Mayor welcomes constructive meeting with police over anti-social behaviour

 

* Mayor Damon Richards-Gwilliam with Inspector Joseph Dunn, Area Inspector - Conwy & Denbighshire Rural.

Senior officers are keen to work with partners to improve the way Llangollen is policed. 

That was the key message which came from a recent top-level meeting chaired by the Town Mayor, Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam, which brought together Llangollen town councillors, representatives from Llantysilio Community Council, local county councillor Karen Edwards and Inspector Joseph Dunn and Sergeant Lisa Jones from North Wales Police. 

This followed on-going concerns about anti-social behaviour, particularly over the recent bank holiday weekend. 

Cllr Richards-Gwilliam said: “While policing and parking enforcement do not fall within the Town Council’s formal remit, we have played a leading role in bringing key partners together in response to sustained public concern. 

“The meeting followed the recent open letter I sent out to residents acknowledging these issues and outlining the council’s intention to act as a facilitator for collective action to address them. 

“From the outset it was clear that the police are keen to work collaboratively with the various partners involved to support improvements within the town. I am grateful to Inspector Dunn and Sgt Jones for their time and attention on this matter, and I look forward to working closely with them to build a strong working relationship between the police and the town. 

“The meeting was constructive and forward-looking, with a shared focus on working together more closely and maintaining open dialogue, particularly around how partners can best support the town during peak periods, including times when anti-social behaviour is more prevalent.”

The Mayor added: “A number of key issues were discussed, including anti-social behaviour, police visibility, community engagement, coordination between agencies and ongoing concerns such as off-road biking, illegal parking and speeding. 

“There was also discussion around operational considerations, including how resources are deployed at peak times and the use of existing powers and processes, including dispersal orders. 

“The meeting also highlighted how important it is to report all incidents, whether by phone or online, as this helps ensure the police have an accurate picture of what is happening locally and supports the case for appropriate resources in the town. 

“This represents a positive start and I believe that all parties recognise the importance of continued partnership working and regular communication. Llangollen Town Council is determined to continue working with partners to see these issues addressed and to ensure our town remains a safe and welcoming place for all.” 

Inspector Dunn said: "I was pleased to meet with representatives from the Town Council, Community Council and wider community in what was a positive and constructive meeting focussed on solutions.

"We have listened to the concerns being raised, identified a number of practical actions, and strengthened our commitment to working together as partners. 

"Officers and PCSOs are conducting visible patrols on foot, on bike, and in vehicles throughout the town and wider community at key times, and we are working in partnership with Denbighshire County Council on solutions for concerns raised around parking at the Horseshoe Falls. 

"Community safety is a shared responsibility, and North Wales Police will continue to play its part in ensuring Llangollen remains a safe place to live, work and visit."

July events at Pengwern Community Hub

July events at Pengwern Community Hub in Llangollen are below.

South Denbighshire Community Partnership have launched a new Facebook group to consolidate all the information about child / youth friendly activities in the Dee Valley area. 

To join, follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500186615076039/

Major women's festival returning to Llangollen next month

* The Camp VC site at One Giant Leap pictured in a previous year on the event website.

What could be the UK's largest women's festival is returning to Llangollen.

Camp VC, which is due to be based for a for a fifth year at One Giant Leap in the countryside just outside town on the weekend of July 24-26, is a women-led action, adventure and moto festival that aims to bring together people from all walks of life to "try new things, challenge themselves, and celebrate freedom," according to its website.

The site adds: "Camp VC is fiercely LGBTQIA+ friendly, it's for women, trans women, and non-binary people of 18 years of age or over, who want to explore, learn, and connect.

"It’s a place where you can learn to ride a motorbike, get a tattoo, write poetry, or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

"The festival is all about inclusivity, empowerment, and community - welcoming everyone regardless of experience, background or age.

"Expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere with a strong sense of camaraderie. Camp VC is a safe space to be yourself, try new things, and connect with others. It’s empowering, inspiring, and full of energy - but never intimidating. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a total beginner, you’ll feel right at home."

Organisers explain: "You don’t need any experience in motorbikes or adventure sports — just an open mind and a willingness to try something new."

