Man, 46, dies following incident at Llangollen bridge, say police

North Wales Police have this afternoon given details of the incident which closed Llangollen bridge for a short period last Friday evening.

In an official statement they say: "At 8.16pm on Friday 11th July, police officers responded to the bridge on Castle Street, Llangollen following witnesses reporting seeing a man jump from the bridge. Following searches conducted in the river, a 46-year-old man was located and conveyed to hospital in Wrexham, where he later sadly passed away.

"The man's family and the Coroner have been informed, and the circumstances are still being investigated. Our thoughts are with the individual's family and friends at this time, and I would like to thank officers, our emergency service partners, and the assisting public for their response to this incident.

"As a policing team, we are aware of safety concerns locally regarding diving off the bridge, and whilst this is not a criminal offence, we will continue to work with Denbighshire County Council, Llangollen Town Council, and other partners to highlight the dangers to the general public, and officers will continue to advise and warn individuals intending to jump from the bridge of the dangers of doing so."

Railway and Eisteddfod partnership hailed a resounding success

*Llangollen Railway Station welcomed dozens of young people on Children's Day. 

Llangollen and Corwen Railway has hailed its partnership with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod as a resounding success after hundreds of performers and visitors travelled through the Dee Valley as part of the new World Voices on the Railway initiative.

Throughout Eisteddfod week, choirs, dance groups and musicians from around the world travelled on heritage trains between Llangollen and Corwen, recreating the tradition that saw international competitors arrive in the town by rail during the early years of the Eisteddfod. 

Stations at Llangollen and Corwen became stages in their own right, with impromptu performances delighting passengers and visitors welcoming the world's performers as they travelled through the valley.

The week began in memorable style with internationally acclaimed composer Sir Karl Jenkins and Lady Carol Jenkins travelling on the railway, before performers from Ukraine, India, Zimbabwe, Belgium, Indonesia, Norway, the Philippines, the United States and many more countries brought music, dance and friendship to the line.

* Dame Darcey Bussell taught the team at Llangollen Railway Station some steps.

Children's Day was another major highlight, with schools enjoying the unique partnership between the Railway and the Eisteddfod, meeting international performers and experiencing first-hand the spirit of international friendship that has defined the festival for generations.

Another unforgettable moment came when one of the world's most celebrated dancers, Dame Darcey Bussell, visited the railway. She met volunteers at Llangollen Station before travelling by steam to Berwyn Station, where she was welcomed by Station Master Peter Dickinson and his team. Dame Darcey described Berwyn as "…the most beautiful railway station in the United Kingdom."

The partnership reached an emotional conclusion on the final day of the Eisteddfod when the Llangollen and Corwen Railway sponsored the prestigious Male Voice Choir Competition. Corwen Station Master Wayne Ronneback and his wife Sue presented the trophy to the winning choir, Chantage from London.

The couple received spontaneous applause from the Pavilion when it was announced that, between them, they have given more than 60 years of voluntary service to the railway. 

Wayne serves as Station Master at Corwen, while Sue coordinates the rostering of the railway's team of more than 600 volunteers.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway Trust Manager David Hennigan, who is also a Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: "This partnership has exceeded every expectation. We have brought back the tradition of performers travelling to the Eisteddfod by train, creating something completely unique for visitors, schools and competitors alike.

* Kiny Cultura dancers from Indonesia travelled to Glyndyfrdwy to perform. 

"From Sir Karl Jenkins opening the week, to Dame Darcey Bussell's visit, Children's Day and the wonderful international performances, the Railway became an extension of the Eisteddfod itself. With next year marking the Eisteddfod's 80th anniversary, we're already looking forward to making World Voices on the Railway even bigger."

Corwen Station Master Wayne Ronneback said, "What a week it has been. It began with Sir Karl Jenkins giving me a few conducting tips and ended with Sue and me presenting one of the Eisteddfod's most prestigious trophies.

"It has been a privilege to welcome the world to Corwen, as well as Llangollen, and I'd like to thank the Eisteddfod organisers for embracing this partnership from the very beginning. We can't wait to welcome everyone back for the Eisteddfod's 80th anniversary next year."

Throughout the week, the Railway also maintained a busy presence on the Eisteddfod field, sharing a stand with Wrexham University and the Canal and River Trust, while international flags decorated Llangollen Station and Eisteddfod programmes were sold from the Railway Ticket Office and Shop.

