Alfie Boe and guests to headline at Llangollen Live 2027

* Alfie Boe. Credit: XRayBurmiston

Internationally acclaimed stage star Alfie Boe is to headline a dazzling night in North Wales – accompanied by Gravity stars Louise Dearman, Kerry Ellis and Rachel Tucker as his very special guests.

The West End and Broadway stars will play Live at Llangollen Pavilion on Saturday June 26.

Tickets for the fully standing show go on general sale at 10am Friday via llangollen.net and ticketmaster.co.uk

One of Britain’s best-loved and most celebrated tenors, Alfie Boe’s commanding voice and versatility has earned him huge praise and success across opera, musical theatre, and popular music.

A graduate of the Royal College of Music who went on to train at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, Alfie achieved global recognition performing leading roles with major opera companies before cementing his reputation as the definitive Jean Valjean in Les Misérables. He has starred in the production both in the West End and on Broadway, and in the recent 40th anniversary world tour, performing at Radio City Music Hall in New York, and in the Australia and China casts.

Alongside Les Mis, Alfie has enjoyed an extraordinary career spanning stage, recording and television, releasing more than a dozen studio albums and appearing at some of the most prestigious venues and events worldwide; from Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee to the Royal Albert Hall.

The trip to Llangollen will be a welcome return for Alfie who has performed in the Pavillion on numerous occasions previously, and joining him as very special guests will be Wicked stars.

* Gravity.

Kerry Ellis, making her third trip to the Pavilion, Louise Dearman and Rachel Tucker with their incredible Gravity show.

With Ellis playing the first British Elphaba in Wicked, Dearman being the first and only performer to play both Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked and Tucker playing Elphaba on both Broadway and the West End, the trio have earned their titles as musical theatre’s leading women.

Gravity celebrates their collective back catalogue and features a range of stage favourites including We Will Rock You, Cats, Oliver!, My Fair Lady, Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, Guys and Dolls, Evita, Joseph, The Great Gatsby, Sunset Boulevard, Chicago and more.

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Dave Danford said: “Alfie Boe has become a firm favourite at Llangollen, and every time he performs in the Pavilion it creates a genuinely special atmosphere. He has such an extraordinary voice and a wonderful connection with audiences here, so I’m delighted that we’ll be welcoming him back once again next summer.

“It will also be wonderful to welcome Kerry Ellis back to Llangollen as part of Gravity, following her performance here in 2024. It promises to be a fantastic evening and another brilliant addition to our Live at Llangollen programme.”

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

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Gripping pictures tell of teenager's fightback from Chinese horror smash

Llangollen teenager Dyfan Hughes has used a series of pictures on a Facebook post to tell the story of his 45 days of recovery from an horrific crash with a lorry on a Chinese road which left him with a catalogue of serious injuries.

Along with his two friends of the same age Louis Dennis from Garth and James Thomas from Wrexham - together known as the Westheads - Dyfan was on one of the final stages of their 10,000-mile cycling trip to Thailand in memory of Tony Edge, the father of their friend Harrison, who died following a heart attack in 2024, and along the way raising over £50,000 for the British Heart Foundation.  

Dyfan was rushed to hospital in the city of Chengdu with injuries to both legs, neck and scalp and just over two weeks ago had major corrective surgery lasting for many hours.

Louis and James have already flown home to Wales after staying by is bedside along with his worried parents for an anxious couple of weeks. Dyfan will follow when he is strong enough for the flight home to continue his rehabilitation.

And, according to his latest social media update, he says that is likely to be next weekend.

His post takes the form of a montage of pictures, beginning with one showing the broken and twisted remains of his bike lying in the roadway where he was hit by the lorry. It bears the caption: "This is the state of the bike after!"

Next comes a shot of the HGV involved, captioned: "This is the truck that dealt the damage!"

Then comes a shot of him lying in his hospital bed battered and bruised soon after he was brought in by ambulance but still with his thumbs up. "This photo is only 36 hours after the accident in Teshan Hospital, which now I don't remember at all," he says on it.

Next is a picture of him looking more cheerful: "This is a week or two after in Chengdu, which is still where I am now."

Further pictures show him with Louis and James and his dedicated nurse - all wearing Wrexham shirts - and with his personal medic, Dr Liu, "the legend who has been amazing," a couple of days after his big operation. Dyfan adds: "He speaks perfect English also". 

