comunale Pavarotti-Freni.

Inside the package were traditional Modena specialties including a panettone cake and prized Amarena cherries – a heartfelt gesture from the woman who has dedicated herself to preserving Pavarotti’s legacy since the tenor’s death in 2007

A producer and director, Nicoletta founded and became president of the Pavarotti Foundation which organises tribute concerts with opera stars such as Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo..

At the landmark concert, the choir performed songs in Italian, Welsh and French.

While there they presented traditional Welsh love spoons to Pavarotti’s daughter Alice and to the Mayor of Modena.

According to Mario, it was only fitting that Pendine should help celebrate the enduring link between North Wales and one of the world’s greatest voices.

Pavarotti will always be remembered as one of the finest and most cherished tenors of all time, and when interviewed he often told how his journey to greatness began at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Pavarotti was just 19 and a trainee teacher when he first visited Llangollen Eisteddfod in 1955 with his father, Fernando, as part of Chorus Rossini, from Modena.

They secured the award for overall winning choir and following that achievement Pavarotti was determined to make music his career. He later said that winning at Llangollen was the spark that ignited his dream.

He returned 40 years later, this time as a global icon, for a sell-out concert in 1995.

Last year Nicoletta re-visited the international eisteddfod as a guest of honour to celebrate the 70th anniversary of her late husband’s first experience there.

She presented the prestigious Pavarotti Trophy to the winners of the Choir of the World Competition and was “deeply honoured” to present the coveted Pendine Trophy to the winner of the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition.

PACT sponsors the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition, which is one of the eisteddfod’s blue riband events, attracting entrants from all around the world.

They compete for a gleaming commemorative silver salver and a £3,000 cash prize to help advance their future singing careers.

“We were proud to support the Fron Choir in joining Chorus Rossini in Modena for what was a magical performance,” said Mario.

“Music and the arts are the golden thread running through everything we do, so this felt like a perfect way to honour that connection.

“As long-standing supporters and vice-presidents of the Llangollen Eisteddfod, Gill and I are especially proud of the enduring bond between North Wales and Luciano Pavarotti, whose extraordinary career was inspired by his success there as a young man.

“To have subsequently received the thank-you gift of confectionaries from Nicoletta was a wonderful surprise. It was totally unexpected and such a heart-warming gesture.

“Given how busy a life she leads, we feel deeply touched to think she has taken time out to arrange this lovely gift for us.

“We wanted to share the delicacies with some of our Pendine Park family and who better than the catering team who work so hard to deliver the highest standard of meals to our residents every day of the year.”

Pendine Park catering managers Mrs Chris Tracey and her husband, also called Chris, arranged for the cake to be sugar glazed and decorated with the juicy amarena cherries on top.

Pastry chef Dave Quinn, who decorated and made the first cut into the cake, said: “These are the finest, top quality ingredients. It’s been a pleasure to prepare such a wonderful treat.”

Railway will take a trip back to the swinging sixties

2026-07-21T10:32:42.374+01:00

* The popular Chris Burton will perform during the Sixties Weekend.

The soundtrack of that swinging decade will fill the Dee Valley when Llangollen and Corwen Railway's Sixties Weekend returns on Saturday and Sunday August 1 and 2 , bringing together live music, heritage trains, historic re-enactments and family entertainment in one of its biggest events of the year.

Visitors will step back to a time when Britain's railways were undergoing dramatic change, as stations across the line are transformed into authentic 1960s scenes complete with volunteers in period dress, themed announcements, interactive performances and living history displays.

Throughout the weekend, a programme of live music will celebrate the decade that changed popular culture forever.

Local favourite Chris Burton will perform many of the era's biggest hits, including timeless Beatles classics while dressed as an early Beatle.

Award-winning local performers Rose and Jacob will entertain visitors with a mix of sixties pop and folk favourites, while Esme Sallnow will bring together the sounds of artists including Nina Simone and Freddie & The Dreamers.

* Llangollen Band Dammit, starring drummer Harry Barber, will be be performing the hits of the swinging decade.

On Sunday afternoon, North Wales charity band Jabberwocky will round off the celebrations with an energetic blend of soul, blues and classic sixties hits.

Visitors can also enjoy unlimited travel on heritage trains while exploring attractions at Llangollen, Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy, Carrog and Corwen.

The weekend features the Welsh bobbies in authentic British Transport Commission Police uniforms, dramatic protests against the proposed railway closures, Beeching's passenger survey teams, goods loading demonstrations, vintage Crosville bus tours, classic vehicles, historical exhibitions and Beeching's Bar, serving a selection of local real ales throughout the weekend.

Mandy Towers, Llangollen Station Master and one of the organisers, said: "Sixties Weekend is all about bringing history to life. As soon as visitors arrive they'll be transported back to the 1960s, with heritage trains, period costumes, live music and historical re-enactments creating an atmosphere that's unlike anything else.

"Every station has something different to discover, so people can spend the whole day exploring the railway and enjoying everything that's happening along the line."

She added: "It's a wonderful event for families, railway enthusiasts and anyone who loves the nostalgia of the 1960s. Our volunteers have worked incredibly hard to recreate the look and feel of the decade, and we're looking forward to welcoming visitors for what promises to be a fantastic weekend."

As the sun sets on Saturday, the celebrations continue with one of the highlights of the weekend – the Saturday Night Dance at Llangollen Railway Station.

From 6pm, the station will come alive as Dave 'Boss' Griffin spins the biggest hits of the decade before live band Dammit, featuring railway legend Harry Barber on drums, take to the stage from 7.45pm until 9.15pm. Dave then returns to keep the platforms swinging until the evening draws to a close.

* Rose & Jacob will be singing a variety of hits including a mix of pop and folk.

With Beeching's Bar serving local real ales, hot food available throughout the evening and heritage trains bringing guests to and from stations along the line, the dance offers a truly unique way to experience the railway after dark.

Joe Walker, another of the organisers, said: "The Saturday Night Dance is going to be something really special. Where else can you arrive by heritage train, enjoy a drink in a beautifully restored station, listen to live music and dance the night away to the biggest hits of the 1960s? It's a brilliant way to round off a day at weekend and we hope people really embrace the occasion by dressing up and joining in the fun."

He added: "Whether you're visiting for the whole weekend or just coming along on Saturday evening, you'll be part of an atmosphere that's full of energy, nostalgia and great music. We can't wait to welcome everyone to Llangollen and celebrate one of the greatest decades in British history."

