A Night at the Opera comes to Llangollen Pavilion

* The cast and production team who will present A Night at the Opera at the Pavilion on Saturday.

North Wales Opera is performing its first event at the Llangollen International Pavilion this coming Saturday evening (July 25).

A Night at the Opera is a staged gala performance celebrating some of opera’s most loved music alongside well-known classics from musical theatre.

Accompanied by Andrew Charity, the evening features scenes and arias from masterpieces including The Marriage of Figaro, La Traviata, La Bohème, Carmen, Gianni Schicchi, Don Giovanni and Lakmé, together with favourites from West Side Story, Carousel and Cabaret.

The production brings together an outstanding cast of professional and emerging singers. Emerging performers include Grace Worrall (17), and Llangollen’s own Rose Burgon (16) who last week came first in the Young Voice of Musical Theatre competition at the International Eisteddfod.

* Grace Worrall and Priscilla Fong.

Priscilla Fong from Singapore and Linus Lai from Hong Kong are set to Wow the Llangollen audience with will-known arias from operas such as the Magic Flute and Marriage of Figaro and they both duet alongside the North Wales Opera's two youngest singers.

Also returning to North Wales Opera is acclaimed baritone Robin Gruffudd Hughes, whose distinguished career has included performances with leading companies including the Royal Opera House.

Yorkshire-based soprano Victoria Price and North Wales-based soprano Eve Marie will perform arias from operas such as Marriage of Figaro, La Bohème, and Carmen.

Leigh Mason, musical director of the Fron Male Voice Choir and ladies’ choir Lleisiau’r Afon, and Lizzie Clifford, a regular in local productions by the Llangollen Operatic and Twenty Club, will entertain the well-known operatic duet Belle Nuit and songs from musicals such as Carousel and Cabaret. Leigh Mason will also present a quirky rendition of The Cat Duet alongside Katie Nilsbird.

* Robin Gruffydd Hughes

Lee J Cander, from South Wales, familiar to television audiences from Channel 4’s Your Song, presents some of the repertoire’s best-loved tenor favourites, including the much-loved Nessun Dorma.

As an extra treat for the Llangollen audience, Carrog-based ladies choir Lleisiau’r Afon will perform alongside North Wales opera during the show.

Next up from North Wales Opera at the Pavilion is Madame Butterfly this coming December.

* Tickets are available from the Pavilion website: https://llangollenpavilion.co.uk/event/night-at-the-opera/

With Ford’s Fiesta gone Ibiza is now best driver’s car out there

Seat Ibiza drive by Steve Rogers

The cute Ibiza is Seat’s best selling car of all time with six million sales over 42 years so why does it seem that its masters have left it out in the cold.

Apart from a couple of updates Ibiza hasn’t changed much since the fifth generation was launched in 2017. If it ain’t broke don't fix it is a reasonable argument but rivals like Renault Clio and Vauxhall Astra have moved on at pace while Ibiza has not even got hybrid technology. A mild hybrid is coming next year which seems a long time to wait given the electrical clout of the Volkswagen group.

Seat was always touted as the sporty side of the VW group but that title has gone west now that the Spanish company has established its own sporting arm with Cupra which appears to be smothering its little brother. I was in Germany a few months ago and all I saw were Cupras, there wasn’t a Seat in sight.

For all that Ibiza is still a favourite among the supermini clan, particularly young drivers, and with Ford’s Fiesta out of the game is the best driver’s car out there.

This is just a straight forward three-cylinder one litre with good economy, even without hybrid help, excellent build quality and a comfortable but spicy ride. The first challenge when I leave my cul-de-sac is to negotiate a couple of speed humps and that tells me how things are going to play out.

Ibiza’s firmish suspension does a good job of cushioning this type of obstacle and it gets better as you enjoy swishing through twists and turns without a care in the world. This is the closest to a hot hatch without being a hot hatch and it will still keep passengers comfy.