The last picture in the series shows him lying in bed and is captioned: "And now my treatment has all been completed we are just waiting to get back to Wales safely so I can start my rehabilitation process ... We are hoping to be home by next weekend."

* Llanblogger is recording the Westheads' journey and Dyfan's crash. To follow them on their social media, go to: https://linktr.ee/westheads 

Latest Citizens Advice drop-in sessions in the area

 

Kia Sorento PHEV is an easy car to get along with

Kia Sorento PHEV drive by Steve Rogers

Not so long ago Kia was shaking up the car industry. Reasonably priced, well built and with a ground-breaking seven year warranty.

From humble beginnings the Korean company has become an unstoppable force always ahead of the game, the strength of its electric car range is a case in point. But, there is always a but, does it have what it takes to fend off the cut price Chinese onslaught?

Sorento is a good example of how things have been turned on their head. Go back a year or so and it would be lauded as one of the best value seven seaters on the market. And then the Chinese arrived. The likes of Chery Tiggo 9 and the MG S9, a contender for my car of the year, have come along with plug-in hybrids at a fraction of the price of not just the Kia but every other seven seater outside their own market.

So how is Kia meeting the challenge? Let’s be clear, the Sorento is a fine car in all sorts of ways and the telling factor for me is that it is an easy car to get on with. If the Chinese models have one big fault it is that they can be bland and complicated. You are basically faced with two screens and have to get on with it.

Sorento, on the other hand, has arguably the best dashboard layout I have come across with a curved wide screen split into two 12.3in sections, driver’s display and central touchscreen. The driver’s display is big and bold with several steering wheel buttons to select a wad of information.

Sounds complicated but it’s not, although it might take a little time to find some of the clever short cut features like holding down the volume control to turn off the overspeed beep. Actually I found that useful and left it on. And there is a button to turn off lane hold rather than dabbing through the touchscreen menus.

Below is a clever mini touchscreen strip which alternates between quick keys for the radio and such like, or heating selections. Or just be lazy and use voice control for navigation destinations, changing the heating settings or radio stations. See what I mean about being easy to live with.

The most useful feature on the central screen takes the stress out of keeping within the limit on long stretches with an average speed camera. It monitors and displays your speed at all times, particularly useful on A roads where you are reluctant to overtake a slower driver for fear of being over the limit at the end.

Is Sorento really big enough to take seven people? The short answer is ‘yes’ because I put two adults in the third row who were satisfied with leg room and the full size seats while I had ample legroom sitting in the middle row.

Getting in and out is relatively easy as well thanks to a one touch button with a motor to tilt and shift the middle row forward. At 4.8 metres long there is a mound of space with all back seats levelled, sleep there if you like, or take advantage of huge boot space as a five seater.

An area where Sorento steals a march on Chinese rivals is ride comfort and driving enjoyment. With self levelling rear suspension, it absorbs everything our rubbish roads throw up while all wheel drive offers up sure footed handling. Remember this is family transport not a rally car but is still surprisingly steady through twisting roads considering its bulk.

If there is a drawback it is the miserly 34 miles of electric range. Kia has opted for a 13.8kW battery while rivals go bigger and therefore achieve more miles on electric, 63 for the MG S9 and 91 for Tiggo 9, but the extra battery weight carries a penalty making Sorento a better car to drive.

For a big all wheel drive the Sorento’s 1.6 litre engine packs a punch and outguns the MG on horsepower. Once down to petrol power only expect low forties to the gallon, I averaged 44mpg over 500 miles and shaded 50mpg on a couple of motorway runs which goes to show how petrol efficiency has soared in the last decade. Diesel is very much a thing of the past although Kia still offers it.

In all but price Sorento matches or betters its Chinese rivals particularly on driver safety aids, comfort, layout and, for the moment reputation and reliability,

My choice is Evolve, in the middle of the range, because it has everything you need.

Fast facts

Sorento Evolve PHEV AWD

£52,655 (starts £48,425)

1.6 litre 6sp auto, 283bhp

0-62mph 8secs; 128mph

Battery 13.8kW

72.4mpg with electric boost

35g/km. 1st VED £115

Boot: 809-1988 litres

Insurance group 36

Towing: 1700kg

Working Denbighshire sessions at Llangollen Library

 

Police appeal over missing teen last seen in Llangollen

North Wales Police say they have growing concerns for 15-year-old Kohan who last seen in the Llangollen town centre area at 10am yesterday (Friday).

