Penllyn Chapel in Brook Street, Llangollen has a new feature called Healing Prayer starting this Saturday morning, February 7, and continuing every first Saturday of the month. It includes free tea and coffee.
Friday, February 6, 2026
New feature starts at Penllyn Chapel this Saturday
Darcey Bussell to be guest adjudicator at 2026 Eisteddfod
* Dame Darcey Bussell.
Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has secured a remarkable coup for its 2026 festival with Dame Darcey Bussell confirmed as a guest judge and ambassador for the dance competitions.
Dame Darcey will adjudicate selected competitions on Saturday July 11, offering dancers a rare opportunity to perform in front of one of the most celebrated and influential figures in the world of dance.
Entries are open now, with the deadline set for Sunday February 22. Dancers across the UK and internationally are being encouraged to enter and take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity.
A former Principal of The Royal Ballet for almost twenty years, Dame Darcey performed more than 80 roles, with 17 created especially for her. She has appeared as a guest artist with leading ballet companies across the world and remains one of the most recognisable and respected names in dance.
Today she continues to champion the artform as President of the Royal Academy of Dance, a coach to principal dancers, author, broadcaster and former judge on Strictly Come Dancing.
Her involvement highlights the growing profile and ambition of dance at Llangollen. For 2026, the festival has expanded its dance competitions from five to fourteen distinct classes, welcoming a broader range of styles and performers than ever before.
Dame Darcey said: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in 2026. It is a truly inspiring celebration of music, dance and cultures from across the world, and the expanded dance categories create a wonderful international platform for performers of all styles to be seen, celebrated and united. I can’t wait to experience the extraordinary talent and share in the magic of this iconic festival.”
Fiona Brockway, Trustee of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and a former First Soloist with The Royal Ballet, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Dame Darcey Bussell's extraordinary expertise, global influence, and passion for dance to inspire and celebrate performers on our iconic stage this July.”
Dancers can enter and compete as soloists, duets, trios or groups across all styles and genres. Performances may last up to three minutes and competitors of all ages are welcome.
Successful applicants will be notified by Thursday March 5.
* Full details on how to enter can be found at eisteddfodcompetitions.co.uk/solo-and-duet-trio-dance
Tidy Town Team celebrates 10,000 hours of voluntary work
* Members of the Tidy Town Team are their annual lunch in the Hand Hotel last December.
Llangollen Tidy Town Team has published its 2025 annual report.
Its co-ordinator David Davies reports: "2025 completes the milestone of 20 years of operation for the group and brings our total to over 10,000 hours of volunteer work.
"2025 has seen our continued work efforts in helping to maintain the Town Square and St John’s Wood, and help the Museum in tidy up work and relocating artifacts. Our support continues for the Christmas Festival and the Town’s Christmas Tree provision.
"The paint brushes were put to use on the seats in Market Street car park by Seion Chapel and at the Old Armoury Heritage Centre, where we also put up signage and assembled outside seating.
"Our litter picking target this year was centred around the Chain Bridge and Horseshoe Falls area, where we also removed 'love padlocks' from the Chain Bridge.
"In the absence of work by DCC we once again washed clean the the Hawthorn on Trevor Road and continued with the tidy up of the mess left from the 4 Great Highways project on the Wharf bank, including redistributing excessive wood chips that continue to be washed down onto the pathway.
"We are very grateful for the continued support of Llangollen Town Council and local businesses and individuals, and a number of very favourable social media posts by local people appreciating our work…thank you."
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Denbighshire proposes 5.22% rise in council tax for 2026/27
Denbighshire’s County Council’s Cabinet has put forward its proposals for setting its budget for 2026-27.
Every council is legally required to set a balanced and deliverable budget and to set the level of Council Tax each year.
For 2026/27, Denbighshire County Council’s cost pressures are forecast to exceed £20m for the fourth consecutive year.
While the council receives most of its funding from Welsh Government, supplemented by Council Tax, recent increases in Welsh Government funding do not fully cover these pressures, making a rise in Council Tax unavoidable, says the authority.
This year, the proposal put forward is a Council Tax increase of 4.76% for council services plus an additional 0.46% to meet the higher levy from the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority, resulting in a total proposed increase of 5.22%.
“Most of our budget goes toward schools, education, and supporting adults who need care. We also invest significantly in services for children and people experiencing homelessness. These services protect the most vulnerable people in our communities. Together, these essential services account for 65% of the Council’s total budget.
“That leaves 35% for everything else we do — from inspecting around 720 food businesses each year, to collecting about 73,000 bins and recycling containers from nearly 49,000 households every week.
“We also maintain countryside sites like Loggerheads, Moel Famau and Bodelwyddan Park; protect heritage sites such as Ruthin Gaol, Nantclwyd y Dre and Plas Newydd; provide over 12 million school meals annually; safely transport around 2,870 learners to school; and maintain 11,763 streetlights and 1,419 km of roads across the county.”
Some people will be shielded from the increase through the Council Tax reduction scheme which helps those on low income or those claiming benefits. Residents can find out more about this on Denbighshire’s website on the Council tax reduction scheme page.
The Cabinet meets at 10am on Tuesday, February 10 and the meeting will be broadcast via the webcast on the council's website.
County Cllr Edwards gives insight into Riverside Park facelift
llanblogger's recent revelation that the current facelift to Riverside Park includes an outdoor gym has prompted some interesting social media comments, both in favour of this and otherwise.
Here, Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards, whose idea the gym was, explains the reasoning behind it and that of the whole scheme ....
"As one of your elected ward members, I wanted to explain how the Shared Prosperity Funding plans for the Riverside Park had developed and why the outdoor gym equipment had been proposed.
