Harley-Davidson riders say 'thanks for welcoming us' to Llangollen

* Webmaster Paul Jones (third for right in green tee-shirt) with fellow members of the Deva Legion outside the Pavilion where their Rally in the Valley was based again at the weekend. 

The large group of Harley-Davidson riders who used Llangollen Pavilion as the base for a big annual rally over the weekend have said a collective thank you to the people of town for the warm welcome they gave them yet again.

Chester-based Deva Legion of the Harley-Davidson Owners' Group - HOG for short - have been staging their Rally in the Valley locally for the past 10 years or so. And this year they returned to make the Pavilion their HQ.

They've been using the venue not only as the starting and finishing points for a series of rides by enthusiasts of the mighty American cruising bikes to various points of north Wales but also a place to pitch their tents and park their campervans.

On the Friday and Saturday evenings of their stay they also used the Pavilion and its many facilities to host entertainment in the shape of live bands and disco sessions, all helped along by a couple of bars.

"We keep coming back to Llangollen because of the quality of the rides we're able to plan through some stunning countryside and to seaside resorts like Llandudno but also because the Pavilion is the ideal venue," said Paul Jones, the Deva Legion webmaster.

"It's got all the facilities we need, is set in some beautiful countryside, the field has a one-way system to help the bikes safely manoeuvre around and is close at hand for the local B&Bs and the awesome town centre."

Paul explained that this year's rally - it has a Wild Wild West theme which has meant some inventive costumes - attracted around 450 riders and guests, some 120 gleaming Harleys ... and lots of local goodwill.

"After our rides out on Friday and Saturday we arrived back in town as a large group and lots of people came out to welcome us with cheers and waves. It was the same story at other places we rode through along the route, with some even waving Welsh flags."

One of the key reasons for staging the rally each year is to raise as much money as possible for Merseyside-based Claire House Children's Hospice which helps seriously and terminally-ill children make the most of the time they have, however long or short that may be. 

In the past decade Deva Legion has collected over £50,000 for what is its dedicated charity, with money coming from a range of activities, including donations from traders they use at the rally venues and raffles with lots of valuable prizes, all donated by well-wishers, like this year's £600 360-degree camera for mounting aboard a bike.

Paul said: "Last year we were able to donate £3,500 to Claire House and, although we haven't yet added things up there are some positive signs for the latest total."

And that big thank you to Llangollen?

"We hope our rally and rides bring something a little special to the town. The welcome we always get when we come to Llangollen is phenomenal, so we'd all like to say thanks for having us again.

"We'd also like to say thanks to Keith Potts, who runs the Pavilion, whose hard at work for us from early in the morning until late at night. Nothing is too much trouble for him."  

Railway marks Owain Glyndŵr Day with special fare to Corwen

Visitors are being encouraged to take the train to Corwen on Wednesday September 16 for Owain Glyndŵr Day, with Llangollen and Corwen Railway offering a special £14.16 fare to mark 1416, traditionally cited as the year of the Welsh hero's death.  

The railway has also specially brought forward its departure from Llangollen to 9.30am, making sure passengers can arrive in Corwen in time to attend a 10.30am Service of Celebration at Eglwys Seion Chapel.

The year 1416 is taken from the remarkable statue in Corwen, close to the railway station.

Passengers can enjoy the journey through the spectacular Dee Valley to Corwen, take part in the Owain Glyndŵr Day celebrations and then jump back aboard the 1.45pm train from Corwen.

A full programme of events is planned, bringing together the local community, schoolchildren and visitors to celebrate the life and legacy of one of the most important figures in Welsh history.

After arriving by train, visitors can make their way to Eglwys Seion Chapel, Bridge Street, Corwen, where the Service of Celebration begins at 10.30am.

At 11.15am, a procession featuring local schoolchildren will leave Seion Chapel and make its way through Corwen to the Owain Glyndŵr statue on the town square.

The procession will be followed by a short wreath-laying ceremony at the Owain Glyndŵr statue, giving the community and visitors an opportunity to commemorate his life and legacy.

Following the ceremony, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a special light lunch at the Owain Glyndŵr Hotel. The lunch is an optional extra, with the additional cost payable directly at the hotel.

There will then be time to enjoy Corwen before making the short journey back to the station for the 1.45pm return train.

Who was Owain Glyndŵr?

Owain Glyndŵr is one of the most celebrated figures in Welsh history. A descendant of Welsh princes, he was proclaimed Prince of Wales in 1400 and led a major uprising against English rule which spread across much of Wales.

Glyndŵr established a Welsh parliament and pursued a vision for a Wales with its own institutions, including universities. Although the uprising was eventually suppressed, Glyndŵr was never captured and the circumstances surrounding his final years and death remain uncertain.

More than six centuries later, his legacy continues and he remains a powerful symbol of Welsh identity, history and culture, with Owain Glyndŵr Day celebrated each year on September 16.