The Saturday Night Dance costs £10, or just £5 when purchased with a Sixties Weekend Day Rover ticket, with evening rail travel included for visitors joining from Corwen, Carrog, Glyndyfrdwy and Berwyn.

* For more information about the Sixties Weekend, go to: https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/1960s-weekend/

* Re-enactors take a trip back in time to when protestors tried to save the station from Dr Beeching's axe.

A Night at the Opera comes to Llangollen Pavilion

2026-07-21T06:27:25.687+01:00

* The cast and production team who will present A Night at the Opera at the Pavilion on Saturday.

North Wales Opera is performing its first event at the Llangollen International Pavilion this coming Saturday evening (July 25).

A Night at the Opera is a staged gala performance celebrating some of opera’s most loved music alongside well-known classics from musical theatre.

Accompanied by Andrew Charity, the evening features scenes and arias from masterpieces including The Marriage of Figaro, La Traviata, La Bohème, Carmen, Gianni Schicchi, Don Giovanni and Lakmé, together with favourites from West Side Story, Carousel and Cabaret.

The production brings together an outstanding cast of professional and emerging singers. Emerging performers include Grace Worrall (17), and Llangollen’s own Rose Burgon (16) who last week came first in the Young Voice of Musical Theatre competition at the International Eisteddfod.

* Grace Worrall and Priscilla Fong.

Priscilla Fong from Singapore and Linus Lai from Hong Kong are set to Wow the Llangollen audience with will-known arias from operas such as the Magic Flute and Marriage of Figaro and they both duet alongside the North Wales Opera's two youngest singers.

Also returning to North Wales Opera is acclaimed baritone Robin Gruffudd Hughes, whose distinguished career has included performances with leading companies including the Royal Opera House.

Yorkshire-based soprano Victoria Price and North Wales-based soprano Eve Marie will perform arias from operas such as Marriage of Figaro, La Bohème, and Carmen.

Leigh Mason, musical director of the Fron Male Voice Choir and ladies’ choir Lleisiau’r Afon, and Lizzie Clifford, a regular in local productions by the Llangollen Operatic and Twenty Club, will entertain the well-known operatic duet Belle Nuit and songs from musicals such as Carousel and Cabaret. Leigh Mason will also present a quirky rendition of The Cat Duet alongside Katie Nilsbird.

* Robin Gruffydd Hughes

Lee J Cander, from South Wales, familiar to television audiences from Channel 4’s Your Song, presents some of the repertoire’s best-loved tenor favourites, including the much-loved Nessun Dorma.

As an extra treat for the Llangollen audience, Carrog-based ladies choir Lleisiau’r Afon will perform alongside North Wales opera during the show.

Next up from North Wales Opera at the Pavilion is Madame Butterfly this coming December.

* Tickets are available from the Pavilion website: https://llangollenpavilion.co.uk/event/night-at-the-opera/

With Ford’s Fiesta gone Ibiza is now best driver’s car out there

2026-07-20T15:36:43.020+01:00

Seat Ibiza drive by Steve Rogers

The cute Ibiza is Seat’s best selling car of all time with six million sales over 42 years so why does it seem that its masters have left it out in the cold.

Apart from a couple of updates Ibiza hasn’t changed much since the fifth generation was launched in 2017. If it ain’t broke don't fix it is a reasonable argument but rivals like Renault Clio and Vauxhall Astra have moved on at pace while Ibiza has not even got hybrid technology. A mild hybrid is coming next year which seems a long time to wait given the electrical clout of the Volkswagen group.

Seat was always touted as the sporty side of the VW group but that title has gone west now that the Spanish company has established its own sporting arm with Cupra which appears to be smothering its little brother. I was in Germany a few months ago and all I saw were Cupras, there wasn’t a Seat in sight.

For all that Ibiza is still a favourite among the supermini clan, particularly young drivers, and with Ford’s Fiesta out of the game is the best driver’s car out there.

This is just a straight forward three-cylinder one litre with good economy, even without hybrid help, excellent build quality and a comfortable but spicy ride. The first challenge when I leave my cul-de-sac is to negotiate a couple of speed humps and that tells me how things are going to play out.

Ibiza’s firmish suspension does a good job of cushioning this type of obstacle and it gets better as you enjoy swishing through twists and turns without a care in the world. This is the closest to a hot hatch without being a hot hatch and it will still keep passengers comfy.

There are four models in the range, one engine option with two power outputs, 94bhp and 113bhp, the former powering this car with a five speed gearbox. FR and FR Sport levels get six-speed and automatic options.

Given that it’s a three-cylinder one litre performance is okay and it revs happily but expect a lot of downshifting. Fifth gear is long, a bit like the old overdrive, so it quickly falls off at the slightest incline but the payback is terrific cruising economy. You will always be in the low fifties and can target 60+mpg on a motorway jaunt.

The notchy gearbox was both a surprise and a disappointment, Seat can do better.

Seat is one of the few companies that hasn’t gone all in on screen technology, not at this level anyway, so Ibiza is a joy to those who hate spending 10 minutes working out the touchscreen functions.

Without being unkind it is charmingly dated, the two lower level models don’t get digital climate control, just chunky knobs and a four speed fan which is pretty noisy even at level two, but who cares.

It does have a clear modern digital driver’s binnacle with a choice of three displays but I don’t think the tech is programmed to mirror navigation directions from the central touchscreen. I tried but failed. The good news is the touchscreen response is as fast as Wild Bill Hickok in a gunfight.

Even more impressive is the build and quality of cabin materials, perhaps influenced by its masters, particularly Audi whose goal is always perfection. Everywhere you touch is solid, I have trim creak in my new Citroen C3, there is none in Ibiza or probably any other Seat model for that matter.

By supermini standards cabin space is fine with adequate legroom front and back, and there is a good sized boot.

You can drive away in new Ibiza for £21k but the spec level is limited. My SE Technology had keyless entry and ignition, LED headlights, navigation, and a couple of fast charging type C USB ports, but no reversing camera which is often standard on rivals. Things obviously get better moving up to FR but is starting to look pricey particularly if you want the seven speed DSG automatic.

No one can argue Ibiza is anything but a well rounded, lovable supermini, fun to drive, comfortable and kind on economy, but there is a nagging feeling it is treading water waiting for something big to happen. It deserves better.

