Can you help Llangollen Round put new QR codes on trial?

* One of the new QR codes in place around the Llangollen Round course.

The famous Llangollen Round is looking for volunteers to help it put a new QR Challenge to the test.

The often gruelling 35-mile run/walk through the beautiful yet tough terrain of the hills surrounding the town was launched in 2012 by members of the Llangollen Ramblers group and is based roughly on the Alpine Walk Tour of Mont Blanc. And over the years it has raised many thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK.

A spokesperson for the organising team said: "We now have a QR Code Challenge, which means you can navigate around the 35 miles using our strategically placed QR Codes and get yourself a time and a certificate at the end. 

"Although completely in place, we don't want to advertise it widely until it has been beta tested. So we are looking for volunteers.

"If you can help, please email sjerman@gmail.com.  Steve will facilitate your entry. You won't be charged for entry at the moment but once advertised, all monies raised will go to Cancer  Research UK,  so you will be helping a very good cause." 

Owner gives date for Star Inn's re-opening after facelift

 

The man behind the massive facelift of Llangollen's Star Inn has now given November as the date for its grand re-opening.

The historic pub on Queen Street  had been closed and derelict for some time until it was bought last year by former Ysgol Dinas Bran pupil David Anderson (pictured above) whose company is carrying out a major renovation to turn it back into a community pub - or hub - with the emphasis, he says, on making it a place where people feel safe and comfortable. 

He has been giving regular updates on the work's progress and in his latest video post on the pub's own Facebook page he reveals that Saturday November 7 has been chosen for the grand re-opening, with a sift opening having taken place the day before.

In the post, which sees him interviewed by a colleague, Dave describes how the last couple of weeks have seen a lot of work taking place in areas such as the pool room and toilets, with lots of effort going into setting up the bar, which he calls "mission control".

In that area he points to an overhead glass rack he says was acquired from an antique shop in keeping with the heritage theme he has been aiming to create for the whole project.

Walking outside he tales a look around the hive of activity which is currently the garden area at the side of the pub, where he points to the high-efficiency drainage system going in along with some sophisticated lighting.

Dave says that over the next few weeks other jobs such as plastering the upstairs guest rooms, the downstairs vinyl flooring and carpeting will be tackled.

And he apologises in advance for any inconvenience caused by a temporary three-way traffic system which he says will have to be introduced soon on the A5 outside the front door while repairs are carried out to the roof.   

Festive afternoon teas to be served up at railway

* The Tickles celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with the afternoon tea on the railway.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway is giving passengers the chance to keep the Christmas magic going right into the New Year, with Festive Afternoon Tea aboard its popular Mince Pie Specials between December 27 and Saturday, January 2.

The special experience combines a winter heritage railway journey through the beautiful Dee Valley with a specially created Festive Afternoon Tea, served directly to passengers at their own table aboard one of the railway’s heritage coaches.

The specially created menu includes homemade cranberry and white chocolate scones with jam and clotted cream, a mince pie, chocolate Yule Log cake and a choice of bread and butter pudding or apple strudel.

Passengers will also enjoy a selection of turkey and cranberry, beef and horseradish, and egg mayonnaise sandwiches.

And because Christmas isn’t quite over yet, every afternoon tea also comes with a bowl of pigs in blankets.

Unlimited tea or coffee is included and served to passengers at their table during their Mince Pie Special journey.

Those looking to add a little extra festive sparkle can also add a glass of Prosecco for £10 when booking.

Jordan Edge, Catering Manager at Llangollen and Corwen Railway, said: “We’ve had a huge amount of demand from passengers asking us to offer something like this over the festive period, so we’re really excited to bring our Festive Afternoon Tea to the Mince Pie Specials.

“Those days between Christmas and New Year are a really special time to get together with family and friends, and what better way to spend them than travelling through the Dee Valley aboard a heritage train while enjoying a proper festive treat?