There are four models in the range, one engine option with two power outputs, 94bhp and 113bhp, the former powering this car with a five speed gearbox. FR and FR Sport levels get six-speed and automatic options.

Given that it’s a three-cylinder one litre performance is okay and it revs happily but expect a lot of downshifting. Fifth gear is long, a bit like the old overdrive, so it quickly falls off at the slightest incline but the payback is terrific cruising economy. You will always be in the low fifties and can target 60+mpg on a motorway jaunt.

The notchy gearbox was both a surprise and a disappointment, Seat can do better.

Seat is one of the few companies that hasn’t gone all in on screen technology, not at this level anyway, so Ibiza is a joy to those who hate spending 10 minutes working out the touchscreen functions.

Without being unkind it is charmingly dated, the two lower level models don’t get digital climate control, just chunky knobs and a four speed fan which is pretty noisy even at level two, but who cares.

It does have a clear modern digital driver’s binnacle with a choice of three displays but I don’t think the tech is programmed to mirror navigation directions from the central touchscreen. I tried but failed. The good news is the touchscreen response is as fast as Wild Bill Hickok in a gunfight.

Even more impressive is the build and quality of cabin materials, perhaps influenced by its masters, particularly Audi whose goal is always perfection. Everywhere you touch is solid, I have trim creak in my new Citroen C3, there is none in Ibiza or probably any other Seat model for that matter.

By supermini standards cabin space is fine with adequate legroom front and back, and there is a good sized boot.

You can drive away in new Ibiza for £21k but the spec level is limited. My SE Technology had keyless entry and ignition, LED headlights, navigation, and a couple of fast charging type C USB ports, but no reversing camera which is often standard on rivals. Things obviously get better moving up to FR but is starting to look pricey particularly if you want the seven speed DSG automatic.

No one can argue Ibiza is anything but a well rounded, lovable supermini, fun to drive, comfortable and kind on economy, but there is a nagging feeling it is treading water waiting for something big to happen. It deserves better.

Fast facts

Ibiza SE Technology

£22,605 (starts £20,995)

1-litre TSI; 94bhp

0-62mph 11secs; 118mph

55.4mpg combined

115g/km. 1st VED £455

Insurance group 12

Boot: 355 litres

After some gruelling climbs Westheads reach 'nicest' part of their route

* As they reached a town en route to Shengdu the Westheads were fascinated to watch about 100 dancers going through paces near a temple.

After his worrying trip to hospital brought on by oxygen starvation as he was tackling miles of gruelling mountain roads in China Louis Dennis and his fellow Westhead James Thomas reached a much more manageable downhill section of their cycling route to Thailand.

In fact, they duo reckoned it was one of the nicest sections they'd encountered so far on their mammoth journey through Europe and Asia.

Mates Dyfan Hughes, 18, from Llangollen, Louis, 19, from Garth, and James, also 19, from Wrexham, are making their 1,000 journey in aid of the British Heart Foundation in memory of Tony Edge, the father of their friend Harrison who died following a heart attack in 2024.

For their last couple of daily video logs only two of the group were in the saddle as, they explained, Dyfan had gone on ahead to the town of Chengdu to seek hospital attention for a troublesome tooth that was giving him a lot of pain.

So Louis and James were following the river through the Sichuan Valley making for a rendezvous with their companion.

Louis told how he was feeling okay after his own spell in hospital, despite still having a little tightness in the chest.

* Louis and James were mobbed by curious locals as they hit one Chinese town.

He also noted how the weather was "roasting" but to compensate for the discomfort the scenery they were passing through was "amazing."

In a later log Louis noted how he'd picked up another couple of punctures, which he would have to get fixed when they eventually reached Chengdu, a very large town with plenty of facilities.

Something that's definitely still going right for the lads is the continuing flood of online donations from supporters back home for the British Heart Foundation for which they have so far raised over £50,000. 

