Llangollen Round Challenge gets successfully underway

* Llangollen Round Challengers step out through town earlier today. 

Bands of determined-looking walkers were out in force in the town this morning (Saturday) as the fifth Llangollen Round Challenge got underway.

Organisers say more than 750 walkers from across the UK and abroad - plus a small army of volunteer helpers - are taking part in the largest-ever Challenge today and tomorrow, all raising funds for Cancer Research UK. 

The often gruelling 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.

The amount raised for Cancer Research UK (CRUK) by the challenge has climbed steadily to almost £120,000 which has been boosted by government returns on charity donations.

If anything shows the tremendous support for the event it is the scores of participants' cars packing onto the Eisteddfod's overflow parking area this morning. The school playing field was also full of their vehicles. 

* More trekkers head out along Castle Street.

* A huge number of vehicles on the overflow car park.

June what's on guide for Pengwern Community Hub

What's on guide for June at Pengwern Community Hub is:

Kids go free as Llanfest comes back with a bang to Pavilion

* Kuff Dam are looking forward to opening the Llanfest Party.

Llangollen’s iconic music event is back with a bang for Llanfest 2025, promising a day of unforgettable live music, family-friendly fun, and an unbeatable festival atmosphere in the heart of North Wales. 

This much-anticipated event will take place at the Llangollen Pavilion on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM.

This year’s line-up features a stellar mix of headline acts and emerging talent, ensuring something for everyone. From the big-name headliners to exciting local bands, the festival will showcase the best of indie, rock, and pop music. 

Among the first to take the stage are Llangollen’s own Kuff Dam, a four-piece indie rock band whose influences span The Verve, Muse, The Amazons, and Royal Blood. Popular local DJ Dave Boss will be playing indie pop, Ska, and rock classics throughout the day.

Luke from Kuff Dam shared his excitement: "We are absolutely buzzing to be playing Llanfest this year. As local lads, we’ve been wanting to get on the bill for a few years now, so getting the opportunity to open up the show in our hometown is proper mint! We’ve been busy gigging recently and are really looking forward to adding Llanfest to our dates."

The full Llanfest line-up includes:

• Kuff Dam – Indie rock and roll originals from Llangollen.
• The Cazadors – A five-piece rock, funk, and soul band from Llangollen.
• Seprona – A 'hip-shaking' five-piece rock band from Liverpool, making a welcome return to Llanfest.
• Muddy Elephant – A four-piece indie band from Manchester known for their energetic performances.
• Galore – Seven-piece psychedelic revivalists influenced by 60s British Invasion, Freakbeat, and Mod.
• Monstaball – Renowned for high-energy performances and exceptional musicianship, delivering exhilarating party vibes.
• Chilled – An indie rock band formed in 1998, based in and around Corwen.
• Amnesia – A Liverpool-based club classics dance band performing euphoric dance tracks 100% live.

Keith Potts from the Llangollen Pavilion said: "Llanfest 2025 is a true celebration of music, community, and culture, bringing together festival-goers of all ages. 

"Best of all, accompanied children can attend for free, making it a perfect day out for families. Alongside live music, people can enjoy a range of food and drink stalls, entertainment, and the unique atmosphere of the Llangollen Pavilion."

Residents hear how this year's live Pavilion concerts will run

* The panel at the public meeting.

Officials from the Llangollen International Eisteddfod and their partners Cuffe & Taylor have dealt with concerns from local residents about how this year’s big-name concerts the Pavilion would be run.

Last year was first time the Eisteddfod had teamed up with the promoters to stage a series hugely successful musical gigs at the iconic venue.

And this year – from June 26 to July 5 – they will come together again to host stars such as Texas, Rag’n’Bone Man, UB40, James, The Human League and Olly Murs in the Live at Llangollen events.

A public meeting was held at the Pavilion last night (Thursday) to give residents and local businesses the chance to air any worries about how these would be run. It was attended by about 40 people.

On the panel along with Eisteddfod chair John Gambles and Keith Potts, who is now in charge of the volunteer team handling day-to-day management of the Pavilion, were Cuffe & Taylor’s event manager Rebecca Woodhead and traffic manager Ben Perkins.

