llanblogger news

Overnight A5 roadworks due to begin on Thursday

2026-10-18T07:21:16.134+01:00

* A sign on the A5 just the other side of the Coed Afon play area says the first phase of work will start from that point on Thursday.

Drivers travelling through Llangollen between next Thursday and the end of the month are being warned to expect delays of up to 20 minutes as overnight roadworks take place on the main A5.

The works, being carried out by contractors on behalf of the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA), will be carried out in three phases, each phase lasting for two nights:

A5 20mph Gateway East, near Craig-y-Don and Queen Street: 22/10/2026 – 24/10/2026
A5 Wild Pheasant to Aldi, Berwyn Street: 24/10/2026 – 28/10/2026
A5 Berwyn Street, including the Market Street and Hall Street junctions: 28/10/2026 – 31/10/2026

The works will be undertaken between 6pm and 6am under two-way temporary traffic signals with a 10mph convoy system in operation through the works area.

NMWTRA says this could result in a higher than usual level of noise at intervals and apologises in advance for any inconvenience incurred.

They add that full consideration has been given to the impact of the work on road users, residents and workforce and explains there will be full road closures with local diversions, contra-flow and lane closures.

NMWTRA says it will distribute a letter to properties alongside the works area informing residents and businesses.

Arrangements will also be put in place to allow customers/workers to access and leave the properties within the works area.

* Further information, including regular updates, regarding this project can be obtained on the website of the Welsh Government’s Traffic Information Service www.traffic.wales.

Appeal for witnesses follows break-in at Star Inn

2026-10-17T16:29:58.447+01:00

* The Star Inn which is due to have its official re-opening on November 7.

Owners have put out an appeal for witnesses after a break-in at Llangollen's Star Inn which they say has caused up to £20,000 worth of damage to the pub just weeks away from its grand re-opening following a major renovation.

And they have posted pictures from the building's CCTV on their Facebook page of the people they suspect are responsible.

The Star is due to have a "soft" re-opening on Friday November 6 followed by a full-blown party the following evening to which many local people have been invited.

In their post this lunchtime about the break-in the Star team says: "Unfortunately, at around 9:30pm last night (Friday 16th October), two individuals decided to break into The Star Inn and cause significant damage to our premises.

"Our front of house area has been badly damaged, with smashed glass, extensive water ingress and damage to the en-suite accommodation upstairs.

"We are still assessing the full extent of the destruction, but initial estimates suggest between £15,000 and £20,000 worth of damage.

"After all the hard work, time and investment that has gone into bringing The Star Inn back to life, this is absolutely heartbreaking and incredibly frustrating.

"We are determined not to let the actions of two individuals undo everything we have worked towards.

"WE NEED YOUR HELP!

"If anyone saw anything suspicious in the area around 9:30pm last night, or has any information that could help identify those responsible, please get in touch privately.

"Any information received will be passed directly to the police to support their investigation.

"We ask that nobody takes matters into their own hands.

"The Star Inn is a community pub, and we won't let mindless vandalism defeat us.

"Please share this post and help us find those responsible.

"Thank you for your continued support. The Star Inn Team."

* llanblogger's policy is not to carry footage of anyone suspected of crimes. However, those posted by the Star can be seen on its own Facebook page.

Former Dinas Brân student conquers Three Peaks for good cause

2026-10-17T07:12:56.259+01:00

* Georgia Ellams completed the Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for her humanitarian mission to Ghana.

Former Ysgol Dinas Brân sixth-form student Georgia Ellams conquered three of the country’s most iconic peaks in just 24 hours as she steps up fundraising for a humanitarian mission to Ghana.

The 19 year old from Wrexham, who is also an award-winning Airbus apprentice, completed the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge, taking on Pen y Fan, Cadair Idris and Yr Wyddfa as part of her drive to raise funds ahead of travelling to Accra this Christmas.

Georgia, one of just 20 young people from across the UK – and only two from Wales – selected for the international project, will spend two weeks working with communities to improve access to education and clean water, including the construction of a rainwater harvesting system.

The challenge caps a memorable year for Georgia, who was also named Coleg Cambria Degree Apprenticeship Learner of the Year at the college’s Student Awards this summer.

Georgia is studying for a Degree Apprenticeship in Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering with Airbus at Deeside, where she has consistently achieved top grades and is working towards a first-class degree while gaining valuable hands-on industry experience.

She said: “The Welsh Three Peaks Challenge was a huge test, but I wanted to do something that would really push me and hopefully raise more awareness and support for the project in Ghana.

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me so far. Every donation will help us make a difference to the communities we will be working with, so any contribution, however big or small, would mean a lot.”

Georgia will undertake the humanitarian project with charity Village by Village as part of the prestigious Scouts of the World Award, one of the highest international honours in Scouting.

A Scout Leader with the Bishop’s Own group in Wrexham and Youth Lead for Wrexham Scouts District, she has been involved in the movement since the age of five and previously represented the UK at the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea.

Her commitment to Scouting has played a significant role in developing the teamwork, confidence and leadership skills she has brought to her studies and apprenticeship.

Salah Berdouk, Curriculum Director for Advanced Engineering at Coleg Cambria Deeside, said: “Georgia is an exceptional Degree Apprentice who consistently achieves top grades, but what also stands out is her kindness, positivity and willingness to support others.

“Her involvement in this humanitarian project reflects her dedication and strong values, while her experiences in Scouting have helped shape her teamwork and leadership.

“We were delighted to recognise those qualities by naming her our Degree Apprenticeship Learner of the Year and are extremely proud of everything she has achieved.”

Georgia plans to continue her studies before pursuing her ambition of a career in aerospace engineering.

* To support Georgia’s fundraising and help her make a difference to communities in Ghana, visit: Village By Village: 3 Peaks, 1 Purpose: Rainwater Collection Project for Ghana.

Railway prepares to host its Heritage Railcars Gala

2026-10-16T11:35:04.599+01:00

* The DMU leaving Berwyn station.

Railway enthusiasts and families are in for a treat this weekend as the Llangollen and Corwen Railway prepares to host its Heritage Railcars Gala on Saturday and Sunday October 17 and 18 featuring rare vintage diesel railcars, unusual train formations and a special evening journey through the beautiful Dee Valley.

The two-day celebration will bring together four heritage railcar types, with the eagerly anticipated Gala debut of the Class 110 Calder Valley unit, following extensive restoration work by the railway's dedicated volunteers.

The Class 110, comprising vehicles 51813 and 51842, will operate alongside the distinctive Class 109 Wickham, Class 108 and Class 127/108 units, providing an exciting programme of services between Llangollen and Corwen.

One of the highlights on Saturday will be the 9.30am departure from Llangollen, featuring Classes 110, 109 and 108 operating together in an impressive six-car formation. At Glyndyfrdwy, the Class 108 will detach, allowing the Class 110 and Class 109 to continue towards Corwen.

Sunday promises even more excitement, with a special six-car formation featuring Classes 110, 108 and 127/108 on the morning departure, offering another rare opportunity to experience these historic vehicles operating together.