* llanblogger is recording their adventures along the way. To follow the journey on their social media and make a donation if you wish, go to: https://linktr.ee/westheads 

Llangollen Panto Group hands over £3,500 to its chosen charities

* Two of the group's youngest members, Lola and Ciara, both 13, present the £3,000 cheque to Debra Sina, Denbighshire regional fundraising manager for Welsh Air Ambulance. 

Just before they gathered to watch the new film made of their smash-hit 2026 production of Dick Whittington, members of the Llangollen Pantomime Group handed over cheques totalling £3,500 to their two chosen charities yesterday (Sunday) afternoon at the Town Hall.

From the proceeds of last January's show the Welsh Air Ambulance received a very healthy £3,000 towards its lifesaving work while Llangollen Silver Band picked up £500 to help it keep on hitting the right notes with its audiences. 

The panto Sleeping Beauty comes next for the group, which will run at the Town Hall from January 14-17 next year.

* Ruth Owen accepts the £500 cheque from the panto group's Xavier.

Police appeal after death of man, 24, in road traffic collision

Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic collision following which a 24-year-old man yesterday (Saturday) morning.

In a post on its Facebook page today (Sunday) North Wales Police says: "A 24-year-old man has sadly died following a collision near Llysfasi on 18 July.

"Emergency services were called to reports of a collision involving a black Suzuki motorcycle on the A525, Nant Y Garth pass at around 3am.

"Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the rider of the motorcycle sadly died at the scene.

"The man’s family and coroner have been informed.

"Detective Sergeant Liam Morris said: 'I would like to thank members of the public who assisted at the scene of this tragic incident and offer my deepest condolences to the man’s family.

“'I am also appealing to anybody who may have witnessed the collision or seen the motorcycle in the area at the relevant time to come forward.

“'Additionally, anybody with dashcam footage that may have captured the motorcycle involved prior to the collision should contact police.

“'Further information that could assist our investigations can be shared by contacting the Serious Collision Investigation Unit via our website or by calling 101, quoting reference 26000581789.'”

Latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council

The latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council is:

TRACK TO LLANDYN HALL FROM A539, 03/08/2026 - 05/08/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

OUTSIDE PROPERTY GLANABER 2 BACHE MILL ROAD, 29/07/2026 - 31/07/2026, Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

OPPOSITE 14 PENGWERN, 21/07/2026 - 23/07/2026, Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY 

Full extent ROAD FROM PENGWERN TO TYN CELYN, 24/07/2026 - 26/07/2026, Rheolaeth traffig i hwyluso mynediad i safle Camp VC/ Traffic management to facilitate access to Camp VC site, VC LONDON LTD, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

FELIN BACHE PONT, BACHE MILL ROAD, 11/08/2026 - 21/08/2026, Gwaith Ar Bont / Bridge Works QUANTUM TM (DCC), Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

FELIN BACHE PONT, BACHE MILL ROAD, 10/08/2026 - 11/08/2026, Gwaith Ar Bont / Bridge Works KM CONSTRUCTION ( QUANTUM) Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Heol y Farchnad / Market Street, 10/10/2026 - 11/10/2026, Gwyl Fwyd Llangollen / Llangollen Food Festival CHAPTER 8 SOLUTIONS LTD, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A542 JUNCTION OF TRACK TO LLANDYN HALL FROM A539 TO APPROX 85M FURTHER EAST, A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD 03/08/2026 - 05/08/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN, Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

FELIN BACHE PONT, BACHE MILL ROAD, 22/08/2026 - 23/08/2026, Gwaith Ar Bont / Bridge Works KM CONSTRUCTION ( QUANTUM) Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

82m south of entrance to slurry pit JUNCTION OF A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD, 03/08/2026 - 05/08/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN, Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

Creative writing workshops aim to help a person's wellbeing

* People involved in one of the workshops led by Daisy.

Creative writing can help with a person's wellbeing through self-expression and connection.

That's the message from Daisy Green who has been successfully running regular workshops for reflective writing, poetry and discussion in Llangollen for the past two years.