* Rebecca Woodhead answers a point from the floor. On her right is Sarah Rhodes of Rhodes Media appearing on behalf of Cuffe & Taylor.  

John Games said: “Last year we had about 50,000 people coming here for the evening concerts and we’re holding this meeting to find out whether people have any issues or concerns about last year or this year.”

Rebecca Woodhead explained there would again be a one-way system put in place Abbey Road, Tower Road and Dinbren to ensure smooth traffic flow on the evenings of the concerts.

The official car park will be open daily for the concerts at 1pm – earlier on Eisteddfod week – and be closed at 11.30pm.

Organisers would also be opening a special phone line – and make an email address available – for residents to report any problems they were experiencing with traffic.  

* The audience at the Pavilion listen to an answer.

However, she said there had been “good feedback” on how the same system operated last year.

One resident close by complained that, last year, she had faced the problem of having people trying to gain access to the field for the concerts through her property.

Rebecca Woodhead replied that they would investigate to see if any extra security measures could be put in place to prevent this.

Another resident said she had had problems with the one-way barriers staying in place longer than had been stated and, despite complaining at the time, nothing was done.

Rebecca Woodhead responded that there would be a different traffic management company handing things this year and that they “would do their best to get it right” this time.

A further complaint was made about contractors fixing fittings connected to the one-way system to their property without permission and this would also be looked into, she added.

Also brought up was the problem of street hawkers selling goods connected to the concerts obstructing pavements in the area. Local county councillor Karen Edwards, who was in the audience, said she would see if council officers could address this.

One of the final issues to be raised was whether this year, like 2024, there would be any “flash” sales of reduced-priced tickets for the concerts. But Sarah Rhodes, on behalf of Cuffe & Taylor said this would not be case. However, she urged people to buy their tickets quickly as there were now “very few left”.

John Gambles ended by saying that on a visit last year the North Wales Chief Constable had assured him security of the site had been impressive and that Cuffe & Taylor were “pretty much the best in the business at looking after people’s safety.”

Leaflets containing all relevant information about how the concerts will be run are to be distributed around the affected areas soon.          

Tonight's public meeting explains Pavilion events this summer

* Events at the International Pavilion will bring more than 50,000 people to Llangollen this summer. 

Residents and businesses are being invited to a public meeting tonight (Thursday) about what's happening at the International Pavilion this summer.

Starting at 7pm in the Pavilion, it aims to give people the chance to find out about what will happen at the TK Maxx presents Live at the Pavilion and Llangollen International Eisteddfod events in June and July.

The two programmes of events are expected to attract more than 50,000 people to Llangollen and provide a huge boost to the local economy. 

At the meeting representatives from both the volunteer team behind the festival and co-promoters Cuffe and Taylor will be on hand to answer and address all questions covering subjects such as traffic management, noise alleviation measures and access to the site. 

Chair of Llangollen International Eisteddfod, John Gambles, said: “In just a few weeks’ time, the doors of our iconic Pavilion will welcome tens of thousands of people for our TK Maxx Presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion and the Llangollen International Eisteddfod events. 

"This meeting will be an opportunity for Llangollen residents and businesses to get the latest information, as we gear up for a summer of fun. It’s important to us to keep residents in the loop, to ensure the impact on our town is positive.”

The Eisteddfod team says numerous steps are being taken to maintain a safe environment for the public during event days, including a one-way traffic system in certain areas. A dedicated phoneline will also be launched to allow residents to contact the team with any issues during the festival.

* Tickets for all TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion and the Llangollen International Eisteddfod are available from llangollen.net

Housing expert searches for volunteers to improve homes

* Lynda Colwell, Chief Officer of Conwy and Denbighshire Care & Repair, and Chair Clifton Robinson. Picture by Mandy Jones.

A respected housing expert is on a mission to recruit volunteers to help run an agency that helps older people live independently.

Clifton Robinson, the chair of Conwy and Denbighshire Care & Repair, has launched a search for four new management board members to join the charity that covers a vast area of north Wales, stretching from Llangollen in the east to Llanfairfechan in the west.