And there's a list of activities that people can try, including: 

* Beginners Dirt Riding School – Learn to ride a motorbike in a supportive environment.

* Skate Workshops – Try your hand at skateboarding.

* Poetry Writing Sessions – Get creative and express yourself - have a go writing Punk Poetry!

* DIY Power Tool Workshops – Learn practical skills and build confidence.

*Tattoo Artists – Get inked by talented artists (a popular tradition for many attendees!).

* You can also just chill out, meet amazing people, and soak up the festival vibes.

* The diversion route, with the one-way system represented by a solid blue line and the diversion route shown as a dashed blue line.

Denbighshire County has sent out notification that a temporary one-way traffic system will be in operation on various roads in the area from July 24-26 to allow access to the event site at One Giant Leap. This will include a one-way traffic system and a diversion route.

According to the county council, the one-way system will be in place between Pengwern and Tyn Celyn from 8am until 6pm on the two days of the event. Affected roads are Tyn Dwr Road and Tyn Dwr Youth Hostel road.

The notification adds that the diversion will be via Maesmawr Road towards Hill Street and along Hill Street to Bache Mill Road.

Billy Ocean leads another hot Pavilion party

* Billy Ocean headlines at the Pavilion.

At the start of another tropical night in the Pavilion legendary singer-songwriter Billy Ocean asked the sell-out audience “are you ready to party?”

You bet we were and for the next or so that’s exactly what happened.

Early on came Love Really Hurts Without You, his 1976 breakthrough hit which propelled him to international stardom.

And still in fine voice after half a century of hit making he followed with more biggies like One World, Nights (Feel Like Getting Down), Get Outta My Dreams and  Into My Car, Suddenly and Loverboy. 

The audience’s phones were out in force to capture the image of him radiating Red Light Spells Danger as they sang along to every word of it, chorus after chorus.

There was a more reflective The Colour of Love which he rendered for all its melodic worth and a touching tribute to the great Bob Marley with No Woman, No Cry.

But we knew there were more music history-makers coming and he obliged with When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going, Daylight and Caribbean Queen. 

Billy was preceded onto the brilliantly-lit stage by another British legend, Marti Pellow and his message at the outset was that he’d cut down on the chat and spend more time on the music.

He kept that promise in fine style presenting a selection which mixed his hits from the Wet Wet Wet days, his successful solo career and other artistes.

And on they came – Sweet Little Mystery, Angel Eyes, Wishing I Was Lucky, Ain’t No Stopping Us Now, Goodnight Girl, Wishing I Was Lucky and The Beatles’ With a Little Help From My Friends, before he rounded off with the one he’ll always be remembered for Love is All Around.   

Opening the night was rising DJ star Katie Owen. 

TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2026 continues next Thursday with a headline show from Super Furry Animals.  

* Marti Pellow keeps the chat to a minimum to concentrate on the music.

* DJ Katie Owen opens the show.

* Above and below: fans enjoying the evening. 

Capacity Pavilion crowd takes David Gray to its heart

 

* David Gray emphasised his Welsh  connections throughout the night. ALL PICTURES: CUFFE & TAYLOR

A capacity crowd last night (Friday) welcomed multi‑platinum singer‑songwriter David Gray to TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion for a powerful stop on his Past & Present World Tour. 

Pembrokeshire‑raised Gray’s return to Wales brought a patriotic spark to the evening, with the audience erupting as he performed his Welsh‑titled track Nos Da Cariad — a tribute to his years living in the country. 

And throughout the night he thanked fans with warm greetings of “Diolch Llangollen” and “Diolch yn fawr iawn”, deepening the connection inside the packed Pavilion.

 

The set spanned his remarkable career, with standout moments including The One I Love, My Oh My, Be Mine, White Ladder, You’re The World To Me and This Years Love. 

A full-throated Pavilion singalong to Babylon lifted the roof before Gray closed the night in unforgettable style with Sail Away.

 

Special guests The Divine Comedy opened the evening in style — and they brought The National Express with them charming the crowd with their trademark wit and timeless song-writing.

 

* TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion continues tonight (Saturday) with a formidable headline show by Billy Ocean, joined by Marti Pellow and Katie Owen.