And she says the sessions have provided a supportive and welcoming space where the core group of people taking part have been able to explore their thoughts, experiences and creativity while building confidence in their own voice.    

During the summer months they meet in the Community Garden in Llangollen, and during the winter it has been the Heritage Lock Up. They have also met in St John's hall and The Bridge End Hotel, all of which Daisy says have been fully supportive.  

Alongside the workshops, her other group, Llangollen Spoken Word, has continued to grow. 

She said: "We have recently expanded our Spoken Word events to include online participation, making them more accessible to people who may not be able to attend in person due to ill-health, disability, caring responsibilities or distance. Creating inclusive spaces where everyone has the opportunity to be heard is central to the ethos of the project.

* Daisy Green leads a session at Gales Wine Bar.

"Our in-person spoken word events are hosted at Gales Wine Bar, whose ongoing support has played an important role in helping us create a welcoming and inclusive creative community in Llangollen. Their encouragement and commitment to local arts and culture have helped the events flourish over the past two years.

"As a poet, facilitator and survivor of domestic abuse, I have experienced first-hand how writing can help people process experiences, reconnect with themselves and discover the confidence to tell their own stories. That belief sits at the heart of all the work I do."

Daisy says she is now expanding this work through a new programme called The Unspoken Word, which is a six-week spoken word and reflective writing journey for women.

"Through guided writing, creative exploration and optional sharing, participants will explore voice, silence, memory, truth and expression within a supportive small-group setting," she explained. 

"The programme is designed to help women reconnect with their own stories, build confidence in their voice and discover the power of creative expression."

She added: "I believe everyone has a story worth telling. Sometimes all people need is a safe space, a blank page and permission to begin. Through writing, we can make sense of our experiences, find connection with others and discover strengths we didn't know we had."

Daisy says she is also building a programme of poetry, literature, storytelling, wellbeing and lots more events as part of this year's Llangollen Fringe Festival from September 4-12. 

* For more details of her various workshops and courses, contact details are:  

Email: 

hello@daisygreencollective.co.uk 

Website www.daisygreencollective.co.uk 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/18zNgAj4Fj/

Instagram 

https://www.instagram.com/llangollen_spoken_word_events?igsh=MWlxYzExcG04endjeQ==

Railway's enhanced fire safety measures for steam trains

 

Llangollen and Corwen Railway will continue to operate its planned steam services this weekend while introducing enhanced fire safety measures to help protect the railway and surrounding countryside during the current spell of hot weather.

Recent media reports have referred to a national "steam ban" following restrictions introduced by Network Rail on steam-hauled charter trains operating on the national rail network because of the heightened risk of wildfires.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway is an independent heritage railway operating on its own dedicated infrastructure and is not part of the Network Rail network, meaning those restrictions do not apply to its operations.

However, the railway says it is taking the current weather conditions extremely seriously and has introduced a range of additional measures to reduce the risk of lineside fires while continuing to operate safely.

To celebrate the start of the summer holidays, visitors will be able to enjoy journeys behind two Great Western Railway steam locomotives: GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754 and GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802.

A dedicated fire train will patrol those sections of the railway considered to be at the highest risk during the hot weather. Equipped with pumps and firefighting equipment, it will be ready to respond immediately should a lineside fire occur.

In addition, all operating steam locomotives and trains are fitted with hoses and fire beaters, while crews will continually monitor conditions throughout the day. These enhanced measures are designed to ensure the railway can continue to operate safely while protecting the surrounding countryside.

Matthew Carty, Head of Llangollen Railway's Footplate Team, said: "The recent restrictions announced this week relate to steam trains operating on the Network Rail network and do not apply to independent heritage railways such as Llangollen Railway.

"However, we fully recognise the current hot and dry conditions and are taking them extremely seriously. We've planned extensively for this weekend, with a dedicated fire train patrolling those sections of the line that present the greatest risk, while our locomotives are equipped with hoses and fire beaters and our crews remain vigilant throughout the day.