The organisation, a subsidiary of the  Grŵp Cynefin housing association, assists older, homeowners and tenants in private sector housing aged over  60 to live independently in comfort, safety and warmth by helping them with all kinds of improvements, adaptations and advice.

It also helps householders access all  benefits to which they’re entitled, achieving a record £1.5 million for clients last year.

Becoming chair of Conwy and Denbighshire Care & Repair saw life come full circle for Clifton Robinson.

In 1990 he was one of the founders of Colwyn Care & Repair which later merged with its sister organisation in Denbighshire 10 years ago.

At the time Mr Robinson was a housing manager with the ClwydAlyn housing association, later moving to the North Wales Housing as housing director before becoming chief executive of the Housing Diversity Network, a social enterprise working across England.

He also served as chair of North Wales Probation and on the board of Cartrefi Conwy housing association before joining the board of Grŵp Cynefin for four years.

According to Mr Robinson, he’s particularly proud to have taken over as chair of Conwy and Denbighshire Care & Repair which helped a record 5,800 clients last year.

Being a member of the management board was, he said, a “challenging and hugely rewarding” role.

“We’re looking to recruit at least four new members. We’re looking for people who are passionate and will be committed to the kind of work that we do,” he said.

“We’re not necessarily looking for people who have experience of being on a board – we’re looking for people who have energy and are enthusiastic.

“They will need to be willing to do their homework in reading reports and coming to meetings as well as engaging with the work of the officers, ask questions and critically support what we are doing.

“Somebody with organisational experience who is good with people would be brilliant.

“For those who are interested, we could organise a taster session so they could see if it’s for them.”

Mr Robinson added: “Our mission is to help people aged over  60 to maintain, repair or adapt their homes by giving them practical advice and guidance, signposting them to other relevant agencies to support their needs.

“We also have an excellent team of  in-house contractors who can also support clients by providing advice and support.

“We have an approved contractor list of first class contractors across Conwy and Denbighshire who we can refer our clients to.

“We are a trusted organisation so people will get in touch and ask either if we can recommend a contractor to carry out the work that they require either using our inhouse team or external contractors from our approved contractors list.

“We rely heavily on Welsh Government support  and we are part of a network of 13 similar agencies across the country.

“Typically, we help people to remain living in their own homes as independently as possible.

“Another aspect of what we do is provide advice on adapting homes for people’s changing needs as they get older, a whole range of disabilities including sensory impairment working alongside  organisations who can help in terms of sight loss and hearing loss.

“A lot of what we do is life-changing in a really good way and clients who’ve had some really excellent work done are happy to act as ambassadors for Care & Repair.

“They are living, breathing examples of the value of the services we provide and the positive difference they make.”

* More details are available on the organisation’s website https://careandrepair.org.uk/agencies/care-repair-conwy-and-denbighshire/ and anyone wanting to know more about becoming a board member can email post@gofalathrwsio.com or ring Chief Officer Lynda Colwell for an informal chat on 0300 111 2120

Can zesty new MG hybrid gear up enough to take on opposition?

MG ZS Hybrid+ drive by Steve Rogers

Meet the ZS hybrid, MG’s new compact SUV and the car that caused a bust up with my wife!

She is not one to get too wound up about cars, unlike me. Her main beef is with touchscreens and how they can distract drivers. She has a point there. But that wasn’t the issue with the MG.

She ruled it out because of the gearbox. It is a three-speed automatic (that takes you back) and inevitably holds the gear for too long. The engine becomes a bit noisy, which is irritating, but it doesn’t happen all the time and would not be a deal breaker for me.

A few extra gears would calm things down but MG believe this is the best way to achieve smooth driving, performance and economy from a petrol hybrid.

MG was the first of the Chinese owned companies to make its mark on our car market. It was a slow start but the company has upped its game in the last few years with a string of new models making the brand hard to ignore even if Chinese rivals are snapping at its heels. Keeping the name of a British motoring icon was a smart move and easier to remember than Omoda, Jaecoo, BYD or XPeng.

