Llangollen Operatic chooses Sweeney Todd as next production

 

Llangollen Operatic Society has announced that its next show will be Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Show dates will be from April 22 to 24 2027.

Auditions will be taking place this November.

Latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council

Latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council is:

5 BIRCH HILL LLANGOLLEN, 07/01/2027, Gwaith BT/ BT Works SUNBELT RENTALS (DCC), Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

OPPOSITE 14 PENGWERN, 29/10/2026 - 30/10/2026, Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

DEE BRIDGE, CASTLE STREET, 17/12/2026 - 18/12/2026, Arolygiad Pont / Bridge Works DCC BRIDGES AND STRUCTURE, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A539, JUNCTION OF GRANGE ROAD, 11/11/2026 - 13/11/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works QUANTUM TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Market Street/East St, 01/02/2027 - 26/03/2027, Gwelliannau Diogelwch ar y Ffyrdd/ Road Safety Improvements, DCC - WORKS UNIT, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A5 Berwyn Street across Market Street, Llangollen, 28/10/2026 - 30/10/2026, Ailwynebu/ Resurfacing NMWTRA (DCC), Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

FROM Butlers Street and Regent Street Llangollen LL20 8HN, BUTLERS HILL, 18/12/2026, gwaith BT/ BT Works SUNBELT RENTALS (DCC), Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

AT JUNCTION WITH QUEEN STREET/BROOK STREET, until 21/10/2026, Adfer Adeilad / Building Renovation CORE HIGHWAYS (WREXHAM),

From Castle Street to East Street, 28/11/2026, Ffair Nadolig / Christmas Fair CHAPTER 8 SOLUTIONS, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Birch Hill, Geufron, Llangollen 11/01/2027, Gwaith BT/ BT Works SUNBELT RENTALS (DCC) LLANGOLLEN, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Overnight A5 roadworks due to begin on Thursday

* A sign on the A5 just the other side of the Coed Afon play area says the first phase of work will start from that point on Thursday. 

Drivers travelling through Llangollen between next Thursday and the end of the month are being warned to expect delays of up to 20 minutes as overnight roadworks take place on the main A5. 

The works, being carried out by contractors on behalf of the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA), will be carried out in three phases, each phase lasting for two nights:

• A5 20mph Gateway East, near Craig-y-Don and Queen Street: 22/10/2026 – 24/10/2026
• A5 Wild Pheasant to Aldi, Berwyn Street: 24/10/2026 – 28/10/2026
• A5 Berwyn Street, including the Market Street and Hall Street junctions: 28/10/2026 – 31/10/2026

The works will be undertaken between 6pm and 6am under two-way temporary traffic signals with a 10mph convoy system in operation through the works area.

NMWTRA says this could result in a higher than usual level of noise at intervals and apologises in advance for any inconvenience incurred.

They add that full consideration has been given to the impact of the work on road users, residents and workforce and explains there will be full road closures with local diversions, contra-flow and lane closures. 

NMWTRA says it will distribute a letter to properties alongside the works area informing residents and businesses.

Arrangements will also be put in place to allow customers/workers to access and leave the properties within the works area.

* Further information, including regular updates, regarding this project can be obtained on the website of the Welsh Government’s Traffic Information Service www.traffic.wales.

Appeal for witnesses follows break-in at Star Inn

* The Star Inn which is due to have its official re-opening on November 7.

Owners have put out an appeal for witnesses after a break-in at Llangollen's Star Inn which they say has caused up to £20,000 worth of damage to the pub just weeks away from its grand re-opening following a major renovation.

And they have posted pictures from the building's CCTV on their Facebook page of the people they suspect are responsible.

The Star is due to have a "soft" re-opening on Friday November 6 followed by a full-blown party the following evening to which many local people have been invited.

In their post this lunchtime about the break-in the Star team says: "Unfortunately, at around 9:30pm last night (Friday 16th October), two individuals decided to break into The Star Inn and cause significant damage to our premises.