Fast facts

Ibiza SE Technology

£22,605 (starts £20,995)

1-litre TSI; 94bhp

0-62mph 11secs; 118mph

55.4mpg combined

115g/km. 1st VED £455

Insurance group 12

Boot: 355 litres

After some gruelling climbs Westheads reach 'nicest' part of their route

2026-07-20T14:29:21.950+01:00

* As they reached a town en route to Shengdu the Westheads were fascinated to watch about 100 dancers going through paces near a temple.

After his worrying trip to hospital brought on by oxygen starvation as he was tackling miles of gruelling mountain roads in China Louis Dennis and his fellow Westhead James Thomas reached a much more manageable downhill section of their cycling route to Thailand.

In fact, they duo reckoned it was one of the nicest sections they'd encountered so far on their mammoth journey through Europe and Asia.

Mates Dyfan Hughes, 18, from Llangollen, Louis, 19, from Garth, and James, also 19, from Wrexham, are making their 1,000 journey in aid of the British Heart Foundation in memory of Tony Edge, the father of their friend Harrison who died following a heart attack in 2024.

For their last couple of daily video logs only two of the group were in the saddle as, they explained, Dyfan had gone on ahead to the town of Chengdu to seek hospital attention for a troublesome tooth that was giving him a lot of pain.

So Louis and James were following the river through the Sichuan Valley making for a rendezvous with their companion.

Louis told how he was feeling okay after his own spell in hospital, despite still having a little tightness in the chest.

* Louis and James were mobbed by curious locals as they hit one Chinese town.

He also noted how the weather was "roasting" but to compensate for the discomfort the scenery they were passing through was "amazing."

In a later log Louis noted how he'd picked up another couple of punctures, which he would have to get fixed when they eventually reached Chengdu, a very large town with plenty of facilities.

Something that's definitely still going right for the lads is the continuing flood of online donations from supporters back home for the British Heart Foundation for which they have so far raised over £50,000.

* llanblogger is recording their adventures along the way. To follow the journey on their social media and make a donation if you wish, go to: https://linktr.ee/westheads

Llangollen Panto Group hands over £3,500 to its chosen charities

2026-07-20T06:30:30.917+01:00

* Two of the group's youngest members, Lola and Ciara, both 13, present the £3,000 cheque to Debra Sina, Denbighshire regional fundraising manager for Welsh Air Ambulance.

Just before they gathered to watch the new film made of their smash-hit 2026 production of Dick Whittington, members of the Llangollen Pantomime Group handed over cheques totalling £3,500 to their two chosen charities yesterday (Sunday) afternoon at the Town Hall.

From the proceeds of last January's show the Welsh Air Ambulance received a very healthy £3,000 towards its lifesaving work while Llangollen Silver Band picked up £500 to help it keep on hitting the right notes with its audiences.

The panto Sleeping Beauty comes next for the group, which will run at the Town Hall from January 14-17 next year.

* Ruth Owen accepts the £500 cheque from the panto group's Xavier.

Police appeal after death of man, 24, in road traffic collision

2026-07-19T12:10:13.365+01:00

Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic collision following which a 24-year-old man yesterday (Saturday) morning.

In a post on its Facebook page today (Sunday) North Wales Police says: "A 24-year-old man has sadly died following a collision near Llysfasi on 18 July.

"Emergency services were called to reports of a collision involving a black Suzuki motorcycle on the A525, Nant Y Garth pass at around 3am.

"Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the rider of the motorcycle sadly died at the scene.

"The man’s family and coroner have been informed.

"Detective Sergeant Liam Morris said: 'I would like to thank members of the public who assisted at the scene of this tragic incident and offer my deepest condolences to the man’s family.

“'I am also appealing to anybody who may have witnessed the collision or seen the motorcycle in the area at the relevant time to come forward.

“'Additionally, anybody with dashcam footage that may have captured the motorcycle involved prior to the collision should contact police.

“'Further information that could assist our investigations can be shared by contacting the Serious Collision Investigation Unit via our website or by calling 101, quoting reference 26000581789.'” 

Latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council

2026-07-19T10:27:49.552+01:00

The latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council is:

TRACK TO LLANDYN HALL FROM A539, 03/08/2026 - 05/08/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

OUTSIDE PROPERTY GLANABER 2 BACHE MILL ROAD, 29/07/2026 - 31/07/2026, Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

OPPOSITE 14 PENGWERN, 21/07/2026 - 23/07/2026, Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY

Full extent ROAD FROM PENGWERN TO TYN CELYN, 24/07/2026 - 26/07/2026, Rheolaeth traffig i hwyluso mynediad i safle Camp VC/ Traffic management to facilitate access to Camp VC site, VC LONDON LTD, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

FELIN BACHE PONT, BACHE MILL ROAD, 11/08/2026 - 21/08/2026, Gwaith Ar Bont / Bridge Works QUANTUM TM (DCC), Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

FELIN BACHE PONT, BACHE MILL ROAD, 10/08/2026 - 11/08/2026, Gwaith Ar Bont / Bridge Works KM CONSTRUCTION ( QUANTUM) Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Heol y Farchnad / Market Street, 10/10/2026 - 11/10/2026, Gwyl Fwyd Llangollen / Llangollen Food Festival CHAPTER 8 SOLUTIONS LTD, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A542 JUNCTION OF TRACK TO LLANDYN HALL FROM A539 TO APPROX 85M FURTHER EAST, A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD 03/08/2026 - 05/08/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN, Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

FELIN BACHE PONT, BACHE MILL ROAD, 22/08/2026 - 23/08/2026, Gwaith Ar Bont / Bridge Works KM CONSTRUCTION ( QUANTUM) Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

82m south of entrance to slurry pit JUNCTION OF A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD, 03/08/2026 - 05/08/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN, Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

Creative writing workshops aim to help a person's wellbeing

2026-07-19T06:56:37.611+01:00

* People involved in one of the workshops led by Daisy.

Creative writing can help with a person's wellbeing through self-expression and connection.

That's the message from Daisy Green who has been successfully running regular workshops for reflective writing, poetry and discussion in Llangollen for the past two years.

And she says the sessions have provided a supportive and welcoming space where the core group of people taking part have been able to explore their thoughts, experiences and creativity while building confidence in their own voice.

During the summer months they meet in the Community Garden in Llangollen, and during the winter it has been the Heritage Lock Up. They have also met in St John's hall and The Bridge End Hotel, all of which Daisy says have been fully supportive.

Alongside the workshops, her other group, Llangollen Spoken Word, has continued to grow.

