Video of MP supporting Llangollen's Town of Culture bid goes live

* Becky Gittins MP is shown around the town's cultural highlights by llanblogger's Phil Robinson who is also a town councillor.

A short video in which local MP Becky Gittins gives her blessing to Llangollen's bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028 has today been released on social media.

The reel was made during her recent specially-arranged visit to the town when she and her team were given a guided tour of Llangollen's many cultural highlights by llanblogger's Phil Robinson, who is playing a key role in promoting the bid as a member of the Town Council, which is spearheading the process.

The afternoon-long tour took in the Pavilion, the railway, the museum, Dory Gallery, St Collen's churchyard and the town hall as the parts each of these landmarks plays was explained to the MP in detail by the people in charge, including Town Clerk Gareth Thomas at the town hall.

At a packed public meeting in the Town Hall in February it was unanimously decided that Llangollen should go ahead with a bid to win the coveted title and land prize money of up to £3 million.

* The MP meets proprietor Suzanne Mathieson at Dory Gallery.

The Town Council, which is spearheading the process, then approved the submission of an official expression of interest in the competition, which is being run by the UK Government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for towns in Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

A number of meetings have been held at which representatives of the town's businesses, attractions and residents have assisted in the preparation of the expression of interest.

It will be known whether Llangollen has reached the shortlist for the competition before the end of spring. Finalists and the winning town will be announced in early 2027. The delivery year will be 2028.

In the introduction to the film, Ms Gittins says: "It was great to spend time in Llangollen with Cllr Phil Robinson, hearing more about the town’s exciting bid to become the UK Town of Culture 2028.

"From its world-famous Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod to the incredible local arts, music and community spirit, Llangollen has such a special story to tell – and so much to be proud of.

"This bid is a real opportunity to showcase everything that makes the town unique, while bringing investment, visitors and opportunities for local people.

"I’ve been really pleased to formally support the bid by writing a letter backing Llangollen Town Council / Cyngor Tref Llangollen ’s application, and I’ll be following its progress closely."

In the video she says: "It's not just about what's here in Llangollen now - things like the railway station, the art gallery, the museum, the Pavilion - but it's also about the rich history that Llangollen has, including the Women's Peace  Petition and the strong history we have of peace and reconciliation.

"So I'm really,  really excited to be giving Llangollen my support." 

* At Llangollen Museum the MP meets manager David Crane.

Phil Robinson is filmed on the steps of the library and Tourist Information Centre in Castle Street saying: "Llangollen should be the Town of Culture because it is a unique cultural place, with culture of every sort you can imagine. 

"I can't think of any other town, anywhere in the realm, that has got a greater claim to be the Town of Culture."

* To view the video, go to: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17NkQKJ7si/

In her official letter of support sent to Llangollen Town Council the MP says:

"Dear Councillors, I am writing to offer my strong support for Llangollen’s bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028. 

"I was delighted to visit Llangollen this week to discuss the bid with you in more detail, and it was clear from those conversations just how much passion, ambition and community backing sits behind this application. 

"There is a real sense of shared purpose and pride in what Llangollen can offer. Llangollen has a unique cultural identity, with a rich heritage and an international reputation that far exceeds its size. 

"From the world-famous International Musical Eisteddfod to its vibrant local arts and community activity, culture is woven into the fabric of the town. 

"What stood out most during my visit, however, was the strength of local involvement – with residents, volunteers and organisations all playing their part in shaping and sustaining that cultural life. 

"This bid is not just about celebrating what already exists, but about building on those strong foundations to create new opportunities, widen participation and ensure that culture is accessible to all parts of the community. I was particularly encouraged by the focus on bringing people together and ensuring that the benefits of this opportunity are felt right across the town. 

"I have every confidence that Llangollen has both the vision and the capability to deliver a successful and impactful programme as UK Town of Culture. I will continue to support the town as this bid progresses." 

With best wishes, Becky Gittins MP

Another successful Country Market at the Memorial Hall

* Food glorious home-made food on offer at the country market.

Llangollen Country Market held another successful session at the Memorial Hall in Market Street earlier today.

One again there were colourful, well-stocked stalls including home-made food, including everything from jams to cakes and chutneys, plants, a cards and picture collection, a wide range of craft items and hand-made walking sticks fashioned by a local artisan maker.

The market, which has been staged in various places in the town since the late 1970s, now has two sessions a month at its permanent home in the Memorial Hall, running from 11am-2pm.

Refreshments are available at every session.

Country Market dates for the rest of 2026 are:

April 24

May 8 and 29

June 12 and 26

July 10 and 31

August 14 and 28

September 11 and 25

October 9 and 30

November 13 and 27

December 11

* Success on the cards ... and pictures.

* A wide range of crafts and knitted items on sale.

* Expertly-made walking sticks were another highlight.

* Anyone for refreshments?

Methodist Church donates Easter eggs and cash for Ukraine

* David Davies from the Methodist Church, right, hands over the donated Easter eggs at the Teams4U HQ in Wrexham.

Llangollen Methodist Church collected over 60 Easter eggs and also made a cash donation towards the special delivery being taken to children in Ukraine by Teams4U. 

The church says the deadline for taking donations to the T4U warehouse in Wrexham is today, April 10.

Railway to open pop-up pub honouring local hero

Llangollen and Corwen Railway is putting the final touches to its new pop-up pub, which will open between April 10 and 12 as part of the much-anticipated Branch Line Gala. 