"Our front of house area has been badly damaged, with smashed glass, extensive water ingress and damage to the en-suite accommodation upstairs.

"We are still assessing the full extent of the destruction, but initial estimates suggest between £15,000 and £20,000 worth of damage.

"After all the hard work, time and investment that has gone into bringing The Star Inn back to life, this is absolutely heartbreaking and incredibly frustrating.

"We are determined not to let the actions of two individuals undo everything we have worked towards.

"WE NEED YOUR HELP!

"If anyone saw anything suspicious in the area around 9:30pm last night, or has any information that could help identify those responsible, please get in touch privately.

"Any information received will be passed directly to the police to support their investigation.

"We ask that nobody takes matters into their own hands.

"The Star Inn is a community pub, and we won't let mindless vandalism defeat us.

"Please share this post and help us find those responsible.

"Thank you for your continued support. The Star Inn Team."

* llanblogger's policy is not to carry footage of anyone suspected of crimes. However, those posted by the Star can be seen on its own Facebook page.

Former Dinas Brân student conquers Three Peaks for good cause

* Georgia Ellams completed the Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for her humanitarian mission to Ghana. 

Former Ysgol Dinas Brân sixth-form student Georgia Ellams conquered three of the country’s most iconic peaks in just 24 hours as she steps up fundraising for a humanitarian mission to Ghana.

The 19 year old from Wrexham, who is also an award-winning Airbus apprentice, completed the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge, taking on Pen y Fan, Cadair Idris and Yr Wyddfa as part of her drive to raise funds ahead of travelling to Accra this Christmas.

Georgia, one of just 20 young people from across the UK – and only two from Wales – selected for the international project, will spend two weeks working with communities to improve access to education and clean water, including the construction of a rainwater harvesting system.

The challenge caps a memorable year for Georgia, who was also named Coleg Cambria Degree Apprenticeship Learner of the Year at the college’s Student Awards this summer.

Georgia is studying for a Degree Apprenticeship in Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering with Airbus at Deeside, where she has consistently achieved top grades and is working towards a first-class degree while gaining valuable hands-on industry experience.

She said: “The Welsh Three Peaks Challenge was a huge test, but I wanted to do something that would really push me and hopefully raise more awareness and support for the project in Ghana.

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me so far. Every donation will help us make a difference to the communities we will be working with, so any contribution, however big or small, would mean a lot.”

Georgia will undertake the humanitarian project with charity Village by Village as part of the prestigious Scouts of the World Award, one of the highest international honours in Scouting.

A Scout Leader with the Bishop’s Own group in Wrexham and Youth Lead for Wrexham Scouts District, she has been involved in the movement since the age of five and previously represented the UK at the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea.

Her commitment to Scouting has played a significant role in developing the teamwork, confidence and leadership skills she has brought to her studies and apprenticeship.

Salah Berdouk, Curriculum Director for Advanced Engineering at Coleg Cambria Deeside, said: “Georgia is an exceptional Degree Apprentice who consistently achieves top grades, but what also stands out is her kindness, positivity and willingness to support others.

“Her involvement in this humanitarian project reflects her dedication and strong values, while her experiences in Scouting have helped shape her teamwork and leadership.

“We were delighted to recognise those qualities by naming her our Degree Apprenticeship Learner of the Year and are extremely proud of everything she has achieved.”

Georgia plans to continue her studies before pursuing her ambition of a career in aerospace engineering.

* To support Georgia’s fundraising and help her make a difference to communities in Ghana, visit: Village By Village: 3 Peaks, 1 Purpose: Rainwater Collection Project for Ghana.

Railway prepares to host its Heritage Railcars Gala

* The DMU leaving Berwyn station.

Railway enthusiasts and families are in for a treat this weekend as the Llangollen and Corwen Railway prepares to host its Heritage Railcars Gala on Saturday and Sunday October 17 and 18 featuring rare vintage diesel railcars, unusual train formations and a special evening journey through the beautiful Dee Valley.

