Ambassadors for Manchester back on Eisteddfod stage

* Lee Woods, John O'Grady, Adam Kelly, Jonny Helm, Mark Brandreth and David Hennigan on stage at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod in July 2025.

* Some of the Manchester lads on Llangollen Bridge in 1985.

This year, the world-renowned Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod celebrated the seventieth anniversary of iconic tenor, Luciano Pavarotti making his international debut at the festival. It was a debut that defined his career. 

So much so, last week, the festival working with Decca Classics, commissioned a giant 120-foot chalk mural in the hills of Llangollen to mark the occasion. It was also 30 years since 'The Maestro' made his triumphant return to the festival. 

They welcomed Pavarotti's widow Nicoletta Mantovani to the festival this year to present its Pavarotti Trophy to their Choir of the World.

This week, Decca has announced its intention to launch a year-long celebration of the career of Luciano Pavarotti. In honour of the legendary tenor, the organisation will release “The Lost Concert,” an album that features Pavarotti’s 1995 performance at Llangollen.

* The Pavarotti Mural commissioned by Decca Classics and the Llangollen Eisteddfod to commemorate the 70 anniversary of Luciano Pavarotti iconic international debut in 1955. Just one of the Llangollen Eisteddfod's anniversaries.

In a festival of anniversaries, the festival also marked the fortieth anniversary of the Manchester Boys' Choir, winning the Eisteddfod's Children's Choir competition. 

It was a win that propelled them around the world - in some of the world's biggest concert halls in places like Australia, Finland, Russia, Canada, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands and Canada. 

They were described as 'Ambassadors for Manchester' by the Manchester Evening News, performed in the Royal Variety Performance, had a record in the charts and performed in front of the late Queen Elizabeth on multiple occasions.

Now, members of the choir have made a return to Llangollen, after receiving a special invite from the festival to mark the fortieth anniversary of their historic win. 

Last week, Manchester 'Boys', Lee Woods, John O'Grady, Adam Kelly, Jonny Helm, Mark Brandreth and David Hennigan presented the Eisteddfod Open Children's Choir Trophy to The Musical Originals Singers from Jersey, the very same trophy they won in 1985.

One member of the Choir, David Hennigan, formerly of Levenshulme loved the town that much that he now lives there and is a Director of the Festival. 

Last week, BBC Wales news reporter and Eisteddfod stage presenter Iwan Griffiths told the 4,000 strong audience: "In July 1985, forty years ago today, the then little-known Manchester Boys' Choir made their first visit to our Eisteddfod. It was the year they first won the Children's Choir competition, repeating the success in 1989. 

"The Manchester Boys Choir travelled the world, winning competition after competition and performed in the some of the World's biggest concert halls. It all started for this celebrated choir in Llangollen - they became one of the foremost Children's Choirs in the World and a favourite of Llangollen audiences. So today, we are bringing some of their members back on stage."

Lee Woods, sang all over the World with the choir and even starred in a feature film alongside Michael Williams (late husband of Judi Dench) Lee presented the award on behalf of the choir. 

He said: "We have all got such fond memories of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. To be invited to hand over the trophy we won in 1985 was a great accolade and a tribute to the hundreds of lads who enjoyed such amazing opportunities through the Manchester City Council-funded choir. Like Luciano Pavarotti, it all started for us in Llangollen. This win opened the world to hundreds of young lads from Manchester and dozens of them now have work as musical professionals across the world. We'd like to thank the festival for welcoming us back with open arms."

With over 4000 competitors coming from across the world for this year's Llangollen Eisteddfod, the festival is synonymous with musical excellence. The Manchester Boys' Choir are still fondly remembered in Llangollen and the lads received a huge reception on its iconic stage. The lads even joined together for a performance on its field before taking to the festival's huge stage.

David Hennigan, a Board Director at the Llangollen Eisteddfod and a former Manchester City councillor said: "We are so proud of our time in the choir. Lads from Manchester and the surrounding towns took the world by storm. In 1985, I fell in love with Llangollen and the Eisteddfod. 

"I always said I wanted to live here and joined the festival's Board in 2023. As a festival, we wanted to recognise the amazing achievements of the Manchester Boys Choir. I was so pleased to bring the boys back on stage to recognise not only what they achieved in 1985 but also pay tribute to our Ambassadors for Manchester."

Nissan X-Trail is a novel way of doing an EV

Nissan X-Trail e-4ORCE drive by Steve Rogers

What about this for a smart way of driving on electric?