She said: "We have recently expanded our Spoken Word events to include online participation, making them more accessible to people who may not be able to attend in person due to ill-health, disability, caring responsibilities or distance. Creating inclusive spaces where everyone has the opportunity to be heard is central to the ethos of the project.

* Daisy Green leads a session at Gales Wine Bar.

"Our in-person spoken word events are hosted at Gales Wine Bar, whose ongoing support has played an important role in helping us create a welcoming and inclusive creative community in Llangollen. Their encouragement and commitment to local arts and culture have helped the events flourish over the past two years.

"As a poet, facilitator and survivor of domestic abuse, I have experienced first-hand how writing can help people process experiences, reconnect with themselves and discover the confidence to tell their own stories. That belief sits at the heart of all the work I do."

Daisy says she is now expanding this work through a new programme called The Unspoken Word, which is a six-week spoken word and reflective writing journey for women.

"Through guided writing, creative exploration and optional sharing, participants will explore voice, silence, memory, truth and expression within a supportive small-group setting," she explained.

"The programme is designed to help women reconnect with their own stories, build confidence in their voice and discover the power of creative expression."

She added: "I believe everyone has a story worth telling. Sometimes all people need is a safe space, a blank page and permission to begin. Through writing, we can make sense of our experiences, find connection with others and discover strengths we didn't know we had."

Daisy says she is also building a programme of poetry, literature, storytelling, wellbeing and lots more events as part of this year's Llangollen Fringe Festival from September 4-12.

* For more details of her various workshops and courses, contact details are:

Email:

hello@daisygreencollective.co.uk

Website www.daisygreencollective.co.uk

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/18zNgAj4Fj/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/llangollen_spoken_word_events?igsh=MWlxYzExcG04endjeQ==

Railway's enhanced fire safety measures for steam trains

2026-07-18T06:41:33.029+01:00

Llangollen and Corwen Railway will continue to operate its planned steam services this weekend while introducing enhanced fire safety measures to help protect the railway and surrounding countryside during the current spell of hot weather.

Recent media reports have referred to a national "steam ban" following restrictions introduced by Network Rail on steam-hauled charter trains operating on the national rail network because of the heightened risk of wildfires.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway is an independent heritage railway operating on its own dedicated infrastructure and is not part of the Network Rail network, meaning those restrictions do not apply to its operations.

However, the railway says it is taking the current weather conditions extremely seriously and has introduced a range of additional measures to reduce the risk of lineside fires while continuing to operate safely.

To celebrate the start of the summer holidays, visitors will be able to enjoy journeys behind two Great Western Railway steam locomotives: GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754 and GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802.

A dedicated fire train will patrol those sections of the railway considered to be at the highest risk during the hot weather. Equipped with pumps and firefighting equipment, it will be ready to respond immediately should a lineside fire occur.

In addition, all operating steam locomotives and trains are fitted with hoses and fire beaters, while crews will continually monitor conditions throughout the day. These enhanced measures are designed to ensure the railway can continue to operate safely while protecting the surrounding countryside.

Matthew Carty, Head of Llangollen Railway's Footplate Team, said: "The recent restrictions announced this week relate to steam trains operating on the Network Rail network and do not apply to independent heritage railways such as Llangollen Railway.

"However, we fully recognise the current hot and dry conditions and are taking them extremely seriously. We've planned extensively for this weekend, with a dedicated fire train patrolling those sections of the line that present the greatest risk, while our locomotives are equipped with hoses and fire beaters and our crews remain vigilant throughout the day.

"Steam locomotives are at the heart of what we do, but operating them safely is always our first priority. Our volunteers and staff have a great deal of experience operating during periods of warm weather, and we've put in place additional safeguards to help protect the railway, our neighbours and the beautiful Dee Valley.

"We're looking forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy two superb Great Western steam locomotives this weekend, while continuing to operate responsibly and safely."

Visitors travelling on Saturday can enjoy two classic Great Western steam locomotives in service throughout the day.

Saturday July 18 steam timetable

Llangollen → Corwen

10.00 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754
11.05 – GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802
12.20 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754
13.45 – GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802
15.15 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754

Corwen → Llangollen

11.05 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754
12.20 – GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802
13.45 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754
15.15 – GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802
16.20 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754

The popular Ales from Wales train will also be hauled by GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802, offering passengers the opportunity to enjoy a selection of Welsh real ales while travelling through the Dee Valley behind one of the Great Western Railway's most impressive freight locomotives.

Passengers are encouraged to book in advance.

* Train tickets: https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/travel?date=2026-07-18

* Ales from Wales tickets: https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/special-events-in-2026/real-ale-train

Collision on Horseshoe Pass

2026-07-17T18:50:27.892+01:00

Posted around 5.40pm Friday

Town Mayor welcomes ATM reinstatement as campaign continues

2026-07-17T09:06:50.598+01:00

* Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam visiting the newly reinstated ATM

Llangollen Town Mayor, Councillor Damon Richards-Gwilliam, has welcomed the reinstatement of the NatWest ATM on Castle Street following several months of engagement with the bank over the future of the machine.

After the ATM was taken out of service following a break-in last November, it remained boarded up for an extended period while NatWest reviewed its future, raising concerns among residents and businesses that it may not return.

Cllr Richards-Gwilliam raised these concerns directly with NatWest, highlighting the importance of maintaining free and convenient access to cash in the town with no bank branches. Following sustained engagement, NatWest confirmed that it intended to reinstate the ATM as soon as logistically possible.

The ATM has now returned to full working service.

Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam said: “I’m very pleased to see the NatWest ATM back in operation. This is a very welcome outcome for Llangollen as access to free, convenient, and reliable cash facilities is paramount to our residents, local businesses and the many people who visit our town.

"I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to get in touch with me and share their concerns, and to NatWest for recognising the importance of maintaining this service for our community.

"Whilst I am pleased to see this important facility restored, this is not the end of the conversation around access to cash in Llangollen. Following this campaign, I am grateful that one of our local Senedd Members, Darren Millar, has approached me to offer his full support as we take the next steps to strengthen cash provision across the town.”

Darren Millar MS said: "I'm delighted to see the NatWest ATM reinstated in Llangollen, as I am sure residents, businesses and visitors are too, and I applaud Damon for all his efforts to secure this outcome.

"Access to cash remains vital for many people, so this is a positive step forward and demonstrates what can be achieved when the community comes together to make its voice heard. However, it does not resolve the wider issue of access to banking services in the town.