Throughout the weekend, visitors will be able to enjoy an intensive timetable, with opportunities to travel on different railcars and experience unusual combinations not normally seen on heritage railways.

The celebrations will extend beyond the train services themselves.

At Llangollen Station, visitors will be able to see restoration work taking place on a Class 105 Cravens trailer car, while the Class 507 Preservation Society will be hosting a railway driving simulator in the station waiting room.

There will also be traditional railway goods loading and unloading re-enactments, providing a glimpse into railway operations of the past.
A special Saturday Evening Landcruise will provide another highlight, with Classes 110 and 109 operating an evening service departing Llangollen at 6.30pm.
The train will pause at Glyndyfrdwy, where Porters Bar and the Tea Room will be open, before continuing to Corwen and returning to Llangollen at approximately 9.05pm.
The evening journey is included at no additional charge for Gala ticket holders, while children under 16 can also travel free. Other adults can enjoy the evening service for £10.
Jordan and the railway's catering team will be serving food and refreshments throughout the weekend, including catering for the Saturday evening train.

John Joyce from Llangollen Railcars said, "This promises to be a fantastic weekend for everyone who loves heritage railways, and particularly for those with a passion for Britain's classic diesel railcars.

"The debut of our Class 110 Calder Valley is a very special moment. It represents an enormous amount of dedication and hard work by our volunteers, who have spent countless hours bringing this wonderful piece of railway history back to life.

"We've put together a really exciting programme, with unusual formations, plenty of opportunities to travel behind different units, and a special evening service through the Dee Valley.

"But this isn't just an event for railway enthusiasts. Families and visitors looking for something different to do this weekend will find plenty to enjoy, from the beautiful scenery to the restoration displays and driving simulator.

"Most importantly, it's a celebration of our volunteers and everything they do to keep these historic vehicles operating for future generations."

Tickets for the Heritage Railcars Gala cost £36 for adults and £6 for children for a single day, or £65 for adults and £10 for children for the full weekend.

Tickets can be booked online at:

https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/special-events-in-2026/heritage-railcar-gala

The Saturday Evening Landcruise can also be booked separately at:

https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/special-events-in-2026/saturday-evening-landcru

All services and advertised formations are subject to operational requirements and vehicle availability.

Care home residents take sentimental journey on memory train

2026-10-16T06:50:01.214+01:00

* The journey begins as Mario Kreft MBE Pendine Park proprietor waves the green flag to signal the departure of the Memory Train experience for the Pendine Park residents. They are pictured with (L/R) train guard Grant Latham, Teagan Rowlands, care practitioner, residence Sandra Swift, Sarah Edwards, Pendine consultant artist in residence, residents Gwen Davies and Mary Prytherch, care practitioner. Pictures by Mandy Jones

* On board the train are Jason Bennion, creative arts consultant, and resident Irene Bishop.

* Pianist Chris Simms who played for the train passengers.

Care home residents living with dementia were taken on a nostalgic “trip down memory train” through the picturesque Dee Valley.

Around 50 residents from Pendine Park’s care homes in Wrexham travelled on the first dedicated Memory Train service between Llangollen and Corwen.

The special trip was organised by Llangollen Railway and Pendine Park to mark World Alzheimer’s Day, with the leisurely journey designed to spark memories of rail travel from years gone by.

The idea came from railway manager Dave Hennigan whose grandmother died after suffering Alzheimer’s. He hopes the new initiative will become the first of many trips for people with dementia.

Entertainment was provided on the platform in Llangollen by Corwen musician Chris Sims who played the piano and sang nostalgic hits including Blue Moon, Blueberry Hill, It's a Long Way to Tipperary and Show Me the Way to Go Home.

During the journey, Dee Valley Tours guide Louise Scotcher was on hand to tell the residents about the history of the railway and the region, as well as talk to them about their train experiences.

The residents were treated to snacks and drinks on arriving at Corwen and then enjoyed tea and cake on the platform back at Llangollen on their return.

Pendine Park owner Mario Kreft MBE said: "I think it was a fantastic experience for our residents, a real trip down memory train.

"Dave Hennigan and everyone from the railway trust in Llangollen have done a wonderful job in organising such a memorable occasion.

"We know Dave from his involvement with the Llangollen Eisteddfod which we support, and the idea he came up with of our residents going on this first Memory Train was an offer too good to refuse.

"Trains and railways bring back such wonderful memories for many of our residents, I suppose as a child so many people would say they wanted to be a train driver.

"This is the first Memory Train, and we have supported in various ways the Llangollen trust that runs the railway, and they are all volunteers, just a group of hugely committed people, so it is fantastic to be working with them on this new venture.

Dave Hennigan said: "My grandma had Alzheimer's and I felt strongly there was not enough support and not enough engaging things for her to do when she was suffering.

"That stuck in my head and the idea for the Memory Train came from a discussion with Mario.

“Our first Memory Train was made possible with generous support from Dementia Aware Denbighshire, helping us raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.”

Sarah Edwards, Pendine Park's consultant artist in residence, organised the trip for the residents.

She said: "It was wonderful to see the joy on our residents' faces and them reminiscing about their past travels on trains.

"And you do get such wonderful views of the Welsh countryside from this train, you can't really ask for more.

"The railway trust have been wonderful with our residents and we can't thank them enough, they have been so helpful and caring.

"There was such a lovely atmosphere on the train and everyone enjoyed themselves so much.”

The sentimental journey certainly brought back happy memories for the residents who enjoyed their trip down the tracks.

Resident Gwen Davies said: "The journey was absolutely lovely, you get wonderful views of the countryside from the train.

"I would go on trains years ago, but nothing like this, it is a nice way to spend the day and brings back some very good memories."

Irene Bishop said: "I loved the train trip, it felt like I was out looking for my friends.

"I love trains, though I never want them to go too fast, so this journey was lovely.

"It is nice for us all to be together and enjoying the day."

Pianist and singer Chris Sims was delighted to play a part in the first Memory Train.

He performed as the residents and staff got on to the train at Llangollen, and performed again after they returned to the town after their trip out.

Chris, who appeared in the first series of the Channel 4 music competition show The Piano in 2023, said: "I used to play at Pendine Park's homes, so I know the organisation very well, I used to do a lot of care homes, all over Wales.”

Dee Valley Tours guide Louise Scotcher said she was thrilled to be the guide on the first Memory Train on the Llangollen Railway.

Louise, who qualified to be a guide with the North Wales Tourist Guide Association three years ago, said: "Because it was a Memory Train, I spoke about the train being from the 1950s and spoke to the residents about what they could remember about trains from that era.

"I have been a guide on this railway with other groups about six or seven times before, and also work on other railways, so I have become something of a train enthusiast, I really enjoy it.”