There’s a petrol engine but it does not drive the wheels. Starting to think I’m talking nonsense? Don’t blame you.

The e-4ORCE is Nissan’s novel name for electric four wheel drive but the engine’s job is to charge the batteries that send power to two electric motors, one on each axle, that drive the wheels.

This is where you say ‘why not just buy an electric car’? Not everyone is comfortable going down the all electric road, so called range anxiety is still a concern, but the X-Trail is different because it does not need to be charged so no worries about finding a charging point during a long journey, just fill up with petrol.

And it has given X-Trail a new lease of life. It arrived 23 years ago as a trailblazing off roader that wasn’t afraid to wade up to its wheel arches in water or mud. Then Nissan pulled a master stroke producing a small SUV that drove like a family hatchback. It was called Qashqai and X-Trail has played second fiddle ever since.

Both cars share the same electric technology but this time X-Trail gets one over its sibling with all wheel drive. Qash only gets e-power on the front wheel drive model.

The next surprise is the engine. Who would have thought a three-cylinder 1.5 litre petrol would be enough for a big 4x4? That is where the electric motors come in providing instant power the second the throttle is pushed to the floor accelerating X-Trail to sixty in seven seconds, quicker than the new Honda C-RV plug-in hybrid.

Quicker it might be but X-Trail lags behind on economy, recording 41.6mpg at the end of a week’s driving when some rivals are hitting the 50mpg mark.

Regenerative braking is common on the new generation of hybrids and the Nissan goes a step further with e-pedal. This system brings the car to a virtual stop without touching the brake pedal harnessing power for the batteries and saving on brake wear although not quite as efficient as a Volvo which brakes the car to a dead stop.

With a new chassis the Nissan is surprisingly nimble given its size with a lot less body roll than the previous model while the suspension manages to stifle the worst of our road surfaces.

The big fella has been given a total makeover to bring it in line with Nissan’s more modern face while the cabin is a lot plusher. A digital driver’s binnacle provides a mound of information accessed through steering wheel buttons, a brilliant class leading head-up display on the windscreen, and there is even more reading in the central 12.3in touchscreen, but credit to Nissan for sticking with traditional switches for climate control.

X-Trail is a car for a growing family so there will be no concerns about back seat legroom although it can’t quite match the CR-V. An extra £1,000 will buy two extra seats but these are only suitable for young children. Leg and headroom is too tight for adults and getting into them is not easy. You will also gain extra boot space without them.

The top of the range Tekna+ driven here is packed with equipment, so expect smart phone connections, heated front and rear seats, heated windscreen, 360 degree all round camera among a long spec list. You won't even have to unlock or lock the doors, the hands free i-key does it for you.

There are more than enough driver safety aids to keep you safe. I am a big fan of cross traffic alert which is so useful when reversing out of side parking slots, and it will emergency brake to help avoid a frontal shunt.

In many ways this X-Trail has come of age, impressively efficient and with lots of skills in its locker.

Fast facts

X-Trail Tekna+ 4WD

£48,375

1.5 litre turbo; 211bhp

0-62mph 7secs; 111mph

42.8mpg combined

144g/km. 1st road tax £620

Boot: 585-1298 litres

Towing capacity 1650kg

Insurance group 31

Amateur stage performer tells of her frightening brush with Covid

* Naomi Riley says people still need to be aware of Covid.

A Llangollen amateur stage performer has told of her frightening brush with Covid which led to her being rushed to hospital and treated for a suspected heart attack. 

Naomi Riley, who has appeared in productions for Llangollen Operatic Society and the Twenty Club, reveals what she went through in a post on Facebook, which has already attracted over 30 sympathetic comments since going up in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday). 

And she says she took to social media to let people know that the virus at the centre of the pandemic is something that people still need to be aware of.   

She writes: “I'd like to have a little catch up about Covid, mainly because it's been a little too close to home this last week, and it's playing on my mind. 

“So, Mark [husband] and I have had it. It started  last Sunday morning /afternoon respectively with both of us presenting with just a sore throat, nothing major. 

“By Monday afternoon, I can only describe it as all my pipework felt sore from up into my sinuses to down into my chest. 

“By Tuesday, we were feeling a little bit out of it as our temperatures started to spike. Rounds of meds every four hours began. 

* Naomi in Llangollen Operatic's production of Bad Girls in 2024.