The Owain Glyndŵr Day offer is also part of the railway's growing partnership with Corwen. 

This includes the railway's Glyndwr Steam Roast, which combines a heritage steam train journey from Llangollen to Corwen with a traditional Sunday roast at the community-run Owain Glyndŵr Hotel. 

Paul Reynolds, a senior volunteer at Llangollen and Corwen Railway and Head of the Responsible Officer’s Department, said: “Owain Glyndŵr Day is an important occasion for Corwen and for Wales, and we are delighted that the Railway can play a part in helping people come and enjoy the celebrations.

“This is also part of our developing partnership with Corwen. The Glyndwr Steam Roast, working with the Owain Glyndŵr Hotel, is another example of how we can use the railway to bring people into the town, give them time to explore and support the local community.”

Wayne Ronneback, Station Master at Corwen, said: “Corwen might be the end of the railway line, but we want it to be the start of people’s visit to the town. There is so much history here and Owain Glyndŵr Day is a fantastic opportunity for people to come and discover it.

“For us at Corwen Station, it is about making that connection between the railway and the town even stronger. We want people to step off the train, explore Corwen, visit our businesses and attractions and be part of the local community.

“Heritage railways are about much more than trains. Corwen Station is part of the community here, and we are really looking forward to welcoming passengers off the 9.30am train and seeing them head into town to enjoy this very special Welsh celebration."

Can llanblogger readers help solve a history mystery?

* Number 1150 Haro Street, Vancouver where the  

James Preston Tomkins lived before moving to Llangollen.

A history blogger is hoping the people of Llangollen can help him fill in missing parts of the puzzle of why a wealthy American-born businessman ended up living and dying in dire poverty in this town over 120 years ago.

Canadian James Johnstone has been delving into the life of James Preston Tompkins who had been a highly prominent and well-off figure in Vancouver in the late 19th century before moving across the Atlantic with his wife.

After coming to live in Llangollen the couple, and their daughter who was born here, fell into destitution and Tompkins eventually died a pauper.

Mr Johnstone has now contacted llanblogger to see if any of our readers can shed any light on what happened in those fateful final years.

He writes: "Though I am currently retired and live in Italy, I run a history blog based in my hometown of Vancouver, Canada and recently uncovered an extraordinary, tragic historical link between Vancouver, BC, and Llangollen that I thought your readers might find fascinating.

"In the 1890s, an American-born man named James Preston Tompkins was a highly prominent, wealthy figure in Vancouver. He and his London, England-born wife Florence Helena Marshall, were local celebrities, heavily followed by the Canadian press during a lavish honeymoon across East Asia and Australia.

"However, in the early 1900s, the couple relocated to Llangollen. While living there, Tompkins was allegedly swindled out of his entire personal fortune. He fell into absolute destitution, ultimately reduced to selling matches on the streets of Llangollen to survive, and died a pauper."

It was claimed he was swindled out of thousands of dollars by a Columbian attorney while his back was turned.

Mr Johnstone adds: "I am trying to track down the Welsh chapter of his life, specifically how he was cheated, where he lived, and where he is buried  - likely a pauper's grave in the area.

"If you think your readers would be interested in this local history mystery, I would love to collaborate. Perhaps a short feature on your blog could help connect me with any local historians or residents who might recognize the story or know where the town's historical burial records are kept."

* This last news article relating to James Preston Tompkins reprinted by Vancouver's Daily News Advertiser from an article from the June 13th London Morning Leader reveals the sad story. 

In his history blog Mr Johnstone records that sometime in 1891, the Tompkins family departed Vancouver one last time - and this time it is forever. 

He writes: "The family moved to the small town of Llangollen in Denbighshire in northern Wales. In 1897, a daughter, Florence 'Florrie' Helen Tompkins was born in Kingston upon Thames in Surrey, England. She was baptised in Llangollen, Denbighshire, Wales on July 7, 1897. 

"For a time, the Tompkins family enjoyed an idyllic, privileged existence there until financial disaster strikes the family.

"The Tompkins family were listed in the 1901 Wales Census. It lists their address and Penycoed, which is a road name but also the name of a wooded area on the southeast outskirts of Llangollen.

"If you look at the profession listed for James Preston Tompkins he is listed as a self-employed 'Hawker'. What happened to Tompkins family's former wealth?

"Sometime before or in early April in 1902, James Preston Tompkins passed away at the age of 69 in Corwen, Denbighshire, a small town about 16 kilometres west of Llangollen."

* You can read the first part of James Johnstone's remarkable riches-to-rags story of James Preston Tomkins on his blog at: https://househistorian.blogspot.com/2026/03/1150-haro-street-revisitation-part-1.html 

* And if you can help fill in the missing parts of the puzzle, please email us at: llanblogger@gmail.com 

Llangollen homes chosen for soft plastics collection trial

Llangollen is one of seven Denbighshire towns chosen for soft plastics collection trial.