"Following LINK's initial assessment, which concluded that no additional services were required, I have been working with Damon to challenge that decision and I am extremely pleased our appeal has been accepted and LINK will now carry out a fresh assessment of Llangollen's banking needs.

"I will continue working alongside Damon and other local campaigners, businesses and stakeholders to press the case for a banking hub in Llangollen to ensure local people and visitors to the town have access to the banking services they need."

Details of speed enforcement on Regent Street revealed

2026-07-17T06:38:15.209+01:00

The GoSafe - Wales Road Casualty Reduction Partnership - has been active on Regent Street.

Llanblogger recently contacted GoSafe to express local concerns that the 20mph limit on this particular section of the A5 trunk route, which now has a 20mph limit, was constantly being broken.

This brought a response from the partnership which revealed that its Op Atal Team attended the location on the following dates.

09/04/2026 between 13:05 to 14:15 and carried out 16 roadside courses and issued 1 fixed penalty.
14/05/2026 between 11:30 to 13:00 and carried out 16 roadside courses and issued 1 fixed penalty.

A GoSafe roadside course is a driver educational workshop offered as an alternative to a fine and penalty points on a driver's license.

Op Atal is focusing on speed on roads with 20mph, 30mph and 40mph speed limits, seat belts, and ensuring that child seats are fitted correctly.

GoSafe said it would continue to visit Regent Street where resources allow.

County-wide play sessions scheduled over summer holidays

2026-07-16T15:13:15.918+01:00

Denbighshire County Council’s Play Ranger service has released this summer’s Let’s Play Out schedule, which feature play sessions at locations throughout the county. including Pengwern and Carrog Park.

The sessions are child led, meaning children can choose what they do or what equipment they want to use freely.

Providing fully accessible open access play for children in their local communities, these sessions will have both morning and afternoon sessions throughout the summer holidays.

Starting on July 20 and ending on August 28, morning sessions will run from 10:30am-12:00pm, with the afternoon sessions running from 2-3.30pm.

Schedule of sessions

The sessions are open access, meaning children are free to come and go, however children under the ages of six must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Dawn Anderson, Denbighshire Childcare and Play Development Manager said: “We’ve had a brilliant turn out at the ‘Let’s Play Out’ sessions we have hosted so far this year. We have increased the number of locations this year from 10 to 20, offering more play opportunities in more locations across the county.

"I can’t wait to welcome everyone back to our sessions once again this summer.”

Councillor Diane King, Lead Member for Education, Children and Families said: “These sessions provide families with free and fun sessions throughout the county during the summer holidays.

"Held at 20 locations around the county, ‘Let’s Play Out’ sessions are hosted during both the morning and afternoon, providing more opportunity for families to be able to attend.

"The sessions are child-led, meaning they can choose the type of play they prefer throughout the whole session.”

Llangollen hosts weekend of cross-country mountain biking

2026-07-16T10:29:40.291+01:00

* The 2026 Welsh MTB Championships. Photo by Peter Astles.

Over last weekend One Giant Leap in Llangollen played host to the 2026 Welsh MTB XC Championships and the final round of the Welsh MTB XC Series.

Organisers say this meant an unforgettable weekend of cross-country mountain bike racing bringing together riders of all ages and abilities to celebrate the conclusion of another outstanding season.

Organised by Fibrax Fenwick’s Wrexham CC, who hosted the final round of the series, the weekend showcased everything that makes cross-country mountain biking special, including challenging racing, a welcoming community, and an incredible atmosphere.

The One Giant Leap course lived up to its reputation, demanding endurance, technical ability and determination from every rider.

Steep climbs, loose technical descents and flowing singletrack combined to create a course that rewarded skill as much as fitness. Hot, dry conditions throughout the weekend only added to the challenge, turning the trails dusty, fast and increasingly slippery as racing unfolded.

Saturday’s Welsh MTB XC Short Track Championships provided the perfect start to an incredible weekend of racing.

With fast, technical racing taking place under blazing sunshine, the XCC format delivered exciting battles across every age category. The hot, dry conditions made for quick but increasingly dusty and slippery racing, creating an exciting spectacle for riders and spectators alike.

Sunday’s Cross Country Olympic racing proved even tougher. The relentless climbs, technical descents and hot temperatures tested every competitor from start to finish, but the racing remained fiercely competitive throughout every category.

The Llangollen event also brought the 2026 Welsh MTB XC Series to a close after five rounds held across Wales between March and July. Throughout the season, riders have enjoyed organised, safe and welcoming events run almost entirely by volunteers, offering opportunities for complete beginners through to experienced racers to compete.

With the final round complete, the overall Welsh MTB XC Series standings will be confirmed and announced soon.

Organisers says: "A huge thank you to everyone who made this year’s series possible. Delivering events of this scale requires an incredible amount of time, dedication and commitment from volunteers. From organisers and marshals to medics, commissaires and everyone working behind the scenes, your efforts are truly appreciated by riders, supporters and the wider cycling community."

Volunteer fair planned for Llangollen Youth Centre

2026-07-16T10:20:39.367+01:00

New owner's latest update on work to revive Star Inn

2026-07-16T06:56:11.517+01:00

* Work in progress: an interior shot of the Star Inn's transformation. All images are taken from owner's latest social media update.

The businessman turning a derelict Llangollen pub back into a "proper local" has given an update on the progress of his ambitious scheme for the old Star Inn.

The Star on Queen Street has been closed for the past few years since the last landlord called time.

By late last year the large building, which stands alongside the town's fire station, had become an eyesore with broken windows and unlocked doors which had to be secured against vandals.

But earlier this year it was taken over by David Anderson, who is originally from Cefn Mawr and attended Ysgol Dinas Bran where her left in 2000 to train as an engineer before setting up a successful group of businesses based in Yorkshire, took over the building.

Part of the group is a property arm and from that stemmed a new company named Star Inn (Llangollen) Ltd, which has taken over the pub.

David plans to turn it back into a community pub - or hub - with emphasis on making it a place where people feel safe and comfortable.

Work on the transformation has been going rapidly ahead over the months since the job began, with teams of workmen giving their attention to every area of the building.

The latest social media update on the progress being made says: "A new chapter is being written at the Star in Llangollen.

"There's plenty happening behind the scenes as we continue bringing the Star Inn back to life.