The two-day celebration will bring together four heritage railcar types, with the eagerly anticipated Gala debut of the Class 110 Calder Valley unit, following extensive restoration work by the railway's dedicated volunteers.

The Class 110, comprising vehicles 51813 and 51842, will operate alongside the distinctive Class 109 Wickham, Class 108 and Class 127/108 units, providing an exciting programme of services between Llangollen and Corwen.

One of the highlights on Saturday will be the 9.30am departure from Llangollen, featuring Classes 110, 109 and 108 operating together in an impressive six-car formation. At Glyndyfrdwy, the Class 108 will detach, allowing the Class 110 and Class 109 to continue towards Corwen.

Sunday promises even more excitement, with a special six-car formation featuring Classes 110, 108 and 127/108 on the morning departure, offering another rare opportunity to experience these historic vehicles operating together.

Throughout the weekend, visitors will be able to enjoy an intensive timetable, with opportunities to travel on different railcars and experience unusual combinations not normally seen on heritage railways.

The celebrations will extend beyond the train services themselves.

At Llangollen Station, visitors will be able to see restoration work taking place on a Class 105 Cravens trailer car, while the Class 507 Preservation Society will be hosting a railway driving simulator in the station waiting room.

• There will also be traditional railway goods loading and unloading re-enactments, providing a glimpse into railway operations of the past.
• A special Saturday Evening Landcruise will provide another highlight, with Classes 110 and 109 operating an evening service departing Llangollen at 6.30pm.
• The train will pause at Glyndyfrdwy, where Porters Bar and the Tea Room will be open, before continuing to Corwen and returning to Llangollen at approximately 9.05pm.
• The evening journey is included at no additional charge for Gala ticket holders, while children under 16 can also travel free. Other adults can enjoy the evening service for £10.
• Jordan and the railway's catering team will be serving food and refreshments throughout the weekend, including catering for the Saturday evening train.

John Joyce from Llangollen Railcars said, "This promises to be a fantastic weekend for everyone who loves heritage railways, and particularly for those with a passion for Britain's classic diesel railcars.

"The debut of our Class 110 Calder Valley is a very special moment. It represents an enormous amount of dedication and hard work by our volunteers, who have spent countless hours bringing this wonderful piece of railway history back to life.

"We've put together a really exciting programme, with unusual formations, plenty of opportunities to travel behind different units, and a special evening service through the Dee Valley.

"But this isn't just an event for railway enthusiasts. Families and visitors looking for something different to do this weekend will find plenty to enjoy, from the beautiful scenery to the restoration displays and driving simulator.

"Most importantly, it's a celebration of our volunteers and everything they do to keep these historic vehicles operating for future generations."

Tickets for the Heritage Railcars Gala cost £36 for adults and £6 for children for a single day, or £65 for adults and £10 for children for the full weekend.

Tickets can be booked online at:

https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/special-events-in-2026/heritage-railcar-gala

The Saturday Evening Landcruise can also be booked separately at:

https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/special-events-in-2026/saturday-evening-landcru

All services and advertised formations are subject to operational requirements and vehicle availability.

Care home residents take sentimental journey on memory train

* The journey begins as Mario Kreft MBE Pendine Park proprietor waves the green flag to signal the departure of the Memory Train experience for the Pendine Park residents. They are pictured with (L/R) train guard Grant Latham, Teagan Rowlands, care practitioner, residence Sandra Swift, Sarah Edwards, Pendine consultant artist in residence, residents Gwen Davies and Mary Prytherch, care practitioner. Pictures by Mandy Jones

* On board the train are Jason Bennion, creative arts consultant, and resident Irene Bishop.    

* Pianist Chris Simms who played for the train passengers.

Care home residents living with dementia were taken on a nostalgic “trip down memory train” through the picturesque Dee Valley.

Around 50 residents from Pendine Park’s care homes in Wrexham travelled on the first dedicated Memory Train service between Llangollen and Corwen.