“By Wednesday morning, Mark's temp was above 39, with mine not far behind. We were aching all over and my chest felt tight and heavy. 

“Thurs afternoon, I was barely mobile, we both had streaming colds.

“Thurs evening I was taken to A&E after collapsing with crushing chest pains and was treated for a suspected heart attack! 

“I'd honestly thought at first it was just trapped wind, but it just got worse and more intense, radiating through my chest from front to back, up into my neck... then I collapsed.

“Mark was a hero and got me to hospital despite being ill himself. 

“I was triaged in no time. Oxygen levels were fine, blood pressure, fine, ECG, bloods.... no idea. My chest was still heavy, and breathing felt like hard work, honestly, but I clearly wasn't dying so took a seat, all masked up, and waited. 

“Over the next few hours of waiting to see a Dr the pain in my chest slowly eased to nothing. Eventually, another ECG was taken and more blood pressure tests - my blood pressure appeared to be dropping - and suddenly I'm being moved to resus, no longer allowed to walk. 

“Was a scarily surreal few hours once I was plumbed in and all the tests were being done.

"The blood tests confirmed I had Covid. 

“And then all the other tests fortunately determined that no permanent damage was done to my heart - however... what the hell??? 

“At no point in my life has flu or even Covid the first time round ever caused me to suffer anything like a heart attack. 

“It may be mutated; weakened from the original strain, but please, just be mindful. The symptoms started out as nothing, but became something very nasty, very quickly for me. And Mark's gone through the ringer despite being up to date with all his jabs due to being in a high risk category. 

“We're finally coming out the other side of it now. 

“Please take care folks, and stay well xx”

Later, Naomi said the purpose of her post was: “Not to scare so much as remind people that it's not something to get blasé about and to still be aware of, that these were the symptoms and how it progressed as we experienced it.

“I know, I'd had it in the back of my mind that it's just like the flu nowadays, and though in some respects that's true, in a way that was quite terrifying for me, that wasn't true at all.” 

Regular men’s events in Llangollen

Men’s events in Llangollen include: 

Probus

Meets every week at the Hand Hotel, from 11am -12noon on Tuesday. For men in retirement to enjoy coffee and biscuits (with about eight others), and in a very informal environment. They share town information, personal stories, the week’s news and solve country and world issues.

 

Prostate Support Group

Meets at the Hand Hotel, on the third Wednesday of every month at 2pm. For men with prostate cancer, of whatever stage, to share experiences and offer support to each other with practical advice and update to latest medical techniques. Open welcome. For more information contact David Davies on 07485 630834.

Next Llangollen Flower Cub date

 

Sports Club members break chair-shifting record

 

BREAKING NEWS:

Members of Llangollen Sports Club have broken their own record and cleared and packed away an incredible 4,300 chairs in just 46 minutes at Llangollen Pavilion after the 2025 Eisteddfod - shaving an impressive 33 seconds off last year’s record, reports operation organiser Dave Hennigan. 

Pavarotti's widow speaks about her trip to Llangollen on Radio 4

* Hear the Nicoletta Mantovani interview for Today on BBC iPlayer.

Pavarotti’s widow, who visited Llangollen at the weekend, spoke about her experience on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme this morning (Monday).

Nicoletta Mantovani had a fanfare arrival last Friday, travelling by train from Corwen to Llangollen on the area’s heritage railway line, attending the annual Eisteddfod service at St Collen’s and presenting two major prizes during Pavilion concerts on Saturday and Sunday.

She was here to celebrate the 70^th anniversary of his prize-winning appearance at the Eisteddfod with his hometown choir from Modena in Italy, the 30^th anniversary of his triumphant return for a solo concert in 1995 and the year of his 90^th birthday.

This morning she was interviewed by Today’s Nick Robinson and spoke about how much she enjoyed her first ever visit which coincided with the release of a new film featuring re-mastered footage of the 1995 concert and two rare tracks from 1955.

His recording company Decca describes the new release – The Lost Concert: Live From Llangollen (1995) – as “75 minutes of remastered musical glory – a programme overflowing with operatic arias from Cavalleria Rusticana, Il trovatore, Macbeth, Manon Lescaut and La traviata, and popular Neapolitan song”.

Asked about it by Nick Robinson, Nicoletta said he wanted to return to Llangollen in 1995 “because he wanted to go back and re-live all the emotions (from 1955) and meet the people who were there”.