* The next Memory Trains will be running on Friday, October 30, from 10am-12.30pm, Friday March 26 10am - 12.30pm and Thursday April 1 10-12pm. If people want to travel with their loved ones on the memory train, then please contact the Railway on 01978 860979, or email info@llangollen-railway.co.uk

Castle lit up tonight to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week

2026-10-15T19:59:24.949+01:00

Castell Dinas Bran has been specially lit up this evening (Thursday) to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week from October 9-15.

The illumination of the ancient landmark, which can be seen for miles around, is arranged by Katy Davies and Sian Davies using local company ORB Sound and Lighting.

It has been lit between 7 and 8pm and is part of the Global Wave of Light.

The special week has also seen a Tree of Remembrance set up in St Collen's parish church as a special place to remember little ones who are much loved but never forgotten.

Although the view of the castle was rather marred by the rain and mist, some great pictures have been supplied to llanblogger by Orb Sound and Lighting.

Social media star spends time visiting 'amazing' Llangollen

2026-10-15T09:59:27.628+01:00

* Sam Bagshaw meets Denise at the Tourist Information Centre.

A young social media content creator who makes videos about his life with a stammer has been visiting Llangollen.

Sam Bagshaw, 27, from Yorkshire, started posting videos on TikTok during Covid lockdown and now has over 600,000 followers on Facebook and Instagram.

Rather than letting his stammer hold him back, he’s been putting himself out there, documenting his experiences and hopefully helping others who face similar challenges.

Liv Lumsden of the Riversdale House air B&B in Llangollen is one of his many followers and recently invited Sam to spend some time in the town.

She said: "I first came across Sam’s videos around two years ago and was really touched by his determination. Having followed his journey, I offered him a complimentary three-night stay at Riversdale House so he could experience somewhere new.

"Sam had never been to Wales before, and Llangollen seemed the perfect place for his first visit.

"Over the last few days, he has been exploring the town, meeting local people and making some lovely memories along the way.

"He’s enjoyed an aqueduct tour with Bearded Men Adventures and visited the Llangollen Railway, where Dave Hennigan, the Trust Manager, kindly took him behind the scenes. He’s also spent time with Denise at the Tourist Information Centre, who works tirelessly to welcome visitors and promote everything Llangollen has to offer."

Liv added: "What makes Sam’s visit particularly special is that every new person he meets and every conversation he has is another step in building his confidence.

"The people of Llangollen have been incredibly welcoming, and it’s been lovely to see local people giving their time and encouragement to someone who is working so hard to overcome his own personal challenges.

"I think Sam is a real inspiration. He’s not allowing his stammer to define what he can do, and by sharing his experiences so openly, he’s helping others understand something that is often misunderstood."

Sam said: "I didn’t know what to expect when I first arrived here from Sheffield and what I would be getting up to.

"Llangollen has been amazing, I’ve loved every minute and been out and about experiencing what Llangollen has to offer, there is so much to do I’m really happy with what I’ve done and the people I’ve met and how friendly people are and welcoming.

"I will be definitely coming back again in the future and do more experiences that I’ve not done yet I would recommend people to visit Llangollen. Thank you so much everyone."

* Sam was invited to stay at Riversdale House.

* Meeting Trust Manager Dave Hennigan at the railway.

* 'Llangollen has been amazing'

Town's former mayor sings with his choir on BBC Breakfast

2026-10-15T09:28:37.267+01:00

* Aled Morris, second from right on back row, sings with the Hawkstone Choir at BBC Breakfast this morning.

Llangollen's former mayor and his choir featured on BBC Breakfast this morning (Thursday)

The Hawkstone Farmers Choir, founded by Jeremy Clarkson, won Britain's Got Talent earlier this year.

And their TV appearance today marked the release of their first single, entitled Absolution, which recognises the "daily grind" farmers go through. An album will follow shortly.

Singing with the choir at the Salford BBC studios was Aled Morris, himself a working farmer and a Llangollen town councillor who was last year's mayor.

In announcing the Breakfast debut of Absolution on his social media this morning he said: "If you're anything like me ... it will be in your ear all day."

Free family fun event for Halloween at youth centre

2026-10-15T06:38:11.764+01:00

Llangollen will host one of two free family Halloween events in south Denbighshire during the upcoming half term period.

Open to all families, both events, arranged by the council’s Families First and Flying Start team, will include lots of Halloween and Autumn based activities, including arts and crafts and more.

The Llangollen event will be at the Youth Centre on Friday October 30, from 10am until 12pm.

The first event will be held on Wednesday, October 28 at Llygadog, Clawdd Poncen, Corwen, from 10am until 12pm.

As well as the Halloween and Autumn based activities, families will be able to get up close and personal with a whole host of scaly and creepy crawly creatures, as Scaly Safari, who deliver calm, ethical reptile experiences, will be in attendance at both events.

A spokesperson for the council’s Families First and Flying Start team said: “We are really excited to be hosting these events in Corwen and Llangollen over the half term period. It is the first time that we have held these events at the Hubs, and we hope that families come along and celebrate with us.

"There is no need to book to come along, and families can attend in their scariest costumes if they like!”

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Education, Families, Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage, said: “Providing families with free activities during the school holiday periods is vital.

"Open to all families, these two events will give families a free and fun resource during the October half term week.”

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice

2026-10-14T06:46:20.128+01:00

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice is:

Q: I’m doing everything I can to save money on my energy bills, and I’ve recently heard about new plug-in solar panels. I can’t get traditional panels installed because I rent a flat, plus they’re very expensive. Are plug-in solar panels a suitable alternative for people like me?

A: Plug-in solar panels are designed to sit outside on a balcony or in a garden, and plug directly into your mains electricity to generate power. Like traditional panels, they can help cut your energy bills by generating electricity you can use in your home. Though they produce less power, plug-in kits are cheaper upfront and more accessible to renters or flat-dwellers with outdoor space, as they don't require roof access or professional installation.

There are a few things to consider before you buy. Firstly, you’ll need to make sure it’s right for you and your home. You'll need an unshaded outdoor space that ideally faces south, though east or west will still catch some sun for part of the day. The government estimates you could save up to £110 a year on your energy bills with a plug-in solar kit, but your actual savings will depend on things like where your panels are located and if you have the flexibility to use appliances during the day.

One big difference to be aware of is that unlike traditional panels, you must use or lose the power you generate. Current rules mean most people won’t be able to store electricity in a battery, and you can’t get paid for any unused power generated by your kit.

It’s important to check if you need permission before you make a purchase. Read the government’s official online guidance to see if you need approval first. The key thing to know is that if you rent or live in a leasehold property, you should speak to your landlord or freeholder. And if your home is a listed building or in an area with planning restrictions, you should speak to your local council.

Follow the government’s safety rules, included in the online guidance, before plugging in a new kit. Key rules include plugging your kit into a safe wall socket (never an extension lead) and sticking to the strict limit of one kit per household.

To ensure your kit is compliant with UK regulations, only purchase an all-in-one kit that features a 3-pin UK plug and a UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark. If you’ve already bought one that doesn’t meet these criteria, see if you can return it, or contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service for advice.