So what of ZS Hybrid? The model has been transformed following the more modern lines of the larger HS, a new engine, thank heavens, and a smart interior. Let’s make one thing clear. You don’t buy ZS just because it undercuts nearly all its rivals. This is a seriously good car with style and substance. The choice is simple. Two models, SE and Trophy, petrol or hybrid and prices starting at 20 grand. Rivals are the likes of Ford Puma and Renault Captur.

I would go straight for the hybrid, still good value at £22,495 (SE) with a spec list that includes navigation, rear view camera and sensor, Smartphone connections and keyless entry. Both SE and Trophy share the same driver safety aids.

An extra £1,500 for Trophy adds leather upholstery, heated seats and steering wheel, and a 360 degree view camera.

The cabin has been brought right up to date and is chalk and cheese compared to the old model. It has gone digital, naturally, with a 12.3in central touchscreen, the home screen split into four sections for heating, navigation, radio, and app connections. It responds reasonably quickly and is not too difficult to fathom, and there are quick keys ranged below the screen, handy for things like fast demisting.

The amount of information in the touchscreen menus seems endless. If you had a switch for everything they would fill the windscreen. How much of it will ever be looked at is debatable.

Something in all this I could not find was a way of reducing the level for the heated front seats which appear to be either on or off. Strange.

The driver’s display is a colourful, jolly affair with flashy graphics with a steering wheel button to change the display. What I could not do was switch the digital speedo from the top left, which is a bit out of the way, to the centre of the screen which is preferable. That must be possible with today’s ‘do anything’ technology.

Compact it may be but this is a genuine family five seater and rear legroom is particularly good. Boot space is on par with most rivals although the Renault Captur gains a chunk of extra room with its sliding back seat. That could be something for MG to think about.

If you thought aggressive pricing would compromise the driving experience then think again. It might not be as fun as the impressive Puma but there is nothing to complain about bearing in mind this is an SUV not a hot hatch.

I think the hybrid is worth the extra for its zesty performance and economy - we managed to match the 55mpg official stat. You also get periods of electric drive helped by regenerative braking which has three levels handily selected from a steering wheel button.

On the subject of the steering wheel I was surprised there was no telescopic adjustment, just tilt. Could it be that expensive to add?

The biggest threat to MG is from its own countrymen although it takes time to get established so the company can build on this strong foundation.

ZS hybrid might not be the best compact SUV on the market but is certainly terrific value and even if Mrs Rogers does not want one, I do. And we are still speaking…

Fast facts

ZS Hybrid+ Trophy

£24,995

1.5 litre petrol + electric motor; 192bhp

0-62mph 8.7secs

55.4mpg combined

115g/km. 1st tax £440

Boot: 443-1457 litres

Insurance group 22

Big names coming to Wales Comic Con at Pavilion revealed

Big names taking part in Wales Comic Con, which comes to Llangollen Pavilion on September 20 and 21, have been revealed.

The line-up includes Dean Norris (Breaking Bad, Total Recall), Jennifer Beals (Flashdance, The L Word), Joseph Mazzello (Jurassic Park, Bohemian Rhapsody) and Elliot Cowan (Da Vinci’s Demons, The Witcher). 

And fans of anime and voice acting can look forward to David Coburn, the voice of Captain Planet, and Michael Daingerfield, known for his roles in Gintama and InuYasha. 

Comic fans can also meet Neil Edwards, celebrated for his work with both Marvel and DC Comics.

The fan convention, which organisers see, as an exciting new chapter in the event’s history, is expected to attract up to 10,000 fans across the weekend, offering a packed schedule of celebrity signings, panels, cosplay competitions, gaming zones, traders, and more.

Now running for nearly 20 years, Wales Comic Con has grown from a small local gathering into one of Europe’s most respected fan conventions — regularly welcoming some of the biggest names in TV, film, gaming, and comic books.

Organiser Jaime Milner said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Wales Comic Con to Llangollen. As a Welsh-born event, it means the world to continue growing while staying true to our roots. This show is about celebrating creativity, community, and culture — and Llangollen is the perfect backdrop for that.”

The event is also expected to bring a strong boost to the local economy, with increased footfall and demand across hotels, restaurants, shops, and independent businesses throughout the weekend.