"From the bar and guest rooms to the finishing touches, we're working hard to create a proper local that Llangollen can be proud of."

* Owner David Anderson outside the building he's turning back into a "proper local".

And the post promises: "Great drinks, live sport, comfortable stays, a warm welcome, community events and entertainment."

The banner out front promises the Star will be open again this summer and the post says: "While we don't have a confirmed opening date just yet, we'll keep everyone informed as progress continues."

Speaking to llanblogger as the work began earlier this year, David said: "I actually used to drink at the Star in my younger days after playing in rugby matches, so I remember it well. When it came up for sale we decided to buy it and bring it back to life as a community pub or hub.

"Our aim is to give it a real feel-good factor and we're keen to do everything right and to a high standard. The front of house will have a rustic feel about it but with a slightly modern twist.

"However, we want to remind people of how the Star used to be and we're looking at depicting around the rooms any historical mentions it has had and old pictures it appears in."

David's company also plans to include five ensuite B&B bedrooms plus a kitchen to produce the breakfasts.

"Given the complexity of the building it's going to be a challenge technically to do this but we'll be taking everything back to brick to address any problems we encounter," he said.

David explained that the new logo of the pub he has had produced is emblazoned "Established 1976" because that's the earliest any records showing the building as a pub he has been able to find. The banner now outside the pub also includes a star motif which he says represents the pub in the community and that's very much how he wants it to be, he says.

Ken Skates MS appointed permanent Welsh Labour leader

2026-07-15T12:14:43.449+01:00

* Ken Skates is confirmed as Labour's new leader in Wales.

Ken Skates MS, who used to represent Llangollen, has been confirmed as Leader of Welsh Labour, after receiving unanimous backing from the the party's Senedd group.

Skates became interim leader in May after the resignation of Eluned Morgan.

Welsh Labour opened nominations for a permanent replacement last Thursday, starting with nominations from the Senedd Labour Group. All nine members of the group nominated Skates, confirming his appointment as Leader.

Ken Skates MS said: “I am deeply honoured to have the unanimous backing of my colleagues in the Senedd in seeking the leadership of Welsh Labour.

“I joined the party as a 14-year-old, and my belief still stands that no child’s future should be determined by their background. That no young person should be judged on anything other than the efforts they make and the decency they show to others.

“The Labour movement for me is a movement for fairness, justice, security and liberty. It is a movement that seeks to empower people and communities, to fight against injustice, intolerance, nepotism and cruelty.”

Skates, who was first elected for Clwyd South in 2011, held several Welsh Government roles including Transport Secretary and Economy and Infrastructure Secretary. He was re-elected to the Senedd for the new constituency of Fflint Wrecsam in May.

Deputy leader of Welsh Labour, Carolyn Harris MP, said: “I offer my warm congratulations to Ken. He has my full backing as he undertakes the big task ahead of him - listening, learning, rebuilding and doing that crucial job of holding Plaid Cymru, and Reform UK, to account in the Senedd. I have no doubt he has the energy, thoughtfulness and optimism to take us forward and I look forward to working alongside him.”

Denbighshire Citizens Advice column for July

2026-07-15T11:07:45.796+01:00

Denbighshire Citizens Advice column for July is how to stop your home overheating in hot weather:

Q: I love the summer, but when the weather heats up there are times when the temperature in our home can become unbearable. What can I do to try and keep it cool?

A: An overheating home can make life very uncomfortable and could even have a negative impact on your health. Here are some simple steps you can take to help make your surroundings more bearable when the temperature rises:

Let cool air in

Open windows on opposite sides of your home to encourage air flow by letting warm air out and cooler air in. It’s best to do this overnight or early in the morning when the temperature outside tends to be cooler than it is inside. If you have a loft - opening the hatch can be a good way of letting heat escape.

If you live in a property where you can only open one window (such as a converted building or a single room) - open internal doors to help the air circulate.

Keep the sunshine out

One of the most effective (and low cost) ways of keeping your home cool is to close your curtains or blinds on the side of the house where the sun is shining. Keep windows on all sides closed when it's warmer outside than it is inside - typically late morning to early evening. Use fans instead.

Use a fan

Fans help circulate the air and create a breeze making your surroundings feel more pleasant. They are cheap to use - generally costing less than 2p an hour to run. Putting a fan by an open window can help draw fresh air into your home - as long as the temperature outside is cooler.

Placing a bowl of ice cubes or ice packs in front of - but a safe distance from - a fan can help lower the temperature of the air circulating around the room.

Escape the heat altogether

If things get really unbearable, you might want to consider heading to the nearest air conditioned building if possible - such as a leisure centre or local library to escape the heat.

Insulation can help

Energy efficient homes are easier to keep comfortable year-round. A well-insulated property can help prevent unwanted heat from entering during the summer, while retaining warmth during the winter. So, if your home tends to overheat - consider:

Improving your property’s wall and roof insulation
Replacing windows - especially with 'low-emissivity' glass which has a coating that reflects UV and ultraviolet, helping prevent too much heat from the sun entering the home and helping keep heat inside the home in winter
Ensuring the property is well ventilated via extractor fans and trickle vents
Installing window shutters to provide external shading
Adding solar panels which can be helpful if you tend to use more electricity for cooling fans and/or air conditioning

* You may be entitled to help with paying for improvements to make your property more energy efficient. Check Citizen’s Advice website for information about the schemes and grants that are available.

Chance to become a heritage railway engineers of the future

2026-07-15T09:19:24.429+01:00

* Tim Hines and Matthew Carty qualified as steam locomotive drivers aged just 27.

Young people with a passion for engineering, construction and traditional craftsmanship are being offered a unique opportunity to help preserve one of Britain's most iconic heritage railways through a new apprenticeship programme at the award-winning Llangollen and Corwen Railway.

Prospective apprentices, along with their families, teachers and careers advisers, are being invited to an Open Day on Tuesday July 29, where they can meet the railway's engineering team, tour the workshops and discover first-hand what it takes to keep history on track.

The apprenticeship programme is being delivered in partnership with Coleg Cambria and is aimed at students studying, or intending to study, Level 2 or Level 3 Engineering, Fabrication & Welding, Construction or related qualifications, which is far more than a traditional apprenticeship.

Successful applicants will gain hands-on experience working alongside experienced engineers and skilled craftspeople on everything from steam locomotives and historic railway carriages to bridges, tunnels, track and infrastructure across the railway's 11-mile route through the spectacular Dee Valley National Landscape.