“We’ve put together a menu packed with Christmas favourites, from cranberry and white chocolate scones and Yule Log to turkey and cranberry sandwiches and, of course, pigs in blankets.

“There is so much happening at the Railway throughout the festive season. We want Llangollen & Corwen Railway to be the place where families come to make Christmas memories, whether that’s meeting Santa before Christmas or joining us for Afternoon Tea and a trip through the Dee Valley afterwards." 

Before the big day itself, the railway’s popular Santa Specials will once again transport families through the Dee Valley for a magical journey to Lapland, with Santa Claus travelling through the train and a special gift for every child.

The Santa Specials operate from November 28 through to Christmas Eve, with festively decorated heritage carriages, mince pies and mulled wine helping to create the Christmas atmosphere.

* Find out more and book Santa Specials:
https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/santa-special/

The Railway will also welcome back Siôn Corn Arbennig, its special Welsh-language Christmas experience. Travelling from Corwen to Lapland at Carrog, the service gives families the chance to enjoy Christmas through the Welsh language, with Siôn Corn travelling aboard and welcoming youngsters to his grotto.

* Find out more about Siôn Corn Arbennig:
https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/sion-corn-arbennig/

And when Santa has returned to the North Pole and Christmas Day is over, the Railway’s Mince Pie Specials and new Festive Afternoon Teas will keep the celebrations rolling through the beautiful Dee Valley and into January.

Festive Afternoon Tea advance ticket prices

Adult, aged 16 and over: £55
Child, aged 3 to 15: £20
Infants, aged 2 and under: Free of charge
Dogs: £3

* Book Festive Afternoon Tea aboard the Mince Pie Specials:

https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/special-events-in-2026/festive-afternoon-tea-ser

Ronan Keating and Blue coming to Live at Llangollen 2027

 

* Ronan Keating is coming to Live at Llangollen 2027.

Pop icon Ronan Keating is bringing his world tour to North Wales next summer for a special night celebrating his 30-year career.

 

The chart-topper will perform at Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2027 on Thursday July 1 as part of the Just Getting Started World Tour which will see him bring his catalogue of Boyzone classics and global solo hits to audiences worldwide.

 

He will be joined on the night by Blue and the Germein Sisters.

 

Tickets for this unmissable date go on general sale 10am on Friday September 25 from to llangollen.net and ticketmaster.co.uk

 

The Just Getting Started World Tour celebrates the songs, stories and moments that have made Ronan one of the world’s most enduring entertainers, bringing the hits audiences have loved for decades into a new chapter, with fresh energy, renewed passion and the perspective of an artist who knows himself better than ever.

 

Looking ahead to the tour, Ronan said: “I’ve been incredibly lucky to have spent more than three decades doing what I love. I’ve travelled the world, made records I’m enormously proud of and, most importantly, had audiences singing those songs back to me night after night.

* Blue.

 

“The reason I’ve called this tour Just Getting Started is because I genuinely feel I’m entering a new chapter. I understand myself, my music and what I want to say more clearly than ever before, and I want to celebrate these songs with audiences in a way that feels fresh. I feel creatively energised, deeply grateful and more connected to what I do than ever, and I can’t wait to share that with people around the world.”

 

Across Boyzone and a highly successful solo career that escalated Ronan to a household name around the world, he has sold more than 45 million records globally, spanning a catalogue of 21 albums. His first solo album, Ronan, went straight to No.1 in the UK achieving 4 x Platinum status and spent over a year in the charts (63 weeks). While his album, 10 Years Of Hits, not only went straight to No. 1 but as of today, has surpassed 2 billion streams. This is testament to the songs’ timelessness and Ronan’s enduring relevance.

 

With endless No.1 singles and albums to his name, plus a Guinness World Record for having 30 consecutive UK Top 10 singles, surpassing the previous benchmark set by Elvis Presley, Ronan has established himself as one of the most commercially successful Irish artists of his generation.