He is described as 5'11", with short brown curly hair and a slender build.

Police say: "He is wearing a black new balance hoodie, black joggers, a beanie hat and trainers. He is believed to currently be in the Llangollen area.

"However, he has links to Corwen and could also head to Wrexham."

* Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to get in touch with officers on 101, or via the website, quoting reference 0154640.

Can you help Llangollen Round put new QR codes on trial?

* One of the new QR codes in place around the Llangollen Round course.

The famous Llangollen Round is looking for volunteers to help it put a new QR Challenge to the test.

The often gruelling 35-mile 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. And over the years it has raised many thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK.

A spokesperson for the organising team said: "We now have a QR Code Challenge, which means you can navigate around the 35 miles using our strategically placed QR Codes and get yourself a time and a certificate at the end. 

"Although completely in place, we don't want to advertise it widely until it has been beta tested. So we are looking for volunteers.

"If you can help, please email sjerman@gmail.com.  Steve will facilitate your entry. You won't be charged for entry at the moment but once advertised, all monies raised will go to Cancer  Research UK,  so you will be helping a very good cause." 

Owner gives date for Star Inn's re-opening after facelift

 

The man behind the massive facelift of Llangollen's Star Inn has now given November as the date for its grand re-opening.

The historic pub on Queen Street  had been closed and derelict for some time until it was bought last year by former Ysgol Dinas Bran pupil David Anderson (pictured above) whose company is carrying out a major renovation to turn it back into a community pub - or hub - with the emphasis, he says, on making it a place where people feel safe and comfortable. 

He has been giving regular updates on the work's progress and in his latest video post on the pub's own Facebook page he reveals that Saturday November 7 has been chosen for the grand re-opening, with a sift opening having taken place the day before.

In the post, which sees him interviewed by a colleague, Dave describes how the last couple of weeks have seen a lot of work taking place in areas such as the pool room and toilets, with lots of effort going into setting up the bar, which he calls "mission control".

In that area he points to an overhead glass rack he says was acquired from an antique shop in keeping with the heritage theme he has been aiming to create for the whole project.

Walking outside he tales a look around the hive of activity which is currently the garden area at the side of the pub, where he points to the high-efficiency drainage system going in along with some sophisticated lighting.

Dave says that over the next few weeks other jobs such as plastering the upstairs guest rooms, the downstairs vinyl flooring and carpeting will be tackled.

And he apologises in advance for any inconvenience caused by a temporary three-way traffic system which he says will have to be introduced soon on the A5 outside the front door while repairs are carried out to the roof.   

Festive afternoon teas to be served up at railway

* The Tickles celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with the afternoon tea on the railway.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway is giving passengers the chance to keep the Christmas magic going right into the New Year, with Festive Afternoon Tea aboard its popular Mince Pie Specials between December 27 and Saturday, January 2.

The special experience combines a winter heritage railway journey through the beautiful Dee Valley with a specially created Festive Afternoon Tea, served directly to passengers at their own table aboard one of the railway’s heritage coaches.

The specially created menu includes homemade cranberry and white chocolate scones with jam and clotted cream, a mince pie, chocolate Yule Log cake and a choice of bread and butter pudding or apple strudel.

Passengers will also enjoy a selection of turkey and cranberry, beef and horseradish, and egg mayonnaise sandwiches.

And because Christmas isn’t quite over yet, every afternoon tea also comes with a bowl of pigs in blankets.

Unlimited tea or coffee is included and served to passengers at their table during their Mince Pie Special journey.

Those looking to add a little extra festive sparkle can also add a glass of Prosecco for £10 when booking.

Jordan Edge, Catering Manager at Llangollen and Corwen Railway, said: “We’ve had a huge amount of demand from passengers asking us to offer something like this over the festive period, so we’re really excited to bring our Festive Afternoon Tea to the Mince Pie Specials.

“Those days between Christmas and New Year are a really special time to get together with family and friends, and what better way to spend them than travelling through the Dee Valley aboard a heritage train while enjoying a proper festive treat?

