Railway says 'same again please' on ale train specials

* There is always a party atmosphere on the railway's vintage carriages.

Following the success of its inaugural Ales from Wales Real Ale Trains, Llangollen and Corwen Railway has announced two new themed events for 2026 - a Halloween Ales from Wales Train on Saturday October 31 and a Christmas Ales from Wales Train on Saturday December 12.

Ales from Wales attracted hundreds of passengers who enjoyed an evening of locally brewed Welsh ales, heritage rail travel and a fantastic atmosphere through the beautiful Dee Valley.

Every passenger travelling on the Halloween and Christmas Ales from Wales trains will receive an exclusive Llangollen Railway branded souvenir pint cup to take home as a keepsake of their journey.

The Halloween Ales from Wales Train gets underway at 5pm with live music at Llangollen Station, giving passengers the chance to soak up the atmosphere before boarding the train at 7pm. 

Guests are encouraged to come in fancy dress, while stations and carriages across the railway will be transformed with spooky decorations. During the journey, the train will make a special stop close to Berwyn Tunnel - widely regarded as Wales' most haunted location - creating a unique and spine-tingling experience.

Passengers should also keep a watchful eye out for The Phantom Signalman, who will be making mysterious appearances throughout the train as darkness falls.

To complete the occasion, passengers can enjoy a specially created Halloween-themed menu alongside a selection of Welsh real ales.

Throughout Halloween Day, the railway will be running Spooky Trains between Llangollen and Corwen, stopping at all stations, giving families the chance to enjoy a fun-filled day out. The first 100 children travelling on Halloween will each receive a free Halloween Party Pack, making it the perfect family day out during the school holidays.

The festive fun continues with the Christmas Ales from Wales Train on Saturday December 12. The evening begins at 6.45pm with live music at Llangollen Station, before the train departs at 7.30pm. 

Perfect for Christmas parties, friends, families and work colleagues, the railway will be transformed into a festive wonderland with seasonal decorations throughout the stations and carriages. 

Christmas anthems and festive favourites will be played both at the stations and on board the train, creating the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a superb selection of Welsh ales and celebrate the festive season in style. Father Christmas will also be making a special appearance on board, adding even more festive magic to the journey.

The excitement continues on Saturday November 7 with the return of Ride the Rocket, combining a spectacular evening steam train journey with one of North Wales' biggest fireworks displays in partnership with the Corwen Fireworks Committee.

From late November through to Christmas Eve, the railway's popular Santa Specials will once again welcome thousands of families on board. Beautifully decorated steam trains, festive entertainment, a visit from Father Christmas and a magical journey through the Dee Valley make the Santa Specials one of North Wales' most treasured Christmas traditions.

Alongside the Santa Specials, the much-loved Siôn Corn Arbennig will also return, offering a unique Welsh-language Christmas experience between Corwen and Lapland (Carrog). With Siôn Corn travelling on board, a festive grotto, gifts for children and a warm Welsh welcome, it's the perfect seasonal celebration for Welsh-speaking families and learners alike.

And because Christmas shouldn't end on Boxing Day, the railway's popular Mince Pie Specials will once again run between Christmas and New Year, now extended to Friday January 1 for a special New Year's Day steam train. Passengers can relax with a complimentary mince pie and warming festive tipple while enjoying unlimited travel through the stunning winter scenery of the Dee Valley, making it the perfect way to welcome 2027.

James Veal, Events Coordinator at Llangollen and Corwen Railway, said: "The response to our first Ales from Wales Real Ale Train has been nothing short of incredible. We knew people would enjoy the concept, but the level of enthusiasm has exceeded all of our expectations.

"We've had so many people asking for Halloween and Christmas night trains that we simply had to make them happen. Whether you're looking for a fun night out with friends, a memorable Christmas party or simply an evening enjoying great Welsh ales on one of Britain's most scenic heritage railways, these trains offer something really special.

"Our Halloween event will be packed with atmosphere from the moment guests arrive, with live music, fancy dress, spooky decorations, a specially themed menu, a stop close to the haunted Berwyn Tunnel and appearances from The Phantom Signalman, who'll be keeping a watchful eye over the railway throughout the evening. Earlier in the day, our Spooky Trains will be running to Corwen, and we're delighted to be giving free Halloween Party Packs to the first 100 children who travel."

Tim Hines, from the Railway's footplate team, added: "Our Christmas Ales from Wales Train will be the perfect festive celebration, with live music before departure, beautifully decorated stations and trains, Christmas music throughout the evening, Father Christmas joining passengers on board and a fantastic selection of Welsh ales. 