"Initial discussions focused on replacing the bandstand alongside further access improvements. As costs became clearer, it was evident there would be insufficient funding to replace the bandstand with one of a standard of quality the park deserves. I did not feel it would be right to proceed with a substandard replacement, particularly given the bandstand’s long-standing role and value within the park.
"A number of on-site meetings took place with Street scene officers to explore alternative options that could still deliver meaningful benefits within the available budget. I also engaged with the Town Council throughout the process and it was through these discussions that I suggested the idea of an outdoor gym area as this would provide free, accessible fitness opportunities, encourage healthier lifestyle and make better use of the park for people of all ages, this is not a new idea as this equipment has been installed in other parks within the authority.
"Any new lighting will match the rest of the park, using low level warm lighting – the same approach I advocated for when the park lanterns had to be replaced a couple of years ago. The additional picnic benches will be secured in place.
"Riverside Park is an ongoing project. Further improvements, including additional accessibility works and, in time, the careful replacement of the bandstand with something equally appropriate and in keeping with the park’s heritage, will continue to be pursued as and when funding opportunities arise."
Wrexham submits its UK City of Culture 2029 bid
* From left to right: Amanda Evans, Culture Bid Director; Morgan Thomas, Culture Bid Coordinator; Joanna Knight OBE, Chair of Wrexham Community & Culture Trust (WCCT).
Wrexham has officially submitted its Expression of Interest (EoI) to the Department for Culture, Media & Sport for UK City of Culture 2029! This important part of the bidding phase is an exciting moment in the process and means Wrexham are a step closer towards securing the title.
UK City of Culture is a prestigious title that brings vital investment for regeneration while showcasing the story of a place through an inspiring, engaging and wide-ranging cultural programme.
Winning the title boasts a guaranteed £10 million from the UK Government, which can help attract investment, boost tourism and improve access to arts and culture.
It’s estimated that this could further generate more than £200 million for the whole region, an important step which could benefit the whole of the county. Previous winners, which include Bradford, Coventry, Hull and Derry/Londonderry, have seen monumental success after winning the title, generating income that will benefit future generations for years to come.
Leading on the bid for Wrexham are the Wrexham Community & Culture Trust (WCCT), an independent charity supported by Wrexham County Borough Council. Supporting the development of the cultural and creative infrastructure of the county, the WCCT has a dedicated board of trustees who are taking charge in positioning Wrexham in new ways than ever before, promoting it as a space to connect, collaborate and invest.
Although the Expression of Interest deadline isn’t until Sunday February 8, WCCT has chosen to submit early, demonstrating both its readiness and its determination to lead from the front.
Amanda Evans, Culture Bid Director for Wrecsam2029, said: "We’re proud to have reached the first major milestone on our journey to becoming UK City of Culture 2029. Wrexham is a place of incredible creativity, where the breadth and diversity of culture thrive in every corner of our county.
"This bid is for the entire community of Wrexham - every town, village, and neighbourhood - and is an opportunity to share our unique and incredible story with the rest of the UK and the world. This isn’t just about a title - it’s about unlocking new opportunities, inspiring pride, and investing in a vibrant future for everyone across our county."
Alongside its early submission, Wrexham has a strong campaign planned for the months ahead, shining a spotlight on the county’s unique and diverse communities through a wide range of events and projects. The campaign will showcase Wrexham on a national stage, building momentum and support for the bid.
The official UK City of Culture longlist will be announced by the UK Government in March 2026, with the winner of the 2029 title announced this winter.
* Wrexham is going for gold. Find our more about the Wrecam2029 bid and join the mailing list for updates via https://www.wrecsam2029.wales/en_gb/
Mother’s Day ‘sparkling’ afternoon tea on the railway
* Mum's the word at Llangollen station on March 15.
Families looking to treat Mum to something truly special this Mother’s Day can step aboard a heritage steam train for a Sparkling Afternoon Tea experience with Llangollen and Corwen Railway on Sunday March 15.
Departing Llangollen at 12.20pm for a full line return journey to Corwen, this unique experience combines the elegance of a traditional afternoon tea with the beauty of the Dee Valley in spring, all enjoyed from the comfort of a 1950’s railway carriage hauled by an historic steam locomotive.
Guests will be welcomed to tables laid with crisp tablecloths, proper crockery, and silverware, with afternoon tea served on traditional cake stands. The menu includes a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches, cakes and scones, accompanied by tea and coffee.
Each ticket is £60 per person, which includes a glass of fizz for every guest. A non-alcoholic alternative will be available for under 18s and non-drinkers, ensuring everyone can join in the celebration. Tickets are on sale at https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/mothers-day/
To make the occasion even more memorable, every mum will receive a small gift on the day, such as chocolates or flowers. Tables are arranged in groups of four to create an intimate and relaxed setting. Parties of fewer than four are welcome to book, with a £50 supplement to reserve a private table.
Anita Piatkowska, from the Llangollen Railway team, said: “Mother’s Day should feel special from the moment you arrive, and this experience really delivers that. There is something lovely about sitting down to a beautifully presented afternoon tea, with proper table settings and tea and coffee, while a steam train carries you through the Dee Valley. It gives families the chance to relax, chat and spend quality time together in a setting that feels both elegant and memorable. Adding a glass of fizz and a small gift for every mum makes it a real treat and a wonderful way to celebrate the day.”
Advance booking is essential due to limited seating and the train is expected to sell out quickly. The release of the Mother’s Day Special marks a busy time for the Railway, with the Berwyn Explorer only 10 days away, Ales from Wales, the Dee Valley Real Ale Train and tickets for the Branch Line Gala between April 10-12.
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