She added that his appearance with the choir, in which he sang alongside his father, had convinced him that if a small choir from Italy could win the choral prize at the Eisteddfod there was a chance for him to make it on his own in the world of opera.

Nicoletta said her own visit to the Eisteddfod, had been “magical” because the annual festival was “unique in its diversity”.

The new release, recorded with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Leone Magiera with the Corale Rossini and soprano Atzuko Kawahara, features a 100-page LP-sized book, detailing the history of the concert, interviews with those who were there,rare historic photos from the Eisteddfod archive, a newly commissioned biography of Pavarotti, a reproduction of the original concert programme and a specially commissioned history of Llangollen Eisteddfod.

Decca says it is "comparable in significance to Pavarotti in Hyde Park and ‘Pavarotti in Central Park".

* You can hear the Today radio interview at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002fv7q  around 1:41:45 minutes into the BBC iPlayer recording.

Latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council

Latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council is:

A542 Wrth / Nr 1 VICARAGE ROAD WEST 17/07/2025 22/07/2025 Gwaith Trydanol / Electrical Works OCU GROUP (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

BETWEEN PRINCESS STREET AND PARADE STREET EAST STREET 14/07/2025 22/07/2025 Adnewyddu Adeiladau / Refurbishment of Buildings CHAPTER 8 SOLUTIONS LTD LLANGOLLEN Atal Parcio yn Unig / Parking Suspension Only 

Dream comes true for tenor crowned world’s best by Pavarotti's widow

* Luciano Pavarotti's widow Nicoletta Mantovani presents the Pendine International Voice of the Future Competition trophy to Andrew Henley applauded by sponsor Mario Kreft MBE. Picture: Rick Matthews

A talented tenor who grew up idolising opera great Luciano Pavarotti has been crowned the world’s best young singer by the late maestro’s widow.

Andrew Henley, 34, said winning the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition at Llangollen International Eisteddfod last night (Sunday) was a “dream come true” and receiving the award from Nicoletta Mantovani was an “unbelievable” honour.

He triumphed in the iconic pavilion after a thrilling sing off against gifted soprano Eiry Price, from Pencaenewydd, in Gwynedd.

Andrew, from Monmouth, was overjoyed to be presented with his prize by Pavarotti’s widow, Nicoletta, who is now re-married to financier Alberto Tinarelli who accompanied her on her pilgrimage.

She made a special journey to North Wales to celebrate the double anniversary of Pavarotti’s appearances at the Llangollen Eisteddfod which he credited with igniting his career.

It is 70 years since a young Luciano first performed at Llangollen with his dad’s choir, Chorus Rossini, in 1955, and 30 years since he returned as a global superstar in 1995 when he sang in a sell-out concert.

Nicoletta paid tribute to the arts loving owners of the Pendine Park care organisation, Mario Kreft MBE, and his wife, Gill, who sponsored the competition via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust which supports cultural and community activities.

She specifically asked to present the Pendine prize, a beautiful silver salver, because she and Pavarotti were passionate about supporting and encouraging emerging young talent.

Since his death she has set up The Luciano Pavarotti Foundation, a non-profit organisation that’s dedicated to keeping alive his memory and supporting promising young opera singers.

Speaking to a packed audience as she presented the prize to Andrew, Nicoletta said: “Culture cannot exist without angels and I’m so pleased that here you have such special friends in Mario and Gill Kreft, they are among the eisteddfod’s angels, who know how culture can unify people from so many different communities and cultures.

“Their sponsorship of this competition and the hard work of everyone involved with Llangollen International Eisteddfod is doing so much to help bring on the next young generation of singers, to encourage the Pavarottis of the future.”

Mario Kreft said it was an honour to have Nicoletta as a special guest at the concert and to rekindle memories of Pavarotti’s appearances in Llangollen.

He said: “He will always be a part of this Eisteddfod, he had a genuine affection for the festival and for the Llangollen community as a whole.

“We feel privileged that Nicoletta as been here tonight to see how the festival’s tradition of supporting up and coming new musical talent remains as strong as ever.” 

The two finalists opened a dazzling evening which saw the return of world famous Welsh born baritone Sir Bryn Terfel to the Llangollen Eisteddfod main stage in a concert also sponsored by Pendine Park. He was supported by Cornish sea shanty sensations Fisherman’s Friends.

Andrew Henley, whose parents, John and Sandra, and brother Matt, were in the audience to see him win, said: “It is one of the most unbelievable nights of my life.