Today, more than 400 volunteers and a highly skilled engineering team work together to preserve Britain's railway heritage while welcoming thousands of visitors every year, making a significant contribution to the local economy and community.

Tim Pulford, Heritage Engineering Manager at the Llangollen and Corwen Railway, said: "This is a genuinely unique opportunity for young people who want to build practical engineering skills while working on something truly special. The Open Day on 29 July will give prospective apprentices the chance to meet our team, tour the workshops, ask questions and experience the Railway first hand before applying.

"The engineers here at the Llangollen and Corwen Railway are recognised for their expertise around the world. People come here to learn specialist engineering skills and traditional techniques that are becoming increasingly rare, and we are determined to make our Railway a place of learning where those skills are preserved and passed on.

"We are equally determined to create the heritage railway engineers of the future. By investing in apprentices today, we're investing in the long-term future of our Railway and helping ensure these remarkable engineering skills continue for generations to come."

Apprentices will have the opportunity to work across a wide range of engineering disciplines, including:

Steam locomotive maintenance and overhaul
Steam boiler repairs and restoration
General fitting and machining
Repair and maintenance of plant and machinery
Mechanical overhaul of historic railway carriages
Restoration of carriage bodies and interiors
Railway track renewal and maintenance
Civil engineering works, including bridges, tunnels, embankments and culverts
Vegetation management and fencing

The railway is keen to stress that this is not an office-based role and that the work is physically demanding, often dirty and regularly takes place outdoors in all weathers.

However, they say that for enthusiastic people with an interest in engineering, construction or industrial heritage, it offers an unrivalled opportunity to develop practical skills that are increasingly difficult to find elsewhere while helping to preserve an important part of Britain's engineering history.

* Anyone interested in attending the open day on July 29 or learning more about the apprenticeship programme is encouraged to contact Tim Pulford, Heritage Engineering Manager, by emailing engineering@llangollen-railway.co.uk.

* Steam locomotive driver Dave Owen presents Matthew Carty with his certificate for passing as a driver.

New 'wasteland to wonderland' garden opens at Pengwern Hub

2026-07-15T06:24:51.238+01:00

* Garden volunteer Mike Pelling cuts a green ribbon to officially open the community garden watched by local children.

A group of dedicated volunteers who spent months turning an overgrown wilderness area at the side of Pengwern Community Hub into an attractive garden saw their efforts rewarded when it was formally opened yesterday (Tuesday).

It all began 10 months ago when a grant was secured from Keep Wales Tidy to develop the land at the side of the hub into a garden featuring natural plants and shrubs along with vegetable plots.

The transformation from wasteland to green wonderland was undertaken by a hard-working band of five volunteers from Llangollen.

The plan is for the vegetables to be picked by members of the community then, if they wish, actually cooked by them using the facilities at the hub.

* A group of of local people look around the newly-opened garden at the side of the hub.

Gwion Tomos-Jones, senior community development officer for the Dee Valley, South Denbighshire Community Partnership,said: "There is the potential for some of the vegetables to eventually be sold off or donated to the local foods share.

"And from July 21 and every then Tuesday between 11am and 3pm we are running a Garden to Table group where people can do just that.

"We are delighted to be reopening the community garden and welcoming people back into the space.

"The improvements made through funding from Keep Wales Tidy and extensive support from Denbighshire County Council have significantly enhanced the garden, creating new opportunities for the community to come together, learn new skills and enjoy the benefits of spending time outdoors. We are now looking forward to seeing the space being utilised and enjoyed by Llangollen residents."

Performing the official opening of the garden was Mike Pelling who was one of the volunteers who worked on its creation from the very start.

Also in session yesterday at the hub was the Men:Minded group, which provides support to local men through a wide range of skill sharing.

They are at Pengwern every other Tuesday from 1.30 to 3.30pm and at Pentredŵr Community Centre (Hwb Pentredŵr) every Wednesday between 6.30 and 8.30pm.

Yesterday members were learning knife skills on wooden try-sticks but, according to Joe Hackney who runs the Men:Minded CIC not-for-profit company behind it, themes for the sessions can be almost anything from brick laying to landscape drawing, all depending on what the men coming along want to try out.

He said: "I set up the group 18 months ago. It's a place where men can come to learn new skills and not necessarily about their mental health, although it can be.

"We do our own fundraising and also rely on donations to keep going."

* Joe Hackney of Men:Minded CIC (standing) leads the Tuesday group in learning knife skills.

* For more information or to get involved in Men:Minded scan the code below:

Police investigate damage near Ponderosa Café

2026-07-14T11:18:21.092+01:00

Police have launched a probe into damage caused next to the Ponderosa Café, near Llangollen.

* For the full story in the Denbighshire Free Press, go to: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/26275029.police-probe-damage-near-ponderosa-caf-llangollen/

Hard-to-ignore MGS9 could be bargain of year

2026-07-14T11:07:06.958+01:00

MGS9 drive by Steve Rogers

Meet the seven seat MGS9, my hot contender for bargain of the year.

This is MGs most significant model since the electric MG4 and offers big family space, a shed load of equipment, decent quality, plug-in hybrid technology with a useful electric range, and a £34k price tag that undercuts just about every competitor.

I could stop here and just say go out and buy one but you deserve a little more meat on the bone.

MG was one of the first Chinese brands to reach our shores having bought the name of a famous British marque. It started slowly attracting buyers with bargain prices but the MG4 with its eye popping styling got people talking and buying.

The earliest MGs suffered reliability problems, mainly software glitches, but the company has got its act together and although it has a bit of a way to go before enjoying the reputation of the likes of Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen or Kia the order books show it is a serious player in the UK market. The HS model was the sixth best selling car in June.

Where to start? It has to be space. At almost five metres long, S9 is one of the few large SUVs capable of carrying a couple of adults in the third row. I am average height and found it roomy enough with the seat in front pushed forward a few centimetres. That still leaves enough legroom for middle row passengers.

MG has made it relatively easy to get into the back with a motor to push the middle seat forward. Sliding the seat back is easy as well. The seats fold flat for an enormous luggage or even a sleeping area, and you can configure the seats to meet your needs.

Even with five seats in place there is a whopping 1026 litres which can turn into a maximum 2093 litres. As a seven seater boot space matches most superminis.