* A capacity Pavilion crowd delights in the performance.

* Special guests The Divine Comedy opened the evening in style. 

* Above and below: fans lapping up every moment of the experience.

Heat forces railway to cancel all Saturday services

Llangollen and Corwen Railway has taken the difficult decision to cancel all train services on Saturday following a detailed inspection of the railway and continued assessment of the forecast extreme temperatures across North Wales.

The decision follows the cancellation of the railway's Heritage Railcar services on Thursday and Friday and has been made following advice from the railway's operations, engineering and safety teams.

The railway has stressed that the safety of passengers, volunteers and staff remains its overriding priority. All customers with bookings for Saturday will receive a full refund and are being contacted directly by the railway.

David Hennigan, Trust Manager at the Llangollen and Corwen Railway, said, "This has been an exceptionally difficult week for everyone connected with the railway. Earlier this week we took the decision to cancel our Heritage Railcar services on Thursday and Friday. Following a further detailed inspection of the railway and continued assessment of the forecast temperatures, we have now also taken the difficult decision to cancel Saturday's services.

"These decisions have not been taken lightly. The safety of our passengers, volunteers and staff is absolutely critical and must always come before anything else. Whilst we know many people will be disappointed, we have a responsibility to operate safely and responsibly. I would like to thank everyone for the understanding they have shown during what has been an extremely challenging period. We are particularly grateful to our volunteers, whose professionalism and commitment throughout this week has been outstanding.

"The positive news is that, following further technical advice and our continued monitoring of conditions, we are planning to resume services on Sunday behind our popular Class 26 diesel locomotive. We are also looking forward to welcoming passengers on our Afternoon Tea Trains and Fish & Chip Trains, which will operate as planned.

"Looking further ahead, next weekend's Classic Transport Weekend remains unaffected. It is one of the highlights of our calendar and we are looking forward to welcoming hundreds of exhibitors and visitors to what promises to be another fantastic event."

The railway has confirmed that Sunday's services are expected to operate behind the Class 26 diesel locomotive, with both the popular Afternoon Tea Trains and Fish & Chip Trains running as advertised.

Customers affected by Saturday's cancellation will automatically receive a full refund. 

The Llangollen and Corwen Railway has thanked passengers for their patience and understanding during the period of extreme weather and will continue to monitor conditions closely.

For the latest service information, passengers are encouraged to visit the railway's website and follow its official social media channels.

Ambulance service declares critical incident

Following a period of sustained and significant demand, the Welsh Ambulance Service declared a critical incident at 12:00 on Friday, 26 June.

At the time the incident was declared, there were a significant number of outstanding 999 calls awaiting an ambulance response, including patients with serious and life-threatening conditions.

The declaration follows one of the busiest periods of sustained pressure the service has experienced this year.

Call volume this week has increased by 31% compared to the same period two weeks ago, with yesterday more than 50% higher. In this week alone, the Service has received around 400 more emergency 999 calls per day.

The declaration is in conjunction with increased pressure being seen across the wider NHS in Wales, following the current spell of hot weather.

Judith Bryce, Assistant Director of Operations, said: “By declaring a critical incident, it allows our teams to focus our efforts and resources on patients who are experiencing the most serious and life-threatening emergencies.

“People contacting us with less serious conditions are likely to experience longer waits. In some cases, patients may be clinically assessed and advised to seek alternative care, rather than an ambulance being dispatched.

“We are asking the public to support us during this time by only calling 999 in a genuine, life‑threatening emergency.”

If you are unwell or have a minor injury, you can visit the NHS 111 Wales website or try Albot - The NHS Wales Digital assistant, which can help you find answers to most questions and can help you access the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

Although temperatures are expected to fall over the coming days, demand for ambulance services is expected to remain high.

The Trust will continue to implement all available measures to restore normal service as quickly and safely as possible.

While the warm weather continues, the Welsh Ambulance Service is encouraging people to take simple steps to protect their health by staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure during the hottest parts of the day, and checking in on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbours.

The Trust would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding, and our staff for their continued professionalism and dedication during this exceptionally challenging period.

Pollution in the Dee is back, confirms environment watchdog

llanblogger exclusive

Pollution in the River Dee through Llangollen is back, according to Natural Resources Wales.