Finally, you’ll need to register your kit with your electricity network company. Your electricity network company provides the wires to your home and is different from the company you pay your bills to. You can find your network company via your electricity bill or by visiting the Energy Networks Association (ENA) website.

Plans for new National Park "likely to be shelved" says report

2026-10-13T15:41:29.823+01:00

Plans for a new national park in north Wales - including Llangollen - are likely to be shelved after a government minister told the Senedd he did not want to set it up.

* For the full story on the BBC, go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c59vze7vy2vlo

* Rose O’Neill, Chief Executive of Campaign for National Parks said: “Welsh Government has failed to show the leadership required to put National Parks at the heart of nature, the climate and their rural resilience agenda with today’s decision.

"The failure to back a public local inquiry at this time is a bitterly disappointing retreat from Wales’s National Park ambitions which demonstrates a telling lack of faith in the power and potential of Welsh National Parks from the new Government."

Westheads interviewed for ITV news about their epic trip to Thailand

2026-10-13T07:09:59.996+01:00

* The Westheads in their TV appearance yesterday. From left, Louis, Dyfan and James.

The three Westhead lads featured in yesterday's ITV Wales news, with one of them telling how a crash with a truck in China brought a premature end to their mammoth cycling trip to Thailand to see an old friend and the other two describing the whole adventure as being like a dream.

Nineteen-year-olds Dyfan Hughes from Llangollen, Louis Dennis from Garth and James Thomas from Wrexham were on a 10,000-mile cycling trip in memory of Tony Edge, the father of their friend Harrison, who died following a heart attack in 2024, and along the way raised well over £50,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

But on one of the final legs of the journey Dyfan was seriously injured after being hit by the truck near the city of Chengdu.

After treatment in a local hospital he was back home last week after a 13-hour flight from Asia in a specially adapted plane with a doctor and nurse on hand.

After some initial observation at Wrexham Maelor he at last returned to his own home and has started his rehabilitation process.

Speaking about the crash, which left him with a catalogue of serious injuries, on yesterday's news he told reporter Rob Shelley: "You never really think it's going to happen to you, then I just woke up in a hospital bed.

After scenes of him being stretchered into hospital in the Chinese city of Chengdu he added: "We just had 50 days left to finish the trip."

Asked about the people they met along the trail, Louis said: "The people in Asia were the nicest to us - people with the least amount of stuff."

Later in the report Louis said: "Being back home feels really weird. It feels like it (the trip) never really happened. It's like a dream I've woken up from."

Both he and James were certain that they'd be back in the saddle and bound for Thailand again as soon as Dyfan was fit enough and then Rob Shelley suggested that maybe after they'd completed the journey from the point where they were forced to leave off they'd just keep on going, with Louis agreeing they just might.

The reporter then explained that the lads had called themselves the Westheads as it was Llangollen slang for "slightly mad" but added: "but maybe just a little bit inspired."

Old pub's new roof making 'fantastic progress' says update

2026-10-12T09:27:32.640+01:00

* The picture of work on the Star Inn's new roof included in the latest update.

Work to put a new timber roof on Llangollen's old Star Inn is going well, according to the latest social media update from its owners.

The historic hostelry on Queen Street had been closed and derelict for some time until it was bought last year by former Ysgol Dinas Bran pupil David Anderson whose company is carrying out a major renovation to turn it back into a community pub - or hub - with the emphasis, he says, on making it a place where people feel safe and comfortable.

In a recent post on the pub's own Facebook page he revealed that Saturday November 7 has been chosen for the grand re-opening, with a soft opening the day before.

For the past week or so traffic has been restricted to one lane, controlled by lights, on the A5 outside the pub to allow scaffolding for the roof work to be erected.

And the latest update, posted last Friday, says: "It's been another incredibly busy week here at The Star Inn, Llangollen, and we're delighted to share some fantastic progress on our roof restoration!

"As you can see from the photos, the new timber roof structure is really starting to take shape, with the team working hard to bring this important part of our historic building back to life.

"It's certainly no small job, but every new beam brings us another step closer to welcoming you all through our doors! 

"A massive thank you to the hardworking team carrying out the restoration. The effort, skill and craftsmanship going into this project is incredible.

"We're not just putting a roof back on a building – we're bringing a much-loved Llangollen pub back to life after six years! 

"Thank you to everyone in the community for your continued encouragement, patience and support. It really does mean the world to us.

"Keep following our journey – there's plenty more progress to come!"

Railway plans to give passengers 'scariest night of the year'

2026-10-12T06:13:40.137+01:00

* The railway will be at its spookiest on October 31.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway is preparing for what it calls "the scariest ride of the year" as it gears up for Halloween on Saturday October 31.

Trains and stations along the line will be transformed with creepy decorations, while railway volunteers are planning plenty of surprises for passengers daring to travel through the Dee Valley.

Visitors are being warned to keep their eyes open for strange happenings in the signal boxes, surprises waiting at stations and who knows what passengers might encounter as their train plunges into the darkness of Berwyn Tunnel.

At Carrog passengers should keep a particularly close eye out for Emyr’s bike, which has developed a mysterious habit of moving when nobody appears to be riding it.

Those brave enough to make it all the way to Corwen should also be on the lookout for the legendary Ronnebacked Monster.

Anita Piatkowska from Llangollen and Corwen Railway said: “We want to create the ultimate Halloween experience. From the moment families arrive at the Railway, there will be something to see and discover.

"We’ll have decorated trains and stations, surprises in our signal boxes and plenty happening all along the line. Even a journey through Berwyn Tunnel might feel a little different on Halloween!

"There are rumours about Emyr’s bike at Carrog and the Ronnebacked Monster at Corwen, but people will have to come along and discover for themselves what is real and what might just be a Railway ghost story. It’s going to be spooky, great fun and something the whole family can enjoy. We want everyone to dress up, get involved and help us make this the scariest ride of the year.”

There is also a special treat in store for the railway’s younger passengers.

The first 100 children to book will receive a free Halloween Activity Pack, worth the price of their ticket.

* The Halloween Activity Pack for young travellers.

Each spooky bag is packed with Halloween goodies, including a paper monster mask, Halloween stickers, a colouring puzzle book, pencils, spooky tattoos, a sticky fidget toy and a spinning top toy.

The Halloween Activity Pack can be added when purchasing tickets at checkout. Only 100 free packs are available and they will be offered on a first come, first served basis.

Families are encouraged to come dressed for Halloween, with witches, ghosts, monsters, vampires and other spooky characters all welcome aboard.

As darkness falls over the Dee Valley, Halloween at the railway will take another turn with a special Ales from Wales Spooky Halloween Special.

The popular evening train will receive its own October 31 treatment, with lots of surprises planned along the journey.

Before departure, Mark ‘Macca’ Jones will be performing live on Platform 1 at Llangollen from 5pm, playing what he has promised will be his scariest set ever.

Passengers can enjoy the live music and atmosphere at Llangollen before boarding the train for a Halloween journey along the Dee Valley after dark.

