Smash-hit headline concerts bring thousands flocking to town

* It was another packed house at the Pavilion for the Billy Ocean concert on June 27.

A series of headline concerts has brought some of the biggest names in music to Live at Llangollen Pavilion over the past couple of weeks.

Across eight nights, thousands of fans flocked to the iconic Pavilion to enjoy standout performances from Rick Astley, Pete Tong Ibiza Classics, David Gray, Billy Ocean, Super Furry Animals, Bowling For Soup and Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, Deacon Blue and Tom Grennan.

Live at Llangollen Pavilion is presented as a partnership between the internationally renowned Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and live event promoters Cuffe and Taylor.

The summer concert series has set the stage perfectly for the upcoming Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. 

Celebrating 79 years, the historic festival kicks off this week, featuring a stellar line-up with headline performances from Emeli Sandé and the Absolute Orchestra, Michael Ball, Uniting Nations: One World featuring Sir Karl Jenkins, Global Rhythms: Made In Wales, Orchestral Qawwali Project, and the prestigious Choir of the World competition.

In true Eisteddfod tradition, the festival will also feature a full daily programme of competitions and field entertainment alongside the headline shows, celebrating music, dance and culture from around the world.

 

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Dave Danford said: “Another hugely successful run of Live at Llangollen Pavilion shows has brought world-class artists and thousands of music fans to North Wales, once again showcasing Llangollen as one of the UK's great destinations for live music.

"It's been wonderful to see the Pavilion buzzing with energy night after night, and I'd like to thank our partners at Cuffe & Taylor, our dedicated staff and, above all, our incredible team of volunteers, whose passion, commitment and warm welcome make events like these possible.

 

“Now we turn our attention to the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, which begins on Tuesday. Over the next six days we'll welcome competitors and performers from across the globe, celebrating music, dance and international friendship in a way that's unique to Llangollen. After an unforgettable fortnight of live entertainment, we're excited to welcome thousands more visitors as the Pavilion becomes home once again to one of the world's most iconic international arts festivals.”

 

Cuffe and Taylor co-founder Peter Taylor added: “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved in our third year working alongside the fantastic team at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

 

“It’s been an honour to bring more world-class artists to this beautiful, historic town, and the response from audiences has been phenomenal. There’s something truly special about the atmosphere here — the Pavilion, the setting, the people — it’s magic.”

 

Despite the arrests Llangollen's busy weekend was brilliant, say police

* Policing the busy streets of Llangollen at the weekend. Picture: NWP

The increased police presence during a busy weekend in Llangollen resulted in three arrests and three charges for assault, assaulting a police officer and drink driving.

But despite this the inspector in charge of the area says there was a "brilliant" atmosphere on Saturday night when an estimated 6,000 people attended the Deacon Blue concert at the Pavilion.

How the town is policed is under scrutiny at the moment after a bout of anti-social behaviour last bank holiday weekend, which prompted a high-level meeting between officials of Llangollen and Llantysilio councils and Inspector Joseph Dunn who commands the Conwy and Denbighshire policing area. 

At the meeting Ins Dunn assured senior officers were keen to work with partners to improve the way Llangollen is policed. 

In an update on how last weekend went on the police Facebook page today, he says: "A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the weekend so positive.

"Estimations are 6000 people visited Llangollen to hear Deacon Blue, 4000 attended the Top of Town Festival, and many of you stayed up until the early hours today watching our neighbours across the border advance to the quarter-finals.

"The atmosphere across Saturday was brilliant, with people looking out for one another and making the most of the weekend. There were no significant issues with anti-social behaviour or disorder, which is a credit to all who attended.

"The team was out throughout the weekend, working closely with event organisers, security teams and partner agencies to keep people safe. I joined officers in Llangollen, and it was great to meet so many of you enjoying the best of what our area has to offer.

"A few people chose to behave differently, with three arrests, and three charges for assault, assaulting a police officer, and drink driving. These individuals will now have their day in court.

"A big thank you to our officers, staff, volunteers and partners for supporting the successful delivery of these events.

"Looking ahead to this week, you'll find members of the Neighbourhood Policing Team at our stall on the Eisteddfod Field. If you're visiting, stop and say hello and meet the team. We will also be supporting the community with the annual Parade of Nations on Friday - where road closures will be in place, so please plan ahead if you're travelling through Llangollen on Friday afternoon.

"Have a great and safe week, and maybe see you at the Eisteddfod!"

Emergency services go on alert to rescue kayaker in difficulty

* The team carefully lift the casualty after the rescue. PICTURES: NEWSAR

A team from North East Wales Search and Rescue (NEWSAR) were called out to assist emergency services in rescuing a kayaker who got into difficulty in the River Dee near Llangollen last Saturday.