It will begin on Monday September 14 and aims to find the best way to collect and recycle plastic bags and wrapping.

This is in preparation for forthcoming Welsh Government changes to recycling requirements.

Denbighshire County Council has invited a total of around 4,500 homes to take part in the trial. Residents invited live in a mix of housing types and areas so that the council can get a good and fair understanding of how different homes will use the service.

The areas chosen include Llangollen, Denbigh, Prestatyn, Rhyl, Rhuddlan, Corwen and Efenechtyd.

The council says homes selected for the trial will receive a leaflet explaining how it works between Monday and Friday September 7 and 11. The last collection in the trial is on Friday December 4.

Options regarding collecting future soft plastics will be considered once the trial has been reviewed, and any future changes will be communicated to residents at the appropriate time, explains the council.

Llangollen man's walking marathon for cancer support

                                   

Alasdair Mackin, 48, from Llangollen, has set off on foot from the Shooting Star ward at Wrexham Maelor Hospital this morning (Friday) for a three-day walk that will see him end at the peak of Yr Wyddfa.

* For the full story in the Leader, go to: https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/26518010.llangollen-mans-walking-feat-macmillan-cancer-support/

Over 100 Harley-Davidsons riding through town today

Over 100 Harley-Davidson motorcycles will be rumbling through Llangollen this afternoon (Friday).

They'll be arriving in town at about 2.15pm after rides starting on the Horseshoe Pass earlier in the day and taking in Ruthin, Denbigh, St Asaph, Rhos-on-Sea and Llandudno.  

The rides are part of Deva Legion’s Rally in the Valley, based in Llangollen and giving visiting riders the chance to experience some of the scenery, towns and villages of North Wales. 

A spokesperson for Deva Legion, which supports Claire House Children's Hospice, said: "We’d love to see local people come out and wave as the bikes pass through. Bring the family, bring your cameras and enjoy the sight and sound of more than 100 Harleys rumbling by. You certainly don’t need to be a motorcyclist to enjoy the spectacle."

Llangollen Fringe Festival 2026 starts tomorrow

* Gwenno.

* Skinny Lister.

* Nubiyan Twist.

Llangollen Fringe starts tomorrow (Friday) with 10 nights of live music, comedy and free events across the town 

Llangollen Fringe Festival gets underway tomorrow (Friday), bringing 10 nights of live music and comedy to the town alongside a packed programme of free performances, workshops, family events and traditional music.

Running from September 4–13, this year’s festival welcomes artists from Wales and across the world, with Mr Scruff, Skinny Lister, Ryan Young, BCUC, Talisk, Nubiyan Twist, Gwenno, Kasai Masai and The Selecter among the headline acts at Llangollen Town Hall.

The festival opens tomorrow with a Comedy Club headlined by Andrew Maxwell, known for Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You and Mock the Week, before Mr Scruff & MC Kwasi take over the Town Hall on Saturday.

From there, the ten-night programme brings everything from Scottish folk and Welsh-language music to South African sounds, Congolese rhythms, soul, jazz and 2-Tone to Llangollen.

Llangollen Fringe Artistic Director Neal Thompson said: “There’s a real buzz building in Llangollen. We’ve got ten brilliant nights at the Town Hall, with artists coming here from across Wales and the UK, as well as South Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Canada and beyond.”

Alongside the headline concerts, dozens of events across the festival are free.

New for 2026, Scotland Introducing, presented in partnership with Showcase Scotland Expo, brings some of Scotland’s finest folk artists to Llangollen. Mairi McGillivray, Abigail Pryde, Luke Daniels Trio, Niamh Corkey and Findlay Napier will perform free showcases at The Hand Hotel, while Tom Campbell Trio appear at the Town Hall supporting Talisk.

Acclaimed Scottish fiddler Ryan Young and Talisk also feature as headline artists within the programme.

Music Around Town will fill Gales’ Wine Bar, The Hand Hotel, Three Eagles and Bridge End Hotel with free live music on Sunday 6 and Saturday 12 September, while Trad Lab brings free traditional music workshops, sessions and performances throughout the festival.

There is plenty for families too. With the children back at school, the fun continues at Fringe with free opportunities to try percussion, puppetry, poetry and more, as well as The Dinosaurs Are Back! and a dinosaur workshop at the Town Hall on Saturday September 12.

The wider programme also includes spoken word, performances and events throughout the town, including Canadian singer-songwriter Dave Gunning and Welsh-Arabic ensemble Panedeni.

Tickets remain available for headline shows throughout the ten days, including Andrew Maxwell, Mr Scruff & MC Kwasi, Skinny Lister, Ryan Young, BCUC, Talisk, Nubiyan Twist, Gwenno, Kasai Masai and The Selecter.

A limited number of Festival Passes giving access to all ten headline nights for £120 are also available.

* Tickets, free event registration and the full programme: llangollenfringe.co.uk