Tickets for the daytime Halloween Spooky Specials on Saturday October 31 are available to buy online now. Families wanting one of the free Halloween Activity Packs should add them at checkout when purchasing their tickets.

* Halloween Spooky Special tickets:
https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/products/halloween-spooky-special?date=2026-10-31

Tickets for the evening Ales from Wales SPOOKY HALLOWEEN Special are sold separately and can also be booked online.

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

Llangollen Twenty Club to stage Christie's Murder on the Nile

2026-10-11T07:17:47.928+01:00

Did you know that Murder on the Nile is based on Agatha Christie's famous 1937 novel Death on the Nile?

Christie originally toyed with the story as a stage idea before turning it into one of her most celebrated Hercule Poirot mysteries.

Years later, she adapted it for the theatre, creating Murder on the Nile, the play which will be performed by Llangollen Twenty Club at the Town Hall from Wednesday-Saturday November 11-14.

Set against the glamorous backdrop of Egypt, this classic whodunnit is packed with secrets, jealousy, romance and, of course, murder.

Find out whodunnit by seeing Murder on the Nile, nightly at 7.30pm with a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday of the run. 

* Tickets, at £14 and £12 concessions, are available now at Llangollen Oggie Shop, Courtyard Books and online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollentwentyclub 

Llangollen Food Festival again finds the recipe for success

2026-10-10T16:21:09.419+01:00

* The Town Hall was packed with visitors from early on.

The 2026 Llangollen Food Festival has once again found the recipe for success.

With the first day crowd hitting what appears to have been record levels the town was centre was buzzing with delicious-looking displays of all things edible - and drinkable.

In recent years the gala event has expanded to become a multi-venue affair and that was once again the case, with events taking place in Centenary Square, the Town Hall, Market Street and its car park, Gales Wine Bar, Blas Cookery and Wine School, the Silver Band Hut, Riverside Park and the Railway approach road and platform.

But the whole experience was even better this year thanks with much better signage and visitor directions, including bar-coded leaflets available at multiple locations.

Today and tomorrow around 100 exhibitors are selling everything from mead to mugs to macarons filling Llangollen with the sights, sounds and smells of some of the finest food and drink North Wales and its surrounding area has to offer.

Crafts exhibitors are always an important part of the Food Festival and this year, for the first time, they have a dedicated craft area in the wine garden at Gales Wine Bar.

Visitors will find handcrafted jewellery, handmade gifts, bespoke lampshades among many other craft makers.

To overcome the town's notorious parking problems, for the first time there is a dedicated parking area just outside the town at Llandyn Caravan and Camping site, just off the A539. There is a small charge to park and a shuttle service is available to take people from the parking site into town.

Xplore, Wrexham’s science discovery centre, has been on hand to entertain children with all sorts of food-related experiments.

A programme of free demonstrations are taking place at Blas Cookery and Wine school in Parade Street. First up this lunchtime was Dylan Owens, Executive Head Chef Director at Manchester City FC.

There has also been music galore in Riverside Park and Centenary Square with a fantastic line-up of local bands and solo singers across the weekend.

“Live music has become an important part of the festival,” says Pip Gale, chairman of the Food Festival. “We have some great food concessions at Riverside Park and having brilliant music alongside just makes it a great day out for everyone.”

* Details of exhibitors, the line-up of entertainment and workshops can be found on the new Llangollen Food Festival website: https://llangollenfoodfestival.com/ and on the Food Festival’s Facebook page.

The Railway has its own programme events for the Food Festival, which continue tomorrow Sunday with:

All day | Food Festival at Llangollen Station

All day | Railway Café and Waiting Room Real Ale Bar

Quality produce from the Café, with Welsh ales and Blas Wines in the Waiting Room.

Food Festival trains from Llangollen:
10am Steam | 11.05am Diesel | 12.20pm Steam | 1.45pm Diesel | 3.15pm Steam

Food Festival trains from Corwen:
11.05am Steam | 12.20pm Diesel | 1.45pm Steam | 3.15pm Diesel | 4.20pm Steam

12.20pm | Afternoon Tea on the Dee
Take your reserved seat for Afternoon Tea and a journey through the Dee Valley.

12.20pm | The Glyndŵr Steam Roast
Alternatively, travel by steam to Corwen for a traditional Sunday roast at the community-run Owain Glyndŵr Hotel.

3.15pm | Afternoon Tea on the Dee
A second opportunity to enjoy Afternoon Tea aboard the Railway.

4.20pm | Glyndŵr Steam Roast return
Steam Roast passengers depart Corwen for Llangollen.

Around 5pm | Back in Llangollen

* Expert advice on seasonings from a Town Hall stallholder.

* Tasty-looking treats galore at the Town Hall.

* The wine garden at Gales attracted a throng of browsers.

* A colourful display of hand-crafted lampshades and other goods on show in the wine garden.

* A range of food stalls fill Centenary Square.

* Llangollen Food Share's strong presence in Market Street.

* Sweet treats in Market Street.

* Stalls take over the top section of Market Street car park.

* A wide range of filling fare available in the food court at Riverside Park.

* Dylan Owens, Executive Head Chef Director at Manchester City FC, gives a demonstration of his culinary skills at Blas Cookery and Wine School.

* One of the band's that provided entertainment on the bandstand in the park.

* Gourmet food on offer at one the stalls on the platform.

* The stall offering sausage on a stick at the station was doing a roaring trade.

* Centenary Square was even more packed with visitors during Saturday afternoon.

* A folk duo entertain the crowd on the square.

Latest roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council

2026-10-10T06:33:57.163+01:00

Latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council is:

AT JUNCTION WITH QUEEN STREET/BROOK STREET until 17/10/2026, Adfer Adeilad / Building Renovation CORE HIGHWAYS (WREXHAM)

From Castle Street to East Street, MARKET STREET, 28/11/2026, Ffair Nadolig / Christmas Fair CHAPTER 8 SOLUTIONS, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A5 Berwyn Street across Market Street, Llangollen, 28/10/2026 - 30/10/2026, Ailwynebu/ Resurfacing NMWTRA (DCC), Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

OPPOSITE 14 PENGWERN, 29/10/2026 - 30/10/2026, Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

This year's Llangollen Christmas Appeal is launched

2026-10-09T14:24:03.620+01:00

Castle to be lit up for Baby Loss Awareness Week

2026-10-09T06:51:02.380+01:00

Castell Dinas Bran is to be specially lit up to mark Baby Loss Awareness week from October 9-15.

The illumination of the ancient landmark, which can be seen for miles around, is arranged by Katy Davies and Sian Davies using local company ORB Sound and Lighting. It will be lit between 7 and 8pm next Thursday October 15 and is part of the Global Wave of Light.

The special week will also see a Tree of Remembrance set up in St Collen's parish church as a special place to remember little ones who are much loved but never forgotten.

