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