Working alongside North Wales Fire and Rescue and the Welsh Ambulance Services, NEWSAR agreed that the fire service would manage the in-water rescue, with their team supporting the landside recovery and casualty extraction.

To reach the location emergency service vehicles used a towpath road on the adjacent Llangollen Canal near Chainbridge Hotel.

* Emergency services vehicles wait beside the canal.

A NEWSAR spokesperson said: "Once the casualty had been brought safely to the riverbank, team members carried the casualty by stretcher across the riverbank before using a twin-tension rope system to safely raise the stretcher up the steep bank to the roadside, where the casualty was handed over to the waiting land ambulance for onward treatment.

"This was another excellent example of effective multi-agency working, with all agencies working together to achieve the best possible outcome for the casualty. We wish the casualty a full and speedy recovery."

* To donate to NEWSAR, go to: www.newsar.org.uk/donate

Railway's classic transport weekend drives to success

* Glyndyfrdwy Station was the setting for the celebration of transport.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway has hailed this year's Classic Transport Weekend as an outstanding success after the two-day celebration of Britain's transport heritage brought together exhibitors, volunteers and visitors from across the United Kingdom.

With close to 400 classic vehicles, intensive heritage train services, vintage shuttle buses, the debut of the exclusive Class 507 Driving Simulator, and a spectacular Saturday evening performance by the internationally acclaimed Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir, Glyndyfrdwy Station once again became the centre of one of the largest gatherings of historic transport in Wales.

Visitors enjoyed an extraordinary display of classic cars, vintage buses, motorcycles, tractors, commercial vehicles, military vehicles and fire engines, while travelling throughout the Dee Valley behind GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754, the railway's Class 47 diesel locomotive and its beautifully restored four-car heritage DMU.

Saturday evening's Party in the Park proved one of the highlights of the weekend, with the Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir performing to a packed audience in marquees beside the railway.

The event concluded on Sunday afternoon with a special appearance by world-renowned Welsh composer Sir Karl Jenkins, composer of Adiemus, the Armed Man and the iconic Delta Air Lines television theme, who formally closed the weekend before travelling on the final steam service. 

Classic Transport Weekend organiser Tim Hines said: "What we've witnessed over the last two days has been absolutely fantastic. Everywhere you looked there were smiling faces, magnificent vehicles, beautifully presented trains and a wonderful atmosphere that perfectly captured what Classic Transport Weekend is all about.

"This event continues to grow because of the incredible support we receive from so many people. We'd like to thank every single exhibitor who travelled from across the United Kingdom to share their wonderful vehicles with us. Many have travelled hundreds of miles and their enthusiasm and commitment are what makes this event so special.

"We're equally grateful to everyone who bought a ticket, travelled on our trains, supported our catering outlets and joined us for Party in the Park. We hope everyone has gone home with memories that will last a lifetime."

Co-organiser George Walker added: "It's been a privilege to help organise another wonderful Classic Transport Weekend. To see such an extraordinary variety of transport brought together in Glyndyfrdwy, from historic buses and classic cars to military vehicles, motorcycles, tractors and steam locomotives, has been incredibly rewarding. 

"There really is nowhere else where you'll see such a unique combination of road and rail heritage in one place. We'd also like to thank our neighbouring landowners once again for allowing us to use their fields, and all supporters who helped make the weekend possible."

The railway also thanked the Class 507 Preservation Society for bringing its exclusive driving simulator to Llangollen for the first time, the Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir for an unforgettable Saturday evening concert, Pip Gale of Blas Wine School, the suppliers of Welsh ales from Hafod Brewery and Purple Moose Brewery, the team behind The Hungry Shunter, the owners of the hundreds of classic vehicles on display, the Davies Family - the hub landowners, supporters and the many local businesses who helped make the weekend such a success.

Attention now turns to the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, with the railway once again playing a central role through its popular World Voices on the Railway initiative.

Eisteddfod visitors are also being encouraged to keep an eye out for a number of surprise celebrity guests expected to travel on the railway during the week, making every journey part of the Eisteddfod experience.

Looking further ahead, the railway's next major public event will be its ever-popular Sixties Weekend, taking place on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August. Visitors can look forward to a nostalgic celebration of the swinging sixties, featuring live music, heritage trains, vintage vehicles, period dress and a fantastic weekend of family entertainment across the railway.

* Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir performing to a packed audience inside a marquee.

* Sir Karl Jenkins, here with volunteer Richard Hines and Lady Carol Jenkins, officially closed the event.