Silver Band launches new beginner music programme

2026-10-08T06:30:29.227+01:00

Llangollen Silver Band has announced "Brass Explorers," a new beginner music programme funded by a grant from Llangollen Town Council.

This free, eight-week course is open to children aged seven to 14 who want to learn an instrument and experience the joy of making music together.

The weekly sessions will run on Thursdays from 6.15-7pm, beginning October 15, in the Band Room on Parade Street, Llangollen.

Using interactive games, the programme teaches fundamental musical skills. Children will have access to lightweight, age-appropriate instruments, including pBuzzes, pBones, and pCornets, selected to match each participant's ability.

Upon completion, graduates will be fully prepared to transition into the organisation's Training Band.

* Registration is now open via the group's official Google Form. For enquiries, please email llangollensilverband0@gmail.com

Further school place applications open for next academic year

2026-10-07T13:57:30.186+01:00

Parents and guardians can apply for nursery places from for children who are born between 1st of September 2023 and the 31st of August 2024.

The application window is open until the 15th of February.

The window for Reception places is open up until the 15th of January for children born between the 1st of September 2022 and the 31st August 2023.

Parents and guardians can enrol their child in a reception class in the September following the child’s 4th birthday.

Junior school places for 2027 are open up until the 15th of January for children born between the 1st of September 2019 and the 31st of August 2020.

To apply for a place, parents and guardians will need to create an Education Self-Service account to apply directly. These can be created at any time within or after the school term.

Any applications outside of this window will be treated as late.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Education, Families, Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage said: “We are pleased to announce that the application windows for Nursery, Reception and Junior school places for next year are now open.

"Starting school is always an exciting time for families, and we hope that these application windows allow plenty of time for Parents and Guardians to choose the schools they prefer.

"I would like to urge parents to get their applications submitted within the windows, as this ensures that the application can be processed in a timely manner.”

* See link: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/education-and-schools/school-admissions/school-admissions.aspx

After 14 months Dyfan is back home in 'sunny Llangollen'

2026-10-07T10:31:47.255+01:00

The teenager from Llangollen seriously injured in a crash with a truck in China as he and his two friends were on a cycling marathon to Thailand is now back home.

Dyfan Hughes was badly hurt as he and fellow 19 year olds Louis Dennis from Garth and James Thomas from Wrexham - together known as the Westheads - were on one of the final stages of their 10,000-mile cycling trip in memory of Tony Edge, the father of their friend Harrison, who died following a heart attack in 2024, and along the way raised well over £50,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

Dyfan was rushed to hospital in the city of Chengdu with a catalogue of injuries to both legs, spine, neck and scalp and a few weeks ago had major corrective surgery lasting for many hours.

Following a flight of over 13 hours from China he arrived back at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital just over a week ago where he took part in a question and answer session about his ordeal with llanblogger this Monday. See: https://llanblogger.blogspot.com/2026/10/llanblogger-speaks-to-dyfan-about-his.html

At the time he said he hoped to be back home in Llangollen within days and this morning (Wednesday) he was on social media reporting that he had arrived at last.

* Dyfan tries out his mobility in a physio session on the hospital stairs.

Speaking to camera he says: "After just a week at the Maelor Hospital they have now said it is safe for me to go home.

"So I'm on my way home - I'm going back to sunny Llangollen!

"They say I've got to go back to have a couple checks and an operation and the physio will be in either Chirk or Rhos.

"I'm just buzzing to get back."

The post goes on to show Dyfan having physio up and down the stairs in hospital, tucking into a large lunch there, meeting up with his mate Louis, being driven home and being greeted by the family dog.

He then declares: "There's nothing is quite like your own bed. I had such a good sleep in here last night. First time, I slept in there for 14 months, I just feel amazing to be home.

"And hopefully, all I've got left now is taking the wire out of the left foot, and then I should be all done, and I'll be fully into the physio and the rehab side of things."

Railway's special events for Food Festival weekend

2026-10-07T06:40:28.511+01:00

* A special Ales from Wales will run on the Saturday evening.

Llangollen Food Festival is back this Saturday and Sunday October 10 and 11 promising a packed weekend celebrating local produce, cuisine and crafts.

Well over 10,000 people are expected to travel to Llangollen for one of the region’s biggest culinary celebrations, with more than 100 stalls, 22 local music acts performing in Riverside Park and Centenary Square, cooking demonstrations at Blas Culinary School and a huge choice of food and drink.

With so many visitors expected and parking at a premium in Llangollen town centre, Llangollen Railway is encouraging people to leave the car outside the town and travel to the Food Festival by train.

Visitors can join services at Corwen, Glyndyfrdwy, Carrog and Berwyn, enjoy a journey through the spectacular Dee Valley and arrive by train at Llangollen Station, right in the heart of the Food Festival action.

With five trains in each direction on both Saturday and Sunday, the Railway offers a relaxing and memorable alternative to driving into a busy Llangollen town centre.

Once visitors arrive, Llangollen Railway will itself be part of the Food Festival, with food producers at Llangollen Station, a Real Ale Bar, the Railway Café and special food and drink experiences throughout the weekend.

Alex Elborne from Llangollen Railway said the Food Festival was “one of the great weekends in Llangollen”, adding: “With well over 10,000 people expected, Llangollen is going to be incredibly busy and parking will inevitably be at a premium.

“That’s where the Railway can really help. Rather than worrying about driving into the town centre and finding somewhere to park, people can join us at Corwen, Glyndyfrdwy, Carrog or Berwyn and make the train journey part of their Food Festival day.

“You can sit back, enjoy the spectacular Dee Valley scenery and arrive at Llangollen Station right in the heart of the action. Then, when you’re ready to head home, simply catch the train back.

“It’s a practical way to get to the Food Festival, but it’s also a much more enjoyable way to arrive. With steam and heritage diesel trains running throughout both days, the journey becomes part of the experience.”

From 9am on Saturday, Llangollen Station will welcome some familiar Food Festival favourites, including Bourne’s Cheese, Pen Y Llan Pork, Sunrise Patisserie and Lucelas Chocolate Rum.

There will also be plenty of new flavours to discover.

Newcomers include Greek on a Grill, serving souvlaki and gyros; Joules Gourmet, with fancy sausage rolls and pies; The Korean Corndog Station, bringing Korean street food to the station; and Tuktuk Llangollen, serving chilli paneer wraps and chaats.

The Railway Café will be open on both Saturday and Sunday, serving quality produce and refreshments throughout the Food Festival weekend.

For two days only, the Railway’s historic Waiting Room will be transformed into a Real Ale Bar, showcasing beers from three Welsh breweries: Purple Moose from Porthmadog, Hafod from Mold and Magic Dragon from Wrexham.

Wine lovers will be catered for too, with Blas Wines joining the celebrations.

* Afternoon Tea on the Dee services will run throughout the weekend.

The Railway’s food offering will extend beyond Llangollen Station, with special dining experiences giving visitors the opportunity to combine the scenery of the Dee Valley with something delicious.