Following the overwhelming success of the partnership, plans are already underway to develop World Voices on the Railway for 2027, when the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod celebrates its 80th anniversary. Both organisations are committed to building on this year's success and ensuring the tradition of welcoming the world to the Dee Valley by rail continues for generations to come.

 

Eisteddfod unveils star-studded 80th anniversary concerts

* Jools Holland. 

Global music icon Jools Holland and internationally acclaimed opera stars Sir Bryn Terfel, Natalya Romaniw and Noah Stewart will headline two spectacular concerts as part of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod’s landmark 80th anniversary celebrations in 2027.

 

The first event to be unveiled for the milestone year is Llangollen 80: Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, taking place at the iconic Llangollen Pavilion on Thursday July 8. Joining Jools on the night will be special guest vocalist still to be announced 

alongside acclaimed vocalists Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka.

 

The anniversary programme will also feature the Llangollen 80: Anniversary Gala Concert on Saturday July 10, starring Sir Bryn Terfel, Natalya Romaniw and Noah Stewart alongside the Llangollen International Orchestra and massed male voice choirs in a spectacular celebration of the festival’s rich musical heritage and international legacy.

 

These concerts mark the first major programme announcement for the Eisteddfod's 80th anniversary, with further events set to be revealed in the coming months.

 

Fans can secure their tickets now by signing up to the pre-sale which goes live at 10am on Wednesday July 29.

* Sir Bryn Terfel.

 

Friends of the Eisteddfod can purchase tickets from 10am on Tuesday July 28 and all tickets go on general sale at 10am on Friday 31. All tickets are via llangollen.net

 

Musician, bandleader, broadcaster and pianist Jools Holland is one of Britain's most celebrated performers. From his early success with Squeeze to his long-running BBC series Later... with Jools Holland, his remarkable career has spanned more than four decades.

 

Joined by special guest Roachford and acclaimed vocalists Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka, Jools and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra will bring their renowned blend of rhythm & blues, boogie-woogie, jazz and rock 'n' roll to Llangollen for an unforgettable evening of musicianship, energy and timeless classics.

 

His return carries particular significance as a long-standing supporter and Vice-President of the Eisteddfod, having performed to thousands of festival-goers at Llangollen over the years.

 

The Llangollen 80: Anniversary Gala Concert will celebrate eight decades of music, friendship and international understanding with one of the most ambitious productions ever staged as part of the festival.

* Noah Stewart.

 

Three of the world's finest opera stars — Sir Bryn Terfel, Natalya Romaniw and Noah Stewart — will perform alongside the Llangollen International Orchestra and massed male voice choirs in a spectacular showcase of Welsh and international musical excellence. The specially curated programme will feature operatic favourites, great choral works and unique collaborations, reflecting both the remarkable history of the Eisteddfod and its continuing place on the world stage.

 

Together, the two concerts form part of a special programme marking the Eisteddfod's 80th anniversary and celebrating its enduring legacy of bringing people together from around the world through music, culture and friendship.

John Gambles, Chairman of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: "Our 80th anniversary is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Llangollen so special, and these two concerts perfectly reflect both our heritage and our future.

* Natalya Romaniw.

"These will be two truly special world-class events that will launch our anniversary celebrations in spectacular style, and we're delighted to welcome such outstanding artists to Llangollen as we celebrate 80 remarkable years."

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Dave Danford added: "Jools Holland has a wonderful connection with Llangollen and always creates an incredible atmosphere, while our Anniversary Gala Concert brings together some of the finest voices in opera alongside the proud Welsh choral tradition that has always been at the heart of our festival.

"We're also thrilled to welcome back Sir Bryn Terfel, whose unforgettable celebration of sea songs and Welsh heritage was one of the highlights of last year's Eisteddfod. As one of Wales' greatest musical ambassadors and a longstanding friend of Llangollen, his return makes this anniversary year even more special.”

* For more information visit llangollen.net

Llanrhaeadr farmer’s son crowned world’s best young singer

* Sponsor Mario Kreft MBE, owner of the Pendine Park care organisation,  presents the trophy to the winner Dafydd Jones. Pictures: Rick Matthews

A farmer’s son from Llanrhaeadr has been crowned the best young singer in the world.