"Steam locomotives are at the heart of what we do, but operating them safely is always our first priority. Our volunteers and staff have a great deal of experience operating during periods of warm weather, and we've put in place additional safeguards to help protect the railway, our neighbours and the beautiful Dee Valley.

"We're looking forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy two superb Great Western steam locomotives this weekend, while continuing to operate responsibly and safely."

Visitors travelling on Saturday can enjoy two classic Great Western steam locomotives in service throughout the day.

Saturday July 18 steam timetable

Llangollen → Corwen

• 10.00 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754
• 11.05 – GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802
• 12.20 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754
• 13.45 – GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802
• 15.15 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754

Corwen → Llangollen

• 11.05 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754
• 12.20 – GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802
• 13.45 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754
• 15.15 – GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802
• 16.20 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754

The popular Ales from Wales train will also be hauled by GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802, offering passengers the opportunity to enjoy a selection of Welsh real ales while travelling through the Dee Valley behind one of the Great Western Railway's most impressive freight locomotives.

Passengers are encouraged to book in advance.

* Train tickets: https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/travel?date=2026-07-18

* Ales from Wales tickets: https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/special-events-in-2026/real-ale-train

Collision on Horseshoe Pass

 Posted around 5.40pm Friday

Town Mayor welcomes ATM reinstatement as campaign continues

         
           * Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam visiting the newly reinstated ATM

Llangollen Town Mayor, Councillor Damon Richards-Gwilliam, has welcomed the reinstatement of the NatWest ATM on Castle Street following several months of engagement with the bank over the future of the machine.

After the ATM was taken out of service following a break-in last November, it remained boarded up for an extended period while NatWest reviewed its future, raising concerns among residents and businesses that it may not return. 

Cllr Richards-Gwilliam raised these concerns directly with NatWest, highlighting the importance of maintaining free and convenient access to cash in the town with no bank branches. Following sustained engagement, NatWest confirmed that it intended to reinstate the ATM as soon as logistically possible.

The ATM has now returned to full working service. 

Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam said: “I’m very pleased to see the NatWest ATM back in operation. This is a very welcome outcome for Llangollen as access to free, convenient, and reliable cash facilities is paramount to our residents, local businesses and the many people who visit our town. 

"I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to get in touch with me and share their concerns, and to NatWest for recognising the importance of maintaining this service for our community.

"Whilst I am pleased to see this important facility restored, this is not the end of the conversation around access to cash in Llangollen. Following this campaign, I am grateful that one of our local Senedd Members, Darren Millar, has approached me to offer his full support as we take the next steps to strengthen cash provision across the town.”

Darren Millar MS said: "I'm delighted to see the NatWest ATM reinstated in Llangollen, as I am sure residents, businesses and visitors are too, and I applaud Damon for all his efforts to secure this outcome. 

"Access to cash remains vital for many people, so this is a positive step forward and demonstrates what can be achieved when the community comes together to make its voice heard. However, it does not resolve the wider issue of access to banking services in the town. 

"Following LINK's initial assessment, which concluded that no additional services were required, I have been working with Damon to challenge that decision and I am extremely pleased our appeal has been accepted and LINK will now carry out a fresh assessment of Llangollen's banking needs. 

"I will continue working alongside Damon and other local campaigners, businesses and stakeholders to press the case for a banking hub in Llangollen to ensure local people and visitors to the town have access to the banking services they need." 

Details of speed enforcement on Regent Street revealed

The GoSafe - Wales Road Casualty Reduction Partnership - has been active on Regent Street.

Llanblogger recently contacted GoSafe to express local concerns that the 20mph limit on this particular section of the A5 trunk route, which now has a 20mph limit, was constantly being broken.

This brought a response from the partnership which revealed that its Op Atal Team attended the location on the following dates.

 

• 09/04/2026 between 13:05 to 14:15 and carried out 16 roadside courses and issued 1 fixed penalty.
• 14/05/2026 between 11:30 to 13:00 and carried out 16 roadside courses and issued 1 fixed penalty.