 

Blue are not only celebrating more than 25 years in the business, which has seen them consistently regarded as one of the UK’s best pop bands, but truly being back at the top of their game.

 

This year saw the double BRIT Award winner’s release Reflections – the band’s stunning fourth studio album to hit the UK Top 5.

 

With Reflections, Blue’s founder members Antony Costa, Duncan James, Lee Ryan and Simon Webbe are doing just that: reflecting on their shared history, their partnership, their friendship. On their passion for their band that means all four original members are still standing strong.

 

Their quarter-century career encompasses three consecutive UK Number 1 albums (All Rise, One Love, Guilty); 11 Top 10 singles including the Number 1 smashes Too Close, If You Came Back and Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word (with Elton John); enduring Noughties pop classics One Love and All Rise, and two BRIT Awards (British Breakthrough Act 2002 and British Pop Act 2003).

* Germein Sisters.

 

Opening the night at Llangollen Pavilion will be Australian pop trio Germein Sisters.

 

The headline concert is presented as part of an ongoing partnership with Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor.

 

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Dave Danford said: “I’m thrilled that Ronan Keating will be coming to Llangollen next summer. Between Ronan and guests Blue, they have provided the soundtrack to so many people’s lives, with an incredible collection of songs that audiences know and love, and I think bringing them together for one night in the Pavilion is going to create a fantastic atmosphere.

 

“This is exactly the kind of joyful, big occasion we want Live at Llangollen to be known for, and it is another really exciting addition to our 2027 programme. We have already announced some wonderful artists, and there is still plenty more to come.”

 

Ronan Keating joins Jack Savoretti and James Morrison among the first headliners announced for Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2027.

 

For more information go to llangollen.net and ticketmaster.co.uk

 

FOLLOW RONAN KEATING

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE

 

FOLLOW BLUE

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE

Eisteddfod Friends' next coffee morning

 

Friends gather at surprise farewell party for retiring town clerk

* Gareth Thomas left, receives his retirement gifts from the Mayor, Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam, and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Charlie Jones, in the council chamber.

Friends and colleagues packed the Town Hall last night (Tuesday) for a surprise farewell party in honour Gareth Thomas who has retired after 14 years as Llangollen's town clerk.

His deputy, Heulwen Wright, helped by senior councillors had organised the big bash as a completely secret affair which followed the monthly council meeting and into which he was walked to the strains of a medley of his favourite James Bond themes played by Llangollen Silver Band.

In his speech the Mayor, Councillor Damon Richards-Gwilliam, said: "Over the 14 years, Gareth has become someone that so many people in our community have known and relied upon. 

"Whether you're a councillor, involved with a community group, have used the Town Hall, or have simply needed some help or advice over the years, there's a very good chance you've crossed paths with him.

"He's supported councillors, helped community groups and led on initiatives such as the Chain Bridge Project and Llangollen's Town of Culture BID.

"From when I was first joined the council, through to becoming Mayor, Gareth has always been there with advice, guidance and reassurance.

"His hard work over 14 years has left a lasting impact on our community and I'm delighted that tonight we can recognise that in a very special way.


"So, Gareth, thank you for everything - your hard work, your support, your patience and your good humour. 
We wish you a very happy and peaceful retirement. 
You'll certainly be missed."

Gareth himself said: "It's been an honour to work in your lovely town and I've met some lovely people. As I have said to our councillors, this is the longest I have worked anywhere - 14 years.

"I hope this fantastic community will continue to go from strength to strength and it's a shame you didn't get to be UK Town of Culture but you've got a lot more to offer than just culture, and hopefully next time round you can do that.

"It's just amazing to see there's so many people here tonight. And, you know, I'm trying not to cry, so thank you, I really appreciate it and I wish you all well for the future. Thank you."

The Mayor said he was delighted to announce that Gareth had been selected as community champion for the month of September by Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins.

John Gambles, chair of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, stepped forward to present the retiring clerk with a boxed Eisteddfod medal which is being inscribed in with his name in honour of the support he has given over the years to the festival.