The International Pavilion is now being run by the Eisteddfod team after being acquired from Denbighshire Leisure Ltd last autumn.

* Tickets are on sale now via the official website: www.walescomiccon.com

Scores are lucky in Eisteddfod's treasure hunt bonanza

* Crowds queue at the Penddol entrance to the field ready for the hunt.

* And they're off: ticket hunters begin flooding on to the Eisteddfod field.

 * People search every part of the field for the tickets.

* First winners celebrate their good luck.

* Above and below: more winners from the hunt.

  

* Winners queue outside the Pavilion to collect their prize tickets.

* The Eisteddfod volunteers who helped hide the tickets.

Scores of people went away with smiles on their faces after trying their luck in Llangollen International Eisteddfod's big ticket treasure hunt on the Pavilion field this morning (Monday).

That's because they had scooped some of the hottest tickets in town ready for another season of live music with TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion and Llangollen International Eisteddfod.

To mark 78 years of the international festival 78 pairs of tickets had been hidden at various locations around the grounds.

Each gold envelope contained a unique code linked to a specific headlining concert or the Family Fun Day and when they handed them in at treasure hunt control the delighted winners were presented with their tickets.

Hundreds were waiting at the field's two entrances and just after 10am they were allowed inside to begin their frantic search.

A little over an hour later all 78 tickets pairs had been retrieved including those to see Olly Murs, UB40, James, Human League, Hans Zimmer and Choir of the World,

This year, as Llangollen International Eisteddfod marks the ‘Year of Croeso – Only in Wales,’ more than 4,000 competitors from 35 countries will head to Llangollen from July 8 to 13 for a vibrant week of competitions and performances. 

For the first time, TK Maxx will join Live at Llangollen Pavilion as presenting partner, as part of an extended agreement with Cuffe & Taylor shows across the country including Lytham Festival, Live at Lincoln Castle, Scarborough Open Air Theatre, Live at The Piece Hall, Derby Summer Sessions, Depot Live, Plymouth Summer Sessions, Bedford Summer Sessions, Southampton Summer Sessions and Powderham.

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

Join in today's big bank holiday ticket hunt at the Pavilion

* The treasure hunt begins with a mad dash last year.

Music fans can today get their hands on the hottest tickets in town ready for another season of live music with TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion and Llangollen International Eisteddfod.

That's because organisers are bringing back the hugely popular treasure hunt giving people another chance to bag themselves free tickets.

To mark 78 years of the international festival 78 pairs of tickets will be hidden at various locations around the Llangollen Pavilion grounds.

The big bank holiday hunt runs from 10am until 2pm.

* 78 special envelopes will be hidden around the grounds. Each envelope contains a unique code linked to a specific headlining concert or the Family Fun Day.

* Lucky finders must bring the envelope and code to the main entrance of the Pavilion to redeem their pair of tickets.

* There's a limit of one pair of tickets per person. Tickets must be redeemed before the Pavilion closes at 2 pm on Monday May 26.

* All under-16s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

This year, as Llangollen International Eisteddfod marks the ‘Year of Croeso – Only in Wales,’ more than 4,000 competitors from 35 countries will head to Llangollen from July 8 to 13 for a vibrant week of competitions and performances. 

For the first time, TK Maxx will join Live at Llangollen Pavilion as presenting partner, as part of an extended agreement with Cuffe & Taylor shows across the country including Lytham Festival, Live at Lincoln Castle, Scarborough Open Air Theatre, Live at The Piece Hall, Derby Summer Sessions, Depot Live, Plymouth Summer Sessions, Bedford Summer Sessions, Southampton Summer Sessions and Powderham.

Artistic Director of Llangollen International Eisteddfod Dave Danford said: "Last year’s treasure hunt was such a hit.

"It really helped build a buzz in the town ahead of a truly incredible summer so we knew we had to bring it back. It’s a fun way to kick things off and gives fans the chance to bag tickets to some of our biggest shows.

"With world-class artists and the unique magic of the Eisteddfod, this year is going to be something special. Let the hunt begin."

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