In May llanblogger published a special report featuring claims that some form of pollutant was coming from upstream of the Horseshoe Falls, dirty foam was collecting in eddies of water and on rocks and about 20 kayakers had become sick with serious gastro-intestinal problems during a river festival in April.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, which are jointly responsible for the Dee, both said their expert teams would work to find out what was causing the problem.

A few weeks later both organisations reported that the cause had been found to be a misconnection issue where a private wastewater pipe was connected to the incorrect surface water drainage network.

Philip Barrett, Senior Officer, Denbighshire Environment Team at NRW, said at the time: "The misconnection issue has been raised with Denbighshire County Council, and a separate operator has carried out repair works to a damaged section of a wastewater inspection chamber."

However, llanblogger has been hearing since that pollution continues to blight the river and early this morning (Friday) representatives of NRW, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and Denbighshire County Council could be seen conferring near the bridge.

A spokesperson from NRW said: "Recent investigations into the odour and fungal growth at the Llangollen outfall found that the situation had been improving.

"Following further reports on this, we have identified that the issue has returned. We attended the site on 26 June with Denbighshire Council and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water to try and determine the source of the issue. Samples have been collected and the investigations are continuing. 

“If anyone suspects a pollution incident, please report it to our 24-hour incident line on 03000 65 3000 or by using our online form."

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and Denbighshire Council have also been asked to comment.

* llanblogger took this picture of what appears to be a patch of foam or scum floating on the water's surface near the bridge this morning. NRW has been asked to say whether it is connected to the latest pollution incident.

Woman says iphone saved her life after Horseshoe Pass car plunge

A mum who plunged 330ft off the Horseshoe Pass in her car says her iPhone saved her life - after it triggered a 999 call.

* For the full story, see the Denbighshire Free Press at: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/26219097.survivor-thanks-iphone-330ft-horseshoe-pass-plunge/

Bike bus is back in the saddle

* The sun was back out, the sky was blue and the traffic was light. In all, it was the perfect morning earlier today (Friday) for the famous Llangollen bike bus of cycling youngsters and parents to make its latest trip to school via Abbey Road, Castle Street, Bridge Street, St Collen's car park and Regent Street, Brook Street and Pengwern.

DJ Pete Tong brings a hot taste of Ibiza to Llangollen

* Pete Tong at the turntable. ALL PICTURES CUFFE & TAYLOR. 

The sun-soaked shores of Ibiza came to North Wales as dance music pioneer Pete Tong brought his world-renowned Ibiza Classics show to TK Maxx presents Live At Llangollen Pavilion last night (Thursday) as part of his summer run of dates.  

Alongside the Essential Orchestra, the capacity crowd were treated to a full-on summer dance party - complete with the Mediterranean temperatures.

Arriving on stage Pete and the orchestra made their intentions pretty clear blasting out Right Here Right Now, before performing a string of dance music hits including Lola’s Theme, Children, Where Love Lives, Toca’s Miracle, Rhythm of the Night, Zombie Nation, Insomnia and Freed From Desire before ending on Sandstorm and Cafe Del Mar. An encore of Don’t You Worry Child and You Got The Love ended the 90-minute set. 

 

Award-winning DJ Paulette kicked off the night warming up the crowd with a set of dance party anthems. 

 

TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2026 continues tonight (Friday) with a huge headline show from David Gray.

* The Essential Orchestra in action.

* DJ Paulette opens the show.

* Above and below: fans loving it.

Discounted travel on the railway for veterans on Armed Forces Day

* Retired Royal Engineers Lieutenant Colonel Huw Parker is a steam locomotive driver at Llangollen and Corwen Railway.

This Saturday, June 27 is Armed Forces Day, held to recognise the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served, and continue to serve.

And Llangollen and Corwen Railway will be celebrating this important occasion by continuing their tradition of offering discounted travel to all current and former Armed Services personnel on its trains. 

The celebration has been championed by Lieutenant Colonel Huw Parker, a Llangollen and Corwen volunteer for over 40 years and highly decorated former army officer. 

He has provided the Armed Forces Day flag that will be proudly flown and displayed at the railway for the day.