The big selling point for Chinese brands is to load their cars with equipment, a trend pretty much started by MG. The entry Comfort highlights are heated, powered front seats, panoramic roof, 360 degree surround camera, auto dipping LED headlights, powered tailgate, wireless AppleCarplay and Android Auto, along with a substantial list of driver safety aids.

I should say the camera picture quality is not the best and if there is some way of improving the definition I could not find it. Premium grade adds leather, ventilated and massaging front seats, wireless charging and a Bose sound system.

MG has gone for a widescreen layout along the dashboard with two 12.3in screens and makes for a striking display. The driver’s binnacle offers plenty of relevant information and is easy to navigate via steering wheel buttons.

The central infotainment screen is a bit of a mixed bag. It is not difficult to find your way around but the response is not all that it should be. Too much finger dabbing just to get a result. It is the same with voice control, functions you expect to work don’t, the ‘lady’ has clearly never heard of the BBC radio stations.

Another strange glitch concerned the passenger side door mirror which tilts up rather than down when reverse is selected.

I did like the line of keys under the touchscreen for quick heating commands.

Plug-in hybrids have grown in popularity in the last year or so because of the potential to drive on purely electric. Ranges have improved across the board, shooting up from mid forties to mid eighties. The smaller MG HS can manage 75 miles and even this seven seater can return 62 miles in the right conditions, more than enough for the average daily commute.

The S9 mates a 1.6 litre petrol with a 24.7kWh battery powering an electric motor so combine the two and it has a range closing in on 700 miles. Once the battery is spent expect around 43mpg. Power delivery is good and the transition to petrol seamless.

There shouldn’t be any complaints about the ride as the suspension copes well with speed humps and potholes. This is a big car so expect some body roll but it is not excessive and anyway no one is going to be playing rally driver down back roads.

Most of the competition comes from its home country, Jaecoo and Chery pushing hard, along with the accomplished Kia Sorento. It delivers exactly what large families want and for value, low running costs and practicality S9 is difficult to ignore.

Fast facts

S9 Premium plug-in hybrid

£36,950 (starts £34,210)

1.5 litre turbo petrol + electric motor 224bhp

0-62mph 9.6secs; 124mph

42.2mpg combined

Electric range: 62 miles

18g/km. First VED £115

Boot: 332-2093 litres

Insurance group 44

Towing: 2000kg

Former Eisteddfod competitor returns as Minister for Culture

2026-07-14T10:51:04.546+01:00

* Culture and Sport Minister Heledd Fychan chats with Eisteddfod Friends chair Paul Spencer about his group's valuable fundraising for the festival over many years.

* The Minister meets volunteers in the floral tent.

A former competitor at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod returned to the this year’s festival but this time as the Welsh Minister for Culture and Sport.

On her visit, during which she was given a guided tour of the busy Eisteddfod field by its chairman John Gambles, Heledd Fychan MS stressed how important the annual festival is in providing cultural activities which help overcome division in society.

She also praised the Eisteddfod for the strong emphasis it places on multilingualism and the promotion of the Welsh language through its signage, publications and advertising.

The Minister, originally from Ynys Môn, revealed that over 20 years ago she competed with her choir, Côr Glanaethwy, quite a few times, winning on a number of occasions. Her young son has been following in her footsteps competing with his own cluster choir from the Bangor area.

She said: “I remember my choir had some successes here over the years and actually, a few years ago, when my son was here with the school choir he loved it, so it’s great to be back.

“This is my first time visiting the Eisteddfod as a government minister and I have really enjoyed meeting the volunteers working around the field.”

She added: “Obviously, the history of the Eisteddfod is a really interesting one as it’s about peace and bringing cultures together and celebrating them.

“I think it's really pertinent today when we so much division in our society that the Eisteddfod actually serves to remind us all of what unites and the part culture can play in this.

“It’s also important to be reminded that we have two national languages and that people coming to the Eisteddfod can experience the Welsh language as well and see the similarities between some languages.”

During her tour the Minister met people in their various work areas, including artistic director Dave Danford, backstage volunteers Mark Jones (stage manager) and John Gibbens then Michelle Davies of the floral team on their stall where she received a welcome spray of cold water on her neck to help keep her cool in the day's blazing sun.

Ms Fychan looked in on the heritage tent to receive a full briefing from Chris Adams on how the Eisteddfod’s records right back to its 1947 origins are being carefully preserved.

It was then over the official gift shop and the adjacent visitor centre where she chatted to Ian Lebbon, chair of the Eisteddfod’s marketing committee and also chair of Denbighshire Destination Forum Partnership.

Later, she visited the competitors’ reception centre to be greeted by Alison Da Silva and then the Friends of the Eisteddfod tent where she spoke to the group’s chair Paul Spencer about the valuable financial contribution it has made to the festival over many years.

Tough uphill ride means hospital trip for a Westhead

2026-07-14T10:31:11.747+01:00

* Louis needed a trip to hospital after struggling uphill in the Chinese mountains.

One of the three Westheads cycling to Thailand for charity ended up in hospital on the latest leg of their mammoth journey.

Mates Dyfan Hughes, 18, from Llangollen, Louis Dennis, 19, from Garth, and James Thomas,19, from Wrexham are making their 1,000 journey in aid of the British Heart Foundation in memory of Tony Edge, the father of their friend Harrison who died following a heart attack in 2024.

As they were heading into China Louis had a brush with a car which left his bike in ruins. He got back on the road thanks to contributions from supporters back home which enabled him to buy a replacement machine.

After treatment to a fractured wrist and some recuperation he was able to rejoin his two friends in the saddle.

But a fresh problem arose as the trio were heading out of the 30 degree heat of the desert into the much cooler - at times downright cold - weather of the mountains.

After tackling a five-kilometre tunnel - all uphill - the lads were finding it hard to breath. They eventually got a lift in a police vehicle and found themselves a bed for the night.

But at 2.30 next morning Louis felt a sudden pain in his chest, which necessitated a trip to the local hospital accompanied by Dyfan.

In their daily video log, in which he can be seen fitted with tubing on his face, he says: "I had really low oxygen because of going up and down all day in the freezing cold. The doctor advised me to drop down to the next town and my lungs will feel better then."

One thing that's going right for them is that donations continue to flow in online for the British Heart Foundation for which they have so far raised over £50,000. And at one point in their latest update they thank one of the donors, local firm Ifor Williams Trailers, for their contribution.

* llanblogger is recording their adventures along the way. To follow the journey on their social media and make a donation if you wish, go to: https://linktr.ee/westheads