“I was so thrilled to be presented with the trophy by Nicoletta. I grew up listening to Pavarotti. His records and the Three Tenors albums were always on in our house. He was my absolute hero.

“To think that I have now performed at the same venue where he performed is amazing. This is my first time at Llangollen Eisteddfod and it has been such a joyous occasion.”

He delivered three musical numbers – Che Gelida Manina from the opera La Boheme; Gebet by Wolf; and Love Went a-Riding by Bridge.

The competition was judged by Martin Fitzgerald, head of music at the English National Opera, and operatic soprano Sarah Tynan, a voice professor at the Royal College of Music. They said it was a tough decision choosing a winner as the standard of both performers was so high.

According to Andrew,  who also received a cheque for £3,000, winning the competition will make a huge difference to his future career.

He said: “It is difficult at this stage of any singer’s life when you have finished college and suddenly have to find the funds for services which used to be provided free in college, like singing lessons and other training.

“They have to be paid for and the prize money from this competition will help me to do that. It is a great boost in helping me achieve my dream of becoming a professional opera star.”

Andrew studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and is a graduate of the National Opera Studio, where he was supported by the Welsh National Opera’s Sir John Moores Award.

Following his win he is heading to Shwerin, Germany to perform in the Merry Widow with Mecklenburg State Theatre opera company.

Runner-up Eiry Price, who received a £1,000 prize, is a 2024/2025 Welsh National Opera Associate Artist and an alumna of the Royal College of Music and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Sir Bryn Terfel praised “outstanding” performances of both finalists.

He said: “I was backstage watching them and hugely impressed by both. It was a closely fought contest and it is refreshing to think we have such great young opera talent coming through. I

“It’s heartening also that organisations like Pendine Park are getting so strongly behind the young talent of the future and offering such sterling support to the Llangollen Eisteddfod. I’m so pleased to be back here once more and helping celebrate such a great anniversary, I’m having the time of my life.”

Fringe Festival's 28th edition has begun

The 28th edition of the Llangollen Fringe Festival began yesterday right in sync with World Fringe Day. 

Organisers promise "boundary-pushing performances, vibrant workshops, and free community events all across town."

What to expect this year:

• A bold, eclectic line-up of music, comedy, dance, theatre, spoken word, and hands-on workshops.

• Headliners include Bill Ryder-Jones, London Afrobeat Collective, Breabach, Mr Scruff and MC Kwasi, Adwaith, and Cerys Hafana.

• Music Around Town returns on 13 and 19 July, bringing free live performances to venues across Llangollen.

Festival Tickets available for £120, giving you access to all main events and saving over £85 on individual tickets. Click HERE to learn more about our line-up and to purchase tickets. 

Workshops and community events
From poetry to circus skills, shadow film to DJing, there’s something for all ages. Explore your creative side and get involved. Click HERE for more details. 

Two special guests join Eisteddfod closing service at St Collen's

* From left, Eisteddfod chair John Gambles, Nicoletta Mantovani, her husband Alberto Tinarelli and Sir Terry Waite.

Two special guests were at a special service of music and readings to close the 2025 Llangollen International Eisteddfod held at St Collen's Church this morning (Sunday)

Led by priest-in-charge Father Lee Taylor, the congregation included Nicoletta Mantovani, widow of opera legend Luciano Pavarotti, who has been on a visit to the Eisteddfod to mark the late maestro's close association with the festival at which he first sang as a choir member in 1955 and where he returned to perform an historic concert in 1995. This year would also have been his 90th birthday.

On Friday she unveiled a 60-metre chalk statue of him on the hillside leading up to Castell Dinas Bran and presented the Pavarotti Trophy to the winners of the Eisteddfod's Choir of World competition last night. This evening she will return to the Pavilion stage to hand over the trophy to the winner of the Pendine Voice of the Future Competition.

Also in this morning's congregation was Sir Terry Waite who for many years was Eisteddfod president and who received a warm welcome when he came into church to site beside Nicoletta on the front pew.

During the service there was music from Coral Divo Canto from Portugal who competed at the festival this year.

* Coral Divo Canto from Portugal sing during the service.

* Father Lee Taylor gives his address.

* The Rev (Squadron Leader) Rebekah Canon, an Eisteddfod trustee board member, reads a lesson.

* Former Eisteddfod chair Gareth Davies also read a lesson.