Special Food Festival Afternoon Tea on the Dee services will run throughout the weekend, departing at 12.20pm on Saturday and at 12.20pm and 3.15pm on Sunday.

Passengers can settle into their own reserved table aboard a heritage carriage for a return journey from Llangollen to Corwen while enjoying a traditional afternoon tea.

The experience includes a selection of sandwiches, fruit scones with jam and clotted cream, sweet treats and cakes, and a choice of tea or coffee. Passengers can also upgrade their experience with a glass of sparkling wine.

Food remains firmly on the menu on Sunday with The Glyndŵr Steam Roast.

Passengers leave Llangollen aboard the 12.20pm steam service for Corwen before making the short walk into the town centre, where a table will be reserved at the community-run Owain Glyndŵr Hotel for a traditional Sunday roast.

After lunch, passengers can enjoy some time in Corwen before returning on the 4.20pm steam service, arriving back in Llangollen at around 5pm.

Jordan Edge, Catering Manager at Llangollen Railway, said: “Food is going to be a huge part of the Railway’s celebrations, which is exactly how it should be for Llangollen Food Festival.

“Our Café will be serving quality produce throughout the weekend, we’ve got fantastic food producers joining us at the station, and then there are experiences like Afternoon Tea on the Dee and The Glyndŵr Steam Roast for people who want to make food part of their railway journey too.

“Afternoon Tea on the Dee is a particularly lovely experience. You have your own reserved table, a traditional Afternoon Tea and the wonderful scenery of the Dee Valley passing your window. Tickets are already getting low, so I’d encourage people to book soon if they want to join us.”

There will be plenty happening beyond the station too, including activities for younger visitors.

The team from Xplore Science! in Wrexham will run workshops in the Llangollen Silver Band Room, with messy and fascinating experiments exploring DNA, diffusion and kitchen chemistry.

It means younger visitors can get hands-on with science while the grown-ups explore everything else the Food Festival has to offer, including whiskey and wine tastings at Blas Culinary School.

With well over 10,000 visitors expected in Llangollen and town centre parking at a premium, the Railway will operate a busy timetable on both days of the Food Festival, with five trains in each direction.

Visitors are being encouraged to leave the car outside Llangollen and let the train take the strain, joining services at Corwen, Glyndyfrdwy, Carrog or Berwyn before travelling through the Dee Valley directly into Llangollen Station.

The journey provides an attractive alternative to negotiating busy town centre traffic and searching for parking, while also giving visitors the chance to experience one of Wales’s scenic heritage railway journeys as part of their Food Festival day.

Services will alternate between steam and heritage diesel, giving visitors the chance to travel behind GWR Heavy Freight locomotive 3802 “The Carthorse” and Class 47 diesel “The Dutchess”.

Trains from Llangollen to Corwen will depart at:

10am Steam | 11.05am Diesel | 12.20pm Steam | 1.45pm Diesel | 3.15pm Steam

Trains from Corwen to Llangollen will depart at:

11.05am Steam | 12.20pm Diesel | 1.45pm Steam | 3.15pm Diesel | 4.20pm Steam

Services call at intermediate stations, giving visitors from along the line the opportunity to make their journey to and from the Food Festival by rail.

For those travelling from the western end of the line, Corwen provides the perfect starting point for a Food Festival day out, with passengers able to board the train, travel through the Dee Valley and arrive at Llangollen Station in the heart of the festivities.

The Food Festival atmosphere will continue into Saturday night with a special Ales from Wales train, with Llangollen Railway deliberately keeping tickets to just £20 per person to make it an affordable night out during one of the town’s biggest weekends.

Departing Llangollen at 5pm, the steam-hauled special will be in the hands of 3802 “The Carthorse” for an evening celebrating Welsh beer, wine, live music and heritage rail travel through the Dee Valley.

Passengers will be able to enjoy real ales from three Welsh breweries: Purple Moose in Porthmadog, Hafod in Mold and Magic Dragon in Wrexham.

And it isn’t just for real ale drinkers. There will also be three wines handpicked by Pip Gale from Blas Wines for those who would prefer wine.

Providing the live soundtrack will be The Sidekicks from Wrexham, a four-piece band playing rock, blues, rhythm and blues, 60s and indie music and promising “Great Entertainment”.

There is also a special invitation to the traders who have travelled to Llangollen for the weekend to put down their aprons, close their stalls after a busy Saturday and join the Railway for what promises to be the ultimate Food Festival night out.

The special starts at 5pm and returns at 10pm, with tickets priced at just £20 per person.

James Veal, Events Coordinator at Llangollen Railway, said: “We wanted Ales from Wales to be the ultimate Saturday night out during Food Festival weekend, and we’ve deliberately kept the ticket price down to just £20 so as many people as possible can come and enjoy it.

“We’d love to see people who have spent the day enjoying the Food Festival come down to the station and carry on their evening with us. But this isn’t only for festival visitors. Everyone is welcome.

“We particularly want to invite the traders who have travelled to Llangollen and worked incredibly hard all day. Once the stalls close on Saturday, come down to the Railway, relax and enjoy the evening yourselves.

“You’ve got steam haulage behind 3802 ‘The Carthorse’, three fantastic Welsh breweries, wines handpicked by Pip Gale from Blas Wines, quality food and live music from The Sidekicks. For £20, we think it’s going to be the best-value night of the weekend.”

LLANGOLLEN RAILWAY AT THE FOOD FESTIVAL

YOUR WEEKEND DIARY

SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER

From 9am | Food Festival at Llangollen Station
Returning favourites and new food producers join the celebrations at the Railway.

All day | Railway Café
Quality produce and refreshments throughout the day.

All day | Waiting Room Real Ale Bar
Welsh ales from Purple Moose, Hafod and Magic Dragon, alongside Blas Wines.

Food Festival trains from Llangollen:
10am Steam | 11.05am Diesel | 12.20pm Steam | 1.45pm Diesel | 3.15pm Steam

Food Festival trains from Corwen:
11.05am Steam | 12.20pm Diesel | 1.45pm Steam | 3.15pm Diesel | 4.20pm Steam

12.20pm | Afternoon Tea on the Dee
Enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea at your reserved table while travelling through the Dee Valley, with the option to add a glass of sparkling wine. Tickets are getting low.

5pm | Ales from Wales, just £20 per person
The ultimate Food Festival Saturday night out. Everyone is welcome, including Food Festival visitors and traders. Join 3802 “The Carthorse” for an evening of Welsh ales from Purple Moose, Hafod and Magic Dragon, wines handpicked by Pip Gale from Blas Wines and live music from The Sidekicks.

10pm | Ales from Wales returns to Llangollen

SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER

All day | Food Festival at Llangollen Station
Another full day of food, drink and producers at the station and across Llangollen.

All day | Railway Café and Waiting Room Real Ale Bar
Quality produce from the Café, with Welsh ales and Blas Wines in the Waiting Room.