A video of Gareth's grandchildren saying hello to him was beamed onto the hall's big screen and people gathered around to see the numerous leaving presents bought for him by colleagues in the council and friends in many organisations in the town. There was also a memory book to sign.

From the council came a painting of the Chain Bridge, whose restoration he oversaw during his time as clerk, a wooden bench meticulously etched with his name and iconic images of the area, plus a presentation pen.

* Llangollen Silver Band play a welcoming medley of Bond themes to welcome Gareth Thomas to his farewell party, which was packed with friends and colleagues.

* The Mayor gives his farewell speech to Gareth.

* The special Eisteddfod medal.

* Gareth with his leaving presents including the specially-etched bench.

Dyfan's mum reveals 'emotional roller coaster' of his accident in China

* Dyfan Hughes who is now recovering from major surgery in a Chinese hospital.

The mum of the 19-year-old Llangollen man who is recovering in a Chinese hospital following an horrific crash with a truck as he and his two friends were on their cycling marathon to Thailand has sent out a heart-warming message on Facebook describing the "roller coaster" of emotions it has all meant for the family.

When the accident happened Dyfan Hughes, along with Louis Dennis from Garth and James Thomas from Wrexham, both aged 19, were on one of the final stages of their 10,000-mile cycling trip to Thailand in memory of Tony Edge, the father of their friend Harrison, who died following a heart attack in 2024 and along the way raising money for the British Heart Foundation.  

A fortnight ago Dyfan recently underwent major surgery lasting many hours and later took to social media himself to give a positive update on his condition and explain that once he has recovered enough from the operation he would be returning home to complete his recuperation.

In another post yesterday Louis said he and James would also be coming back to Wales with the hope that all three of the Westheads, as they call themselves, can eventually complete their trip to Thailand, which has already raised £50,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

In her own Facebook post Dyfan's mum, Nia Hughes, says: "It is now over five long weeks since we took the early morning call from Louis, telling us that Dyfan had been involved in a serious RTA in China and was undergoing emergency surgery.

"Since that call, we have had a roller coaster ride of emotions and we can now finally see absolute progress and an exit route back to Wales. So we want to take this opportunity as a family to thank so many people. Firstly, the messages and offers of support we have received from, family, friends, and total strangers have been inspirational to us whilst we have had to watch Dyf slowly recover from his injuries.

"Both our employers have been fantastic with us enabling us to stay out in China whilst Dyfan recovers. This has been such a relief, allowing us to focus on being by his bedside supporting him throughout.

"There have been some who have gone over and above in their help and support. Right from the start of his hospitalisation, when we were not capable of thinking straight, they were there helping us with the logistics of this process. They will remain nameless but know who they are and we are forever in their debt.

"His two amigos, Louis and James who have also gone through such an emotional rollercoaster but have remained so loyal to Dyf while he recovered and at times have been key to his recovery often sitting with him laughing and joking through some of the darker days.

"We cannot forget to mention his carer Aunty Xiu who has been with him throughout his hospital stay and has been a Godsend to us.

"Finally, we must put on record our admiration and thanks to both Leshan Hospital and the West China Hospital in Chengdu. We cannot speak highly enough of Dr Wu (Leshan) for her work in the immediate emergency work and Dr Lui Yang and his medical team who have performed miracles with Dyfan since his transfer to Chengdu . They will never know how grateful we are for their care and expertise and will forever be in our hearts.

"From where we were 5-6 weeks ago to where we are now seems nothing short of miraculous and is testament to their genius work.

"We hope to see everyone soon and whilst we are so grateful to this country, we really look forward to coming home to Wales and Dyf can start his rehabilitation in earnest.

"The biggest shout out goes to our son, Dyfan, who’s shown bravery and determination beyond his years. We know he’ll get through this, he’s already shown remarkable recovery since the accident. We’re so proud of you son."