“We’ve put together a menu packed with Christmas favourites, from cranberry and white chocolate scones and Yule Log to turkey and cranberry sandwiches and, of course, pigs in blankets.

“There is so much happening at the Railway throughout the festive season. We want Llangollen & Corwen Railway to be the place where families come to make Christmas memories, whether that’s meeting Santa before Christmas or joining us for Afternoon Tea and a trip through the Dee Valley afterwards." 

Before the big day itself, the railway’s popular Santa Specials will once again transport families through the Dee Valley for a magical journey to Lapland, with Santa Claus travelling through the train and a special gift for every child.

The Santa Specials operate from November 28 through to Christmas Eve, with festively decorated heritage carriages, mince pies and mulled wine helping to create the Christmas atmosphere.

* Find out more and book Santa Specials:
https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/santa-special/

The Railway will also welcome back Siôn Corn Arbennig, its special Welsh-language Christmas experience. Travelling from Corwen to Lapland at Carrog, the service gives families the chance to enjoy Christmas through the Welsh language, with Siôn Corn travelling aboard and welcoming youngsters to his grotto.

* Find out more about Siôn Corn Arbennig:
https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/sion-corn-arbennig/

And when Santa has returned to the North Pole and Christmas Day is over, the Railway’s Mince Pie Specials and new Festive Afternoon Teas will keep the celebrations rolling through the beautiful Dee Valley and into January.

Festive Afternoon Tea advance ticket prices

Adult, aged 16 and over: £55
Child, aged 3 to 15: £20
Infants, aged 2 and under: Free of charge
Dogs: £3

* Book Festive Afternoon Tea aboard the Mince Pie Specials:

https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/special-events-in-2026/festive-afternoon-tea-ser

Ronan Keating and Blue coming to Live at Llangollen 2027

 

* Ronan Keating is coming to Live at Llangollen 2027.

Pop icon Ronan Keating is bringing his world tour to North Wales next summer for a special night celebrating his 30-year career.

 

The chart-topper will perform at Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2027 on Thursday July 1 as part of the Just Getting Started World Tour which will see him bring his catalogue of Boyzone classics and global solo hits to audiences worldwide.

 

He will be joined on the night by Blue and the Germein Sisters.

 

Tickets for this unmissable date go on general sale 10am on Friday September 25 from to llangollen.net and ticketmaster.co.uk

 

The Just Getting Started World Tour celebrates the songs, stories and moments that have made Ronan one of the world’s most enduring entertainers, bringing the hits audiences have loved for decades into a new chapter, with fresh energy, renewed passion and the perspective of an artist who knows himself better than ever.

 

Looking ahead to the tour, Ronan said: “I’ve been incredibly lucky to have spent more than three decades doing what I love. I’ve travelled the world, made records I’m enormously proud of and, most importantly, had audiences singing those songs back to me night after night.

* Blue.

 

“The reason I’ve called this tour Just Getting Started is because I genuinely feel I’m entering a new chapter. I understand myself, my music and what I want to say more clearly than ever before, and I want to celebrate these songs with audiences in a way that feels fresh. I feel creatively energised, deeply grateful and more connected to what I do than ever, and I can’t wait to share that with people around the world.”

 

Across Boyzone and a highly successful solo career that escalated Ronan to a household name around the world, he has sold more than 45 million records globally, spanning a catalogue of 21 albums. His first solo album, Ronan, went straight to No.1 in the UK achieving 4 x Platinum status and spent over a year in the charts (63 weeks). While his album, 10 Years Of Hits, not only went straight to No. 1 but as of today, has surpassed 2 billion streams. This is testament to the songs’ timelessness and Ronan’s enduring relevance.

 

With endless No.1 singles and albums to his name, plus a Guinness World Record for having 30 consecutive UK Top 10 singles, surpassing the previous benchmark set by Elvis Presley, Ronan has established himself as one of the most commercially successful Irish artists of his generation.

 

Blue are not only celebrating more than 25 years in the business, which has seen them consistently regarded as one of the UK’s best pop bands, but truly being back at the top of their game.

 

This year saw the double BRIT Award winner’s release Reflections – the band’s stunning fourth studio album to hit the UK Top 5.