Food Festival trains from Llangollen:
10am Steam | 11.05am Diesel | 12.20pm Steam | 1.45pm Diesel | 3.15pm Steam

Food Festival trains from Corwen:
11.05am Steam | 12.20pm Diesel | 1.45pm Steam | 3.15pm Diesel | 4.20pm Steam

12.20pm | Afternoon Tea on the Dee
Take your reserved seat for Afternoon Tea and a journey through the Dee Valley.

12.20pm | The Glyndŵr Steam Roast
Alternatively, travel by steam to Corwen for a traditional Sunday roast at the community-run Owain Glyndŵr Hotel.

3.15pm | Afternoon Tea on the Dee
A second opportunity to enjoy Afternoon Tea aboard the Railway.

4.20pm | Glyndŵr Steam Roast return
Steam Roast passengers depart Corwen for Llangollen.

Around 5pm | Back in Llangollen

BOOK YOUR FOOD FESTIVAL RAILWAY EXPERIENCES

Ales from Wales, £20 per person:
https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/products/real-ale-train

Afternoon Tea on the Dee:
https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/products/afternoon-tea

The Glyndŵr Steam Roast:
https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/special-events-in-2026/theglyndwrsteamroast

Three new traffic regulation orders for the town centre

2026-10-06T06:31:55.593+01:00

* Market Street where a parking bay will be relocated.

Denbighshire County Council is to introduce a new Traffic Regulation Order (TPO) aimed at addressing some localised parking issues in and around Llangollen Town Centre.

Briefly the proposed TRO includes for:

* The the relocation of an existing time-limited parking bay on Market Street

* The introduction of a new time-limited parking bay on Hill Street and

* The introduction of a new ‘Prohibition of Wating At Any Time’ - double yellow lines - on Willow Street and Maes Helyg.

The proposed TRO was advertised in a public notice which appeared in the local press, on the council’s website and was displayed at various locations on the affected lengths of road over a five-week period from May 13 to June 17 last year.

The council says the consultation generated a total of 10 responses. Of these, six included feedback on the proposal for Market Street, including one objection, three negative responses and two indicating support or no objection.

* Hill Street (Hall Square) where a new parking bay will be introduced.

Seven responses were feedback on the proposal for Hill Street, including no objections, two negative responses and five indicating support or no objection.

Eight responses included included feedback on the proposal for Willow Street/Maes Helyg, which included no objections, six negative responses and two indicating support or no objection.

Explaining the reasoning behind the orders, Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards said: "The removal of two parking spaces in Market Street is due to their close proximity to the junction with Castle Street and the main thoroughfare.

"Large vehicles, including buses and coaches, are currently experiencing difficulty turning into Market Street, leading to congestion and restricted movement. Additionally, when large vehicles park in these spaces, they obstruct the visibility of nearby business premises and create safety concerns for pedestrians exiting Market Street car park.

"To mitigate the loss of parking provision, one of these spaces will be relocated to the opposite side of the road through the conversion of one of the existing taxi rank spaces."

She added: "The TRO for Hall Square is to formalise a clearly defined and legally enforceable short-stay 'pop and shop' parking area. The aim is to support local businesses by improving turnover of parking spaces while ensuring appropriate and consistent use of the area.

"The order for Willow Hill is that due to the steep gradient of Willow Hill parked vehicles can restrict access and create hazards for drivers.

"The introduction of double yellow lines along the left-hand side of the road is to maintain safe passage. In addition, a short section of double yellow lines on the opposite side of the road, directly opposite the entrance to the youth club is to ensure safe and unobstructed access for vehicles entering and exiting the premises."

* Willow Hill where double yellow lines will be introduced along the left-hand side of the road to maintain safe passage.

llanblogger speaks to Dyfan about his crash and future plans

2026-10-05T14:14:37.387+01:00

* Dyfan Hughes is glad to be back home and is making plans for the future.

Earlier today (Monday) llanblogger went to the Wrexham Maelor Hospital to visit Dyfan Hughes, the 19-year-old Llangollen man now recovering after being seriously injured in China in early August as he was on a mammoth cycling trip to Thailand.

With the permission of his mum, Nia Hughes, we spent a few minutes speaking to him about his ordeal and of his encouraging rehabilitation over past weeks.

Dyfan was hit by a truck as he and fellow 19 year olds Louis Dennis from Garth and James Thomas from Wrexham - together known as the Westheads - were on one of the final stages of their 10,000-mile cycling trip in memory of Tony Edge, the father of their friend Harrison, who died following a heart attack in 2024, and along the way raised well over £50,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

Dyfan was rushed to hospital in the city of Chengdu with a catalogue of injuries to both legs, spine, neck and scalp and a few weeks ago had major corrective surgery lasting for many hours.

Following a flight of over 13 hours from China he is at last back home ... and promising he'll be back in the saddle as soon as he's fit enough.

Here is llanblogger's quick question-and-answer session with Dyfan:

Q: So how's it feel to be back home in Wales after what you've been through?

A: It feels amazing, a real breath of fresh air - being able to speak English to the staff members, seeing all my family and friends as well. It's just a really big boost for my brain! And getting up, being able to sit up practising hopping around. It feels really good to be able to move again.

Q: What about the people who've been in to visit you now your'e at the Maelor?

A: There's lots of people been in to visit me. It's been packed in here. Really, packed out with my friends and family, which is so nice. It makes the days go really quickly as well.

Q: What stage is your treatment at? Your mum tells me there's a possibility you might be coming home sometime this week.

A: Yeah. Well hopefully. I do still have a a big metal rod in my leg that they need to remove maybe in a couple weeks or so. And then after that it should be all done.

Q: What sort of a blow was it to you and the other lads - but you in particular - having to stop your journey because of the accident, especially after you had covered around 10,000 miles up to that point?

A: It was a huge blow but at that time I didn't really realise the extent of my injuries. I thought I'd be back on the bike in two months, but obviously, that was just me being a bit dizzy after the fall. And then I realised, oh gosh, we're gonna have to go home. I won't cycling again for another year or so, which is hard, but I know we'll be going back to finish it off as soon as I'm ready.

Q: You said a couple of times on your social media you'd be going back on the road when you're able. Is definitely your intention?

A: Yeah, definitely. We'll finish it. We'll start off where the crash happened and head down to Thailand. Maybe we'll take a different route as well, make it a bit longer. But guaranteed. I'm hoping that in around 10 months I'll be able to go and finish it off.

Q: How did your friend Harrison in Thailand, who you were heading out there to see, feel about you having the crash?

A: Well, it was just a huge change. You know, the plans have completely changed and it was sad that the crash happened, but he knows we'll be back down to see him as soon as we can.

Q: During the trip you raised a fantastic amount of money. How much is it now?

A: I think it's now £55,000, which is absolutely amazing.

Q: You have had lots of support from back home throughout the trip and particularly after the crash. How do you feel about that and do you have a message for everyone who supported you?

A: We can't thank everyone enough. They made that trip possible and to raise £55,000 when our original target was just £5,000 has just blown us all the way. Yeah, so really we can't thank everyone enough for the support they gave us.