Christened “The Beyer’s Arms” after legendary Victorian railway locomotive engineer, philanthropist and early LGBTQ icon Charles Beyer, the pub will be located on Llangollen station and serve a range of award-winning draught Welsh beers. 

Beyer, founder of the famous locomotive builder Beyer-Peacock in Manchester, also built and lived in the local landmark Llantysilio Hall, and 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of his birth. 

The railway plans to recognise Beyer again on Tuesday, June 2, with a special event to celebrate his life and legacy. 

Adding to the unique atmosphere, railway carriages will be positioned on Platform 1, offering punters the chance to enjoy their drinks in beautifully restored heritage surroundings. These carriages will provide the perfect private booth setting for friends and groups looking for something a little different.

 

Porthmadog-based brewery Purple Moose will be providing a traditional pub line-up of one light, one heavy and one dark beer - Ysgawen (with a hint of elderflower), Snowdonia Ale and Dark Side of the Moose - all popular with beer lovers across the country. 

Mold-based Hafod Brewing Co will also be supplying their refreshing Helles Lager and hoppy Sunrise IPA on draft. Bottled beers from both breweries will complete a varied and appealing range for visitors to enjoy, alongside wines and soft drinks.

 

Railway cafés at Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy and Corwen stations will be open throughout the weekend, along with the popular “Porter’s Bar” at Glyndyfrdwy, located in a converted parcels van with a raised outdoor terrace offering views of passing trains.

 

Gala organiser Iain Ross said: “We are really looking forward to putting the railway at the centre of the community this weekend. As well as the great line-up of trains and visiting engines, we have the Beyer Arms on Llangollen Station serving some of our favourite beers. 

"No Gala Ticket? No problem - the Beyer Arms is open to everyone from 6pm, with free entry on Friday night and just £5 on Saturday evening. Gala Ticket holders can enjoy both nights at no extra cost.

 

“We also have some brilliant live music on Saturday night from local singer, folk superstar Chris Greve and his friends, and we invite everyone in town to come and enjoy a pint, some great music and our wonderful station’s atmosphere.”

 

The Saturday evening will see Chris Greve and friends bring a lively mix of folk and acoustic music to Llangollen Station, adding to the festival atmosphere across the Gala weekend.

 

The announcement is the latest in a series of developments for the Branch Line Gala, widely regarded as the railway’s key event of the year, showcasing the very best of its heritage operations, rolling stock and visitor experience. Over three days, the line will come alive with intensive timetables, freight demonstrations, live music, vintage vehicles and a wide range of catering and attractions across stations along the Dee Valley.

 

The Gala will feature an impressive and authentic Great Western themed locomotive line-up, combining visiting guest engines and home fleet favourites. Visitors can look forward to the appearance of rare GWR Pannier Tank No. 1369, making its first-ever visit to the railway, and the welcome return of Small Prairie No. 4555 to the Dee Valley for the first time in more than six decades. 

They will join the railway’s own much-loved locomotives, including resident Pannier Tank No. 7754 and powerful freight locomotive No. 3802, alongside Class 14 diesel D9525, which will be making its final appearances at Llangollen. Ticketholders will also have the opportunity to travel in freight brake vans, as well as book a limited number of footplate rides, with the final remaining places expected to sell out before the event.

 

James Veal, Llangollen Railway’s Special Events Manager, said: “This weekend is going to be brilliant and represents a return to putting the railway at the heart of the community. Later this month we will also relaunch our Real Ale Trains as ‘Ales of Wales’, offering an impressive range of Welsh beers alongside live music and an evening journey through the Dee Valley.”

 

* Tickets for the Branch Line Gala and associated events are on sale now - https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/branchline-gala

Town Hall disco in aid of student charity

An open deck spin around disco is to be held at Llangollen Town Hall from 8pm-midnight on Friday April 10 for people aged 18-plus.

With £10 entry, all proceeds from the evening will go to the charity Student Minds.

The charity says: "We empower students to build their own mental health toolkit to support themselves and their peers through university life and beyond. We challenge the higher education sector, health sector and government to make student mental health a priority."

Tree planted at Plas Newydd in memory of former Town Mayor

Llangollen Town Council say they were delighted to work with Lisette, the gardener at Plas Newydd, to buy an  English Oak tree and further planting to create a beautiful commemorative garden area in memory of former Town Mayor Cllr Suzanne Simcott.

She was Mayor of Llangollen Town Council 1993-1994 and current Mayor Cllr Aled Morris  and Deputy Mayor Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam both joined Lisette to plant the Oak tree and Mrs Simcott's daughter, grandchildren and friends and former colleagues were delighted to see the tree and hear plans for the garden area.

Also pictured is Ceinwen Ellis, who along with Margret Pierce-Jenkins (not pictured) initially approached the Town Council for this planting to commemorate their friend and former colleague.  

Further planting will take place as a project with pupils from Ysgol Dinas Bran, and will include Betony, dusky Geraniums,  Winter Aconite and Hazel whips.  

Lisette said that she is really looking forward to seeing the area once it is planted and through the seasons.

"I think it will be a really lovely commemorative area and a fabulous project for the students as well," she added.  

Council staff have thanked Lisette and Plas Newydd for their hard work and time spent to make this project a reality.

Seventeen days of roadworks for Abbey Road