"Together with Ride the Rocket, our Santa Specials, Siôn Corn Arbennig and our extended Mince Pie Specials running through to New Year's Day, we're offering our biggest and most exciting programme of autumn and Christmas events ever. We expect demand to be extremely high across all of our events, so I'd encourage everyone to book early to avoid disappointment."

Tickets

Tickets for both new Ales from Wales Trains are on sale now:

• The Corwen Special – Saturday 15 August – £20
• Ales from Wales Train – Saturday 12 September – £20
• Ales from Wales Train – Saturday 10 October – £20
• Halloween Ales from Wales Train – Saturday 31 October – £30
• Christmas Ales from Wales Train – Saturday 12 December – £30

Book online at:

https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/real-ale-train/

Tickets for Ride the Rocket, Halloween Spooky Trains, Santa Specials, Siôn Corn Arbennig and the extended Mince Pie Specials are also available via the Llangollen and Corwen Railway website.

Autumn and Christmas Events 2026

• The Corwen Special (Ales from Wales) – Saturday 15 August (£20)
• Ales from Wales Train – Saturday 12 September (£20)
• Ales from Wales Train – Saturday 10 October (£20)
• Halloween Ales from Wales Train – Saturday 31 October (£30) Live music from 5pm. Live music from 5pm / Train departs 7pm
• Ride the Rocket – Saturday 7 November
• Santa Specials – Selected dates from late November to Christmas Eve
• Siôn Corn Arbennig – Selected dates during the Christmas season
• Christmas Ales from Wales Train – Saturday 12 December (£30) Live music from 6.45pm / Train departs 7.30pmTrain departs 7.30pm
• Mince Pie Specials – 27 December 2026 to Friday 1 January 2027, including the special New Year's Day service.

Healing Prayer drop-in at Penllyn Chapel tomorrow

 

Traders urged to check safety of new viral toys

 

* Retailers are being urged to make sure their stock is compliant with UK legislation.

Following the recent crackdown on counterfeit goods in the county with saw over 600 products seized, Denbighshire County Council's trading standards team are reminding residents and traders to stay vigilant as the latest social media craze hits the shelves. 

Squishy Dumplings and NeeDoh are some of the newest "fidget" toys that have gained popularity on social media recently, and as demand for them has increased officers say they have also noticed an increase in counterfeit versions being sold across the county.

In their commitment to crackdown on counterfeit goods, trading standards are now urging retailers to make sure their stock is compliant with UK legislation and reminding residents of common signs they can look out for when it comes to spotting counterfeit goods, including:

• The name and address of the manufacturer. If the manufacturer is outside the UK, the name and address of the manufacturer and the importer into the UK are to be used instead.
• Type, batch, serial or model number.
• The CE and/or UKCA mark – These marks are a declaration by the manufacturer that the toy is safe which must be on the toy or its packaging and be permanent and easy to read.

Councillor Alan James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning said: “We have noticed the influence that social media trends have had on the rise of counterfeit goods being sold. The growing popularity of these ‘squishy’ products has led to an increase in demand with criminals looking to cash in on making cheap counterfeit versions.

“Genuine products have undergone strict safety testing and counterfeit versions may not meet this standard posing risks to users, in particular children, as counterfeit versions are likely to contain inadequate or missing labelling and made from unsafe unsuitable materials.

“Our officers have been working hard to crackdown on the sale of counterfeit goods by educating retailers and customers and conducting visits to different premises across the county. They recently carried out a number of visits in the county which led to large seizure of counterfeit and/or potentially unsafe items."  

* Anybody who has bought a toy or any product and believe it to be counterfeit or unsafe should report it to Citizens Advice customer service by telephone - 0808 223 1133 (Welsh language line: 0808 223 1144) or online: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/if-you-need-more-help-about-a-consumer-issue/

Businesses can get in touch with Denbighshire’s Trading Standards Team for advice on counterfeit products on Denbighshire’s website .

Llangollen firefighters battle through their busiest month ever

* The hell of the scrapyard blaze the Llan crew assisted with.

Llangollen's hard-working firefighters have just notched up a record month.

Over the past 29 days up to today (Wednesday) - working their own patch and assisting other crews at serious incidents across north Wales - they have dealt with everything from wildfires to a massive scrapyard blaze and road collisions to rescuing a paraglider from up a tree.

And that's an incredible total of 60 calls - the most they have ever attended in a single month.   