Dafydd Jones, 27, was watched by his proud grandmother, Brenda Jones, who first taught him to sing, as he was named Pendine International Voice of the Future at Llangollen International Eisteddfod.

The rising star was presented with the £3,000 first prize and a gleaming silver salver by Mario Kreft MBE, owner of the Pendine Park care organisation which sponsored the competition via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT).

For Brenda watching her beloved grandson take the same Llangollen Pavilion stage once graced by the legendary Italian tenor, Luciano Pavarotti, was a dream come true.

She said: “For years we’ve all been telling him he should compete at the international eisteddfod and now for him to win the top prize is a wish fulfilled. What a wonderful night.”

Dafydd’s parents, Elfyn and Meinir Jones, grandfather John Henry Jones and other excited members of the family were all in the audience to see him presented with the winner’s trophy.

* Dafydd Jones highly impressed the judges.

He and fellow finalist, soprano Victoria Harley, from Hull, in Yorkshire, who won a £1,000 prize as runner up, emerged from almost 30 singers from around the world to reach this year's Pendine International Voice of the Future final.

The prestigious competition, one of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod's flagship events, sees contestants face a demanding selection process and a series of preliminary rounds before the grand final on the festival's closing night, when the Choir of the World title is also decided.

Earlier this year, organisers announced PACT, which supports arts and community initiatives across Wales, had pledged to continue sponsoring the competition for a further five years.

Mario said: “My wife Gill and I have supported this competition since 2013 and we are always left in awe of the quality of young singers who take part.

“This Llangollen stage has been graced by the greats of opera like Pavarotti who came to Llangollen first as a child in a choir and later in adulthood as an operatic superstar.

“It is our duty to support the Pavarottis of tomorrow, to offer a pathway for promising young singers to also emerge into the international spotlight.

“The competition perfectly reflects Pendine Park’s ethos, where the arts in general - and music in particular – form a golden thread running through daily life at all our care home. 

“That feels particularly meaningful this year as we celebrate our 40^th anniversary which is why we have pledged to continue to support the competition for the next five years.” 

Mr Kreft added: “I am heartened to discover that Dafydd grew up on his family’s farm in Llanrhaeadr in the Vale of Clwyd where I was brought up.

* Dafydd Jones with his grandparents John Henry and Brenda Jones.

“And he is soon to embark on one of his first roles as a freelance opera singer, in Florence, Italy. Gill and I had our honeymoon in Florence. We love it there and it brings me joy to think that Dafydd is soon to begin a new chapter of his career in that wonderful city.”

Dafydd is scheduled to join the cast of the expressionist opera Wozzeck in Florence after  spending three years in Munich as a member of the Bayerische Staatsoper Opernstudio.

For the competition Dafydd performed three works – Vainement ma Bien Aimee by Eduard Lalo; Der Soldat, by Wolf, and Llanrwst by Gareth Glyn.

He said: “I am overjoyed to win, especially as Victoria’s performance was so strong. I knew the result would be close.

“I am so grateful to have reached the final and to now have the Pendine International Voice of the Future title on my CV is such a career boost.

“Now that I am starting out as a freelancer, I need to be able to pay for flights and transport to get to auditions so the £3,000 prize is a huge help.”

Dafydd credited his grandmother with introducing him to the joy of music through singing lessons and teaching him piano as a child.

He quickly became good enough to compete in local and eventually national eisteddfods.

Brenda said: “I could tell quite soon that he had a natural talent, and as he got older I was not equipped to give him all the training he needed so we asked Brian Hughes, the composer and vocal instructor to take him on. Once under Brian’s tuition, that’s when we began to realise his real potential.”

Dafydd went on to study at the Royal College of Music in London where, on graduating with a master’s degree, he was awarded the Queen Mother Rose Bowl.

Pendine International Voice of the Future competition judges Sarah Tynan and Njabulo said Dafydd has the potential to become one of the great stars of the operatic stage.

The Eisteddfod’s Artistic Director, Dave Danford, said the competition provided an unforgettable finale to the festival.

He thanked everyone involved in the eisteddfod for contributing to its continued success and paid tribute to the loyal audience for getting behind each event.

He added: “I’d also like to thank the wonderful support from Pendine Park for what is one of our flagship competitions, the Pendine International Voice of the Future, which has given us such a memorable closing night. Congratulations to both the winner and runner up on outstanding performances.”