 

A GoSafe roadside course is a driver educational workshop offered as an alternative to a fine and penalty points on a driver's license.

Op Atal is focusing on speed on roads with 20mph, 30mph and 40mph speed limits, seat belts, and ensuring that child seats are fitted correctly.

GoSafe said it would continue to visit Regent Street where resources allow.

County-wide play sessions scheduled over summer holidays

Denbighshire County Council’s Play Ranger service has released this summer’s Let’s Play Out schedule, which feature play sessions at locations throughout the county. including Pengwern and Carrog Park.

The sessions are child led, meaning children can choose what they do or what equipment they want to use freely.

Providing fully accessible open access play for children in their local communities, these sessions will have both morning and afternoon sessions throughout the summer holidays.

Starting on July 20 and ending on August 28, morning sessions will run from 10:30am-12:00pm, with the afternoon sessions running from 2-3.30pm.

Schedule of sessions

The sessions are open access, meaning children are free to come and go, however children under the ages of six must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Dawn Anderson, Denbighshire Childcare and Play Development Manager said: “We’ve had a brilliant turn out at the ‘Let’s Play Out’ sessions we have hosted so far this year. We have increased the number of locations this year from 10 to 20, offering more play opportunities in more locations across the county.

"I can’t wait to welcome everyone back to our sessions once again this summer.”

Councillor Diane King, Lead Member for Education, Children and Families said: “These sessions provide families with free and fun sessions throughout the county during the summer holidays.

"Held at 20 locations around the county, ‘Let’s Play Out’ sessions are hosted during both the morning and afternoon, providing more opportunity for families to be able to attend.

"The sessions are child-led, meaning they can choose the type of play they prefer throughout the whole session.”

Llangollen hosts weekend of cross-country mountain biking

* The 2026 Welsh MTB Championships. Photo by Peter Astles.

Over last weekend One Giant Leap in Llangollen played host to the 2026 Welsh MTB XC Championships and the final round of the Welsh MTB XC Series.

Organisers say this meant an unforgettable weekend of cross-country mountain bike racing bringing together riders of all ages and abilities to celebrate the conclusion of another outstanding season.

Organised by Fibrax Fenwick’s Wrexham CC, who hosted the final round of the series, the weekend showcased everything that makes cross-country mountain biking special, including challenging racing, a welcoming community, and an incredible atmosphere.

The One Giant Leap course lived up to its reputation, demanding endurance, technical ability and determination from every rider. 

Steep climbs, loose technical descents and flowing singletrack combined to create a course that rewarded skill as much as fitness. Hot, dry conditions throughout the weekend only added to the challenge, turning the trails dusty, fast and increasingly slippery as racing unfolded.

Saturday’s Welsh MTB XC Short Track Championships provided the perfect start to an incredible weekend of racing.

With fast, technical racing taking place under blazing sunshine, the XCC format delivered exciting battles across every age category. The hot, dry conditions made for quick but increasingly dusty and slippery racing, creating an exciting spectacle for riders and spectators alike.

Sunday’s Cross Country Olympic racing proved even tougher. The relentless climbs, technical descents and hot temperatures tested every competitor from start to finish, but the racing remained fiercely competitive throughout every category.

The Llangollen event also brought the 2026 Welsh MTB XC Series to a close after five rounds held across Wales between March and July. Throughout the season, riders have enjoyed organised, safe and welcoming events run almost entirely by volunteers, offering opportunities for complete beginners through to experienced racers to compete.

With the final round complete, the overall Welsh MTB XC Series standings will be confirmed and announced soon.

Organisers says: "A huge thank you to everyone who made this year’s series possible. Delivering events of this scale requires an incredible amount of time, dedication and commitment from volunteers. From organisers and marshals to medics, commissaires and everyone working behind the scenes, your efforts are truly appreciated by riders, supporters and the wider cycling community."