On their Facebook page they give an account of their frantic July in which they say: "Over the past 29 days, the Llangollen crew have attended more than 60 incidents the most calls we’ve attended in a single month.

"From wildfires and scrapyard fires to car fires, water incidents, road traffic collisions, automatic fire alarms, and even rescuing a paraglider from a tree the list goes on.

"With the extreme weather and exceptionally busy period we’ve experienced, our crew have continued to respond whenever the call comes.

"But none of this happens without the incredible support of our families.

"Responding means missing family time, days out, work commitments, evenings at home and bedtimes with the kids. It can be hard for us, but often it’s even harder for those at home who pick up the slack when the pager goes and we have to leave.

"So, a massive thank you to our partners, families and children for their patience, understanding and continued support. It genuinely makes what we do possible.

"A big mention must also go to all the crews across North Wales who we’ve worked alongside throughout this busy period. The teamwork between crews and emergency services is what ensures incidents are brought to a safe conclusion.

"Over 60 calls. 29 days. One incredible team effort both on the fireground and at home. Thank you to everyone who makes it possible."

* A fire deep within woodland.

* Dealing with the scorched earth of a wildfire in north Wales.

* Crew members taking a well-earned rest after their exertions.

Latest Denbighshire Citizens Advice drop-in sessions

Here are the latest Denbighshire Citizens Advice drop-in sessions for Llangollen and Corwen:

Railway's golden anniversary reaches fitting conclusion

* Llangollen and Corwen Railway is powered by hundreds of volunteers.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway will bring its landmark 50th anniversary year to a fitting conclusion with a spectacular celebration weekend on September 12 and 13.

The event, "50 Years Finale", will see the railway operate an intensive timetable featuring steam locomotives, diesel locomotives and heritage diesel multiple units (DMUs), offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy unlimited travel across the railway throughout the weekend.

A special rover ticket, priced at £30 for adults and £8 for children, will allow visitors to travel as much as they like on the railway's special event services. Passengers can still book their normal tickets on the day, meaning they sample the atmosphere that makes the railway so special.

Dave Owen, one of the UK's longest-serving railway volunteers and a veteran steam locomotive driver, said: "When a small group of enthusiasts arrived in Llangollen over half a century ago, few could have imagined what the railway would become. 

"Today we have a thriving railway carrying record numbers of passengers and making an enormous contribution to the local economy and tourism industry. None of that would have happened without the determination, hard work and vision of the pioneers who refused to let this railway disappear.

* Llangollen Station was left derelict after the Beeching era cuts.

"This anniversary is about much more than trains. It is about the people who gave their time, skills and passion to create something truly remarkable. We are hoping to welcome as many of our founders and early volunteers as possible to the celebrations so that we can recognise their achievements and thank them for everything they have done for the railway over the last 50 years.

"The 50th anniversary year has provided a wonderful opportunity to reflect on everything that has been achieved over the last five decades, and this finale weekend will be a celebration worthy of that remarkable milestone."

Iain Ross, organiser of the railway's popular Branch Line Gala and a locomotive driver on the railway, said: "We want there to be a real gala atmosphere throughout the weekend, with steam locomotives, diesel locomotives and heritage railcars all operating alongside a packed programme of special events and activities. Whether you're a dedicated enthusiast, a family looking for a day out, or someone who simply wants to join us in celebrating this milestone, there will be something to enjoy.

* Llangollen Railway Station pictured in 1976 - the start of a huge journey.

"The railway is currently seeing record passenger numbers and attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond, which is fantastic news. However, while we celebrate our success today, it is vital that we recognise and remember those who built this historic railway. The founders and early volunteers including my late father, created something truly extraordinary from very modest beginnings, and this event will give us the opportunity to honour their achievements while showcasing everything the railway has become over the last 50 years.

"The event will bring together supporters, volunteers, visitors and founders for a celebration of the railway's past, present and future, and we look forward to welcoming everyone for what promises to be a memorable and fitting finale to our anniversary year."

As well as a packed timetable of train services, visitors will be able to enjoy a range of special attractions, including:

• An intensive steam, diesel and heritage railcar timetable.
• A special Ales from Wales Celebration Train.
• Behind-the-scenes shed tours, available to book online.
• Exhibitions and displays celebrating the railway's first 50 years.
• Opportunities to meet some of the people who helped create the railway.
• The railway is also hoping to welcome as many of its founders and early volunteers as possible as part of the celebrations, recognising the vision and dedication of those who transformed a derelict branch line into one of Britain's leading heritage railways.