 

Huw said: “There has always been a strong connection between Britain's railways and the Armed Forces. From transporting troops and supplies during times of conflict to supporting national resilience in times of peace, railways have played a vital role in our nation's history. 

"Equally, many veterans have gone on to make significant contributions to the railway industry, bringing with them invaluable skills, leadership and experience. The Armed Forces Day flag is a fitting symbol of our appreciation for the service and sacrifice made by military personnel past and present."

 

Llangollen Railway supports the Armed Forces community throughout the whole year, offering a 10% discount on on-the-day fares for both serving and retired members of the forces upon presentation of a valid military identification card.

 

On Father's Day the railway welcomed Major Brian Harper with his family. 

And railway officials say they were fascinated to learn that, not only did Brian serve for an astonishing 47 years in the British Army, but he also worked as a fireman on the Ruabon-Barmouth Railway whilst it was still part of the national network. 

Leaving the railway for the Army in 1955, Brian embarked on a remarkable journey of service to his country. It was an honour to host Brian some 70y years after he hung up his firing shovel to travel on the railway again. Later this year Brian will celebrate his 90^th birthday and still sings bass with the Shrewsbury Male Voice Choir.

 

David Hennigan, Trust Manager at the Railway, said: “It was a true honour to have met Brian just a week before Armed Services Day, he really is an inspirational fellow. His story perfectly illustrates why Heritage Railways like the Llangollen & Corwen Railway matter. 

"They are not simply about locomotives, stations and infrastructure; they are about people, memories and the extraordinary lives that have intersected with our railway over generations. We can’t wait to welcome more inspirational folk from our armed services on Saturday along with their families and hope that they enjoy their day with us."

 

The railway is operating a reduced, diesel-hauled timetable on both Saturday June 27 and 28 due to the ongoing hot and dry weather.

 

Train times and advanced tickets are available from our website at: https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/timetable/

 

Discounted travel is available to all current and former Armed Services personnel throughout the year upon production of a valid military identification or veteran’s card.

Town Hall provides cool space today as temperature soars

With temperatures soaring to a predicted new high today (Thursday) Llangollen Town Council has opened up the front door and foyer of the Town Hall to provide a cool space where people can get out of the sun for a while.

The council's Facebook page says: "There are chairs in the foyer for you to sit down to take a rest while out and about in Llangollen today."

New Dot celebrates first year back with La La Land

New Dot Cinema, Llangollen's community cinema is to celebrate a year since its relaunch, with a special screening of a Hollywood blockbuster..

One year ago, on July 25, the doors opened at Llangollen's Town Hall to relaunch New Dot. 

Now, as candles are lit on the cake - popcorn-scented, naturally - the cinema is marking its first anniversary in style with a special screening of the Oscar-winning musical romance La La Land this July.

Over the past year, New Dot has brought the magic of the big screen back to the heart of Llangollen, screening everything from timeless classics to modern blockbusters — all within a stones throw of home.

What started as a community idea has blossomed into a genuine local institution, welcoming film lovers through its doors on a monthly basis.

"We couldn't think of a better film to celebrate with than La La Land," said Olivia Brown, New Dot's chairperson. 

"The world is quite a dark place at the moment and we wanted to bring some cheery cinematic light, magic and colour for our anniversary screening. The past year has really been a learning curve for our volunteers but our audience has been so supportive and we've loved bringing great films
to the town."

The anniversary screening of La La Land will take place on Friday, July 24 at Llangollen Town Hall, with tickets, as always, £6.

New Dot's June screening is Wes Anderson's fantastically whimsical Isle of Dogs, which is exactly the imaginative film you'd expect from this director. It will be showing on this coming Friday, June 26 at the Town Hall.

And coming up later in the summer is The Life of Chuck on Friday August 28, a story that is told in three parts shown in reverse chronological order, adapted from a Stephen King book of the same name.

This is followed by Rebuilding on Friday September 25 - a gentle, moving story of how a man who has lost everything in a forest fire rebuilds his life.

* Tickets for Isle of Dogs, La La Land and all New Dot's films are available from Ticket Source, Porter's delicatessen, Market St, Llangollen (cash only) and on the door.