Tom Grennan rounds off Pavilion's 2026 headline concerts in style

 

* Tom Grennan headlines at the Pavilion.

Tom Grennan had the Full Attention of the crowd last night as TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion welcomed one of the UK’s biggest chart‑topping stars for a huge headline show at the iconic venue.

 

The BRIT and Ivor Novello‑nominated artist treated fans to a hit‑packed set, powering through favourites including Higher, All These Nights, Found What I’ve Been Looking For, Don’t Break The Heart and Crown Your Love.

 

The atmosphere inside the big tent was electric, with the crowd bouncing from the opening track. Boys Don’t Cry, Somewhere Only We Go, Diamond and Head Up kept the energy levels high throughout the night.

 

Grennan then lifted the crowd even further with Lionheart, By Your Side and Remind Me, before closing the show with a huge, emotional rendition of Little Bit Of Love.

 

Taking a moment to soak up the atmosphere, he praised the town, telling the audience: “What a beautiful place you’ve got here.”

 

Earlier in the evening, soulful Scottish artist and special guest Brooke Combe delivered a standout set, while rising Yorkshire singer-songwriter Fiona Lee opened the show.

 

The concert brought the curtain down on TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2026, which featured eight spectacular shows and welcomed thousands of music fans to the home of the International Eisteddfod, which starts tomorrow (Tuesday).

* Brooke Coombe delivers a standout set.

* Fiona Lee supports Tom Grennan.

* Above and below: fans enjoying the evening.

Latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council

Here is the latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council:

Approx. 256m SE from OS Tyn Dwr Farm to opposite the entrance of Yew T, TYN DWR ROAD, 15/07/2026 - 16/07/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Wharf Hill / Castle Street/ Mill Street, ABBEY ROAD, until 12/07/2026, Goleuadau traffig i reoli traffig yr Eisteddfod / Traffic signals to manage Eisteddfod traffic

A542 From St. John's Church to Castle Street, ABBEY ROAD, 10/07/2026, Parêd Rhyngwladol y Cenhedloedd Llangollen / Llangollen International Parade of Nations, Clirffordd / Clearway, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A542, 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, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Column 5, Outside Craigievar, ABBEY ROAD, 17/07/2026, Gwaith Trydanol / Electrical Works JONES LIGHTING

A542, 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

A539 Heol y Farchnad / Market Street, 10/10/2026 and 11/10/2026, Gwyl Fwyd Llangollen / Llangollen Food Festival CHAPTER 8 SOLUTIONS LTD, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

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

From St. John's Church to Castle Street ABBEY ROAD 10/07/2026 Parêd Rhyngwladol y Cenhedloedd Llangollen / Llangollen International Parade of Nations, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A542 Full extent TOWER ROAD until 12/07/2026, System Unffordd ar gyfer Eisteddfod Gerddorol Ryngwladol Llangollen / One-way System to support, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Un Ffordd/ One Way

OUTSIDE LYNDALE TO GLAN DYFFYN FRON BACHE, 13/07/2026 - 14/07/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

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

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

Thousands help Deacon Blue celebrate their 40 years in style

* Deacon Blue headlining at the Pavilion last night. ALL PICTURES CUFFE & TAYLOR

Celebrating an impressive 40 years since the band first formed, Scottish favourites Deacon Blue proved they're still as popular as ever as thousands of fans turned out for a stunning headline show at Llangollen Pavilion last night (Saturday).

The multi‑platinum-selling group lit up TK Maxx presents Live in the famous big tent with a hit‑packed set featuring Real Gone Kid, Dignity, Wages Day, City Of Love and Fergus Sings The Blues. 

Fans were also treated to standout tracks from The Great Western Road — the band’s most successful studio album in more than three decades — with the title track, Late ’88, and People Come First showcasing a group still evolving, energised and firmly at the top of their game.

Frontman Ricky Ross told the crowd at the outset that despite the World Cup being played out he wouldn't be mentioning football - a reference to the quandry his opposite number Ian Broudie of show openers Lightning Seeds had found himself in a little earlier when it came to playing their iconic hit, the English football anthem Three Lions, in Wales. In the end they didn't play it and chose something less divisive.

The Liverpudlian indie icons had opened the night in style, kicking off with Life’s Too Short and Change before a selection of favourites including Pure and Lucky You, finishing with a crowd singalong to The Life of Riley.

The successful 2026 TK Maxx Live at Llangollen concerts winds up tonight (Sunday) with a headline show from Tom Grennan supported by Brooke Combe + Fiona Lee.

* Deacon Blue produced a string of crowd-pleasing hits.

* Lightning Seeds were in strong support.

* Above and below: fans of the two bands were out in force.