The September finale will not be the end of the railway's anniversary programme. They will also host a special commemorative event featuring live music at Llangollen Town Hall on October 16. More details of the evening will be announced shortly.

Further details, the intensive timetables for the 50 Years Finale weekend will be released shortly. Tickets can be bought here: https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/50th_anniversary/

* Many of the original civil engineers still work with the railway team.

Audi Q6 is car with a curtain of steel around it

Audi Q6 e-tron drive by Steve Rogers

Audi is leaving nothing to chance when it comes to keeping us safe.

This Q6 is loaded with safety aids and laden with tech. They have virtually thrown a curtain of steel around the car with a string of warnings and collision avoidance aids.

Adaptive cruise control, emergency front, and rear braking to head off a crash when reversing are pretty common but I liked the side warning which could stop you taking out a cyclist when turning left as well exiting either side. As a cyclist it has nearly happened to me a few times.

Then you get audible warnings of hazards and a neat diagram in the driver’s display showing a roundabout, crossroads, or the steepness of a hill and the need to brake. On a brighter note you can use digital services to book a ferry crossing or hotel room. This is some tech fest.

Well, Audi, along with the rest of the premium brands, have to come up with something special to counter the Chinese onslaught of electric cars with their exotic shapes and staggering value for money, so quality and safety are front and centre of the package.

Q6 was a landmark model in 2024 as it was Audi’s first electric SUV. Back then all they had to worry about were premium rivals Mercedes, BMW, Lexus and Volvo. They offered much the same, and at the same price, now the competition is vehicles half the price.

Audi is banking on a reputation built over the last 30 years; plush fixtures and fittings and nailed on build quality. Whether that is enough to win the sales battle will play out over the next five years. That said, the Q6 is some car.

Its credentials stack up well. A sizeable 100kWh battery feeding a 225kW electric motor for a claimed range of 365 to 381 miles. I say claimed because my car came with a 90 per cent charge yielding 244 miles. I wasn’t any good at maths but even I know another 10 per cent does not come to 365.

I topped up to 50 per cent midweek which gave me 152 miles then drove four miles downhill and gained an extra 20 miles through regenerative braking which reduced fairly quickly but that would seem to push the range well over the 300 mile mark which isn’t bad given that you have to be driving in perfect conditions to get anywhere near a manufacturer’s range claim.

That aside I felt very comfortable behind the wheel of Q6. It is a big car, but doesn’t feel big. The high driving position gives a good view of the car’s extremities which is handy when pulling into tight parking spaces.

The dashboard layout is typical of the times: A twin screen storing a lot of menus and information. I make no apology for preferring Audi’s old rotary controller for accessing menus but it is gone for good and surprised myself by not just coping but even liking this set up.

The central section is curved towards the driver which adds a bit of style while sound German logic has made it relatively easy to operate with quick keys for heating controls

and discreet switches for accessing regular features. A pad on the door armrest controls lights, powered seat memory and door mirrors, all functions annoyingly stored in a touchscreen on most Chinese cars.

As is the way with Audi every bit of trim fits perfectly, no rattles or creeks here. My S Line model threw up a surprise with a lot of fabric trim along the dashboard and door cards matching the seat covers. Not at all Audi and I’m not sure I liked it, and would it show wear over time? At least it is a welcome change from the usual swathes of black.

Q6 is a big car so no need to dwell on passenger and boot space, there is plenty of it. It is comfortable to a degree but the firm suspension can get unruly on rougher roads and you will feel the thuds over pitted surfaces. On decent roads and motorways it is a cracking drive and stable ride.

With 382bhp on tap there is no shortage of rip roaring acceleration but best to curb your enthusiasm to conserve the range. I managed 3.4 m/kWh which is a very good return on economy. The updated model can take a maximum charge of 270kW and can store up to 158 miles in 10 minutes at a high powered charging station.

Not much not to like about the Q6 e-tron, apart from the price but that is what you pay for premium cars although I would like to have seen a better 360 degree view camera. It sometimes gives a distorted view and is strangely pale.

Favourite features: The 64 litre under bonnet storage for the cables and a terrific head up display.

Fast facts

Q6 e-tron S Line

£66,145

Battery: 100kWh

Range: 365-381 miles

Output 225kW

Efficiency: 3.5m/kWh

0-62mph 6.7secs; 382bhp

Boot: 526-1529 litres

Insurance group 44-50

Towing: 2000kg