The special trip was organised by Llangollen Railway and Pendine Park to mark World Alzheimer’s Day, with the leisurely journey designed to spark memories of rail travel from years gone by.

The idea came from railway manager Dave Hennigan whose grandmother died after suffering Alzheimer’s. He hopes the new initiative will become the first of many trips for people with dementia.

Entertainment was provided on the platform in Llangollen by Corwen musician Chris Sims who played the piano and sang nostalgic hits including Blue Moon, Blueberry Hill, It's a Long Way to Tipperary and Show Me the Way to Go Home.

During the journey, Dee Valley Tours guide Louise Scotcher was on hand to tell the residents about the history of the railway and the region, as well as talk to them about their train experiences.

The residents were treated to snacks and drinks on arriving at Corwen and then enjoyed tea and cake on the platform back at Llangollen on their return.

Pendine Park owner Mario Kreft MBE said: "I think it was a fantastic experience for our residents, a real trip down memory train.

"Dave Hennigan and everyone from the railway trust in Llangollen have done a wonderful job in organising such a memorable occasion.

"We know Dave from his involvement with the Llangollen Eisteddfod which we support, and the idea he came up with of our residents going on this first Memory Train was an offer too good to refuse.

"Trains and railways bring back such wonderful memories for many of our residents, I suppose as a child so many people would say they wanted to be a train driver.

 

"This is the first Memory Train, and we have supported in various ways the Llangollen trust that runs the railway, and they are all volunteers, just a group of hugely committed people, so it is fantastic to be working with them on this new venture.

Dave Hennigan said: "My grandma had Alzheimer's and I felt strongly there was not enough support and not enough engaging things for her to do when she was suffering.

"That stuck in my head and the idea for the Memory Train came from a discussion with Mario.

“Our first Memory Train was made possible with generous support from Dementia Aware Denbighshire, helping us raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.”

Sarah Edwards, Pendine Park's consultant artist in residence, organised the trip for the residents.

She said: "It was wonderful to see the joy on our residents' faces and them reminiscing about their past travels on trains.

"And you do get such wonderful views of the Welsh countryside from this train, you can't really ask for more.

"The railway trust have been wonderful with our residents and we can't thank them enough, they have been so helpful and caring.

"There was such a lovely atmosphere on the train and everyone enjoyed themselves so much.”

The sentimental journey certainly brought back happy memories for the residents who enjoyed their trip down the tracks.

Resident Gwen Davies said: "The journey was absolutely lovely, you get wonderful views of the countryside from the train.

"I would go on trains years ago, but nothing like this, it is a nice way to spend the day and brings back some very good memories."

Irene Bishop said: "I loved the train trip, it felt like I was out looking for my friends.

"I love trains, though I never want them to go too fast, so this journey was lovely.

"It is nice for us all to be together and enjoying the day."

Pianist and singer Chris Sims was delighted to play a part in the first Memory Train.

He performed as the residents and staff got on to the train at Llangollen, and performed again after they returned to the town after their trip out.

Chris, who appeared in the first series of the Channel 4 music competition show The Piano in 2023, said: "I used to play at Pendine Park's homes, so I know the organisation very well, I used to do a lot of care homes, all over Wales.”

Dee Valley Tours guide Louise Scotcher said she was thrilled to be the guide on the first Memory Train on the Llangollen Railway.

Louise, who qualified to be a guide with the North Wales Tourist Guide Association three years ago, said: "Because it was a Memory Train, I spoke about the train being from the 1950s and spoke to the residents about what they could remember about trains from that era.

"I have been a guide on this railway with other groups about six or seven times before, and also work on other railways, so I have become something of a train enthusiast, I really enjoy it.”

* The next Memory Trains will be running on Friday, October 30, from 10am-12.30pm, Friday March 26 10am - 12.30pm and Thursday April 1 10-12pm. If people want to travel with their loved ones on the memory train, then please contact the Railway on 01978 860979, or email info@llangollen-railway.co.uk