 

With Reflections, Blue’s founder members Antony Costa, Duncan James, Lee Ryan and Simon Webbe are doing just that: reflecting on their shared history, their partnership, their friendship. On their passion for their band that means all four original members are still standing strong.

 

Their quarter-century career encompasses three consecutive UK Number 1 albums (All Rise, One Love, Guilty); 11 Top 10 singles including the Number 1 smashes Too Close, If You Came Back and Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word (with Elton John); enduring Noughties pop classics One Love and All Rise, and two BRIT Awards (British Breakthrough Act 2002 and British Pop Act 2003).

* Germein Sisters.

 

Opening the night at Llangollen Pavilion will be Australian pop trio Germein Sisters.

 

The headline concert is presented as part of an ongoing partnership with Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor.

 

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Dave Danford said: “I’m thrilled that Ronan Keating will be coming to Llangollen next summer. Between Ronan and guests Blue, they have provided the soundtrack to so many people’s lives, with an incredible collection of songs that audiences know and love, and I think bringing them together for one night in the Pavilion is going to create a fantastic atmosphere.

 

“This is exactly the kind of joyful, big occasion we want Live at Llangollen to be known for, and it is another really exciting addition to our 2027 programme. We have already announced some wonderful artists, and there is still plenty more to come.”

 

Ronan Keating joins Jack Savoretti and James Morrison among the first headliners announced for Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2027.

 

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

 

FOLLOW RONAN KEATING

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE

 

FOLLOW BLUE

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Eisteddfod Friends' next coffee morning

 

Friends gather at surprise farewell party for retiring town clerk

* Gareth Thomas left, receives his retirement gifts from the Mayor, Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam, and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Charlie Jones, in the council chamber.

Friends and colleagues packed the Town Hall last night (Tuesday) for a surprise farewell party in honour Gareth Thomas who has retired after 14 years as Llangollen's town clerk.

His deputy, Heulwen Wright, helped by senior councillors had organised the big bash as a completely secret affair which followed the monthly council meeting and into which he was walked to the strains of a medley of his favourite James Bond themes played by Llangollen Silver Band.

In his speech the Mayor, Councillor Damon Richards-Gwilliam, said: "Over the 14 years, Gareth has become someone that so many people in our community have known and relied upon. 

"Whether you're a councillor, involved with a community group, have used the Town Hall, or have simply needed some help or advice over the years, there's a very good chance you've crossed paths with him.

"He's supported councillors, helped community groups and led on initiatives such as the Chain Bridge Project and Llangollen's Town of Culture BID.

"From when I was first joined the council, through to becoming Mayor, Gareth has always been there with advice, guidance and reassurance.

"His hard work over 14 years has left a lasting impact on our community and I'm delighted that tonight we can recognise that in a very special way.


"So, Gareth, thank you for everything - your hard work, your support, your patience and your good humour. 
We wish you a very happy and peaceful retirement. 
You'll certainly be missed."

Gareth himself said: "It's been an honour to work in your lovely town and I've met some lovely people. As I have said to our councillors, this is the longest I have worked anywhere - 14 years.

"I hope this fantastic community will continue to go from strength to strength and it's a shame you didn't get to be UK Town of Culture but you've got a lot more to offer than just culture, and hopefully next time round you can do that.

"It's just amazing to see there's so many people here tonight. And, you know, I'm trying not to cry, so thank you, I really appreciate it and I wish you all well for the future. Thank you."

The Mayor said he was delighted to announce that Gareth had been selected as community champion for the month of September by Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins.

John Gambles, chair of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, stepped forward to present the retiring clerk with a boxed Eisteddfod medal which is being inscribed in with his name in honour of the support he has given over the years to the festival.

A video of Gareth's grandchildren saying hello to him was beamed onto the hall's big screen and people gathered around to see the numerous leaving presents bought for him by colleagues in the council and friends in many organisations in the town. There was also a memory book to sign.

From the council came a painting of the Chain Bridge, whose restoration he oversaw during his time as clerk, a wooden bench meticulously etched with his name and iconic images of the area, plus a presentation pen.

* Llangollen Silver Band play a welcoming medley of Bond themes to welcome Gareth Thomas to his farewell party, which was packed with friends and colleagues.

* The Mayor gives his farewell speech to Gareth.

* The special Eisteddfod medal.

* Gareth with his leaving presents including the specially-etched bench.