Engine to be renamed 'The Lady of Llangollen' for Mother’s Day

* No. 3802 to be temporarily renamed The Lady of Llangollen.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway has announced that its powerful Great Western freight locomotive No. 3802 will be temporarily renamed The Lady of Llangollen this weekend, as the railway marks a special Mother’s Day celebration dedicated to the women who have shaped the history and spirit of the Dee Valley.

The renaming forms part of a wider programme celebrating the Women of the Railway, recognising both historic and contemporary women connected with Llangollen. 

Among those being celebrated are the legendary Ladies of Llangollen, Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, whose story continues to define the cultural identity of the town, alongside modern-day railway figures such as Llangollen Station Master Mandy Towers, whose leadership and commitment reflect the strong community spirit that underpins the heritage line.

Mandy will spend Mother’s Day in a way that perfectly captures that spirit, working throughout the day at Llangollen Railway Station alongside her sons Joe and Cai, both of whom play important operational roles on the railway.

Another local mother helping to make the day special is Anita Piatkowska, who will be serving guests aboard the railway’s popular Afternoon Tea services. 

She said: “Mother’s Day is always a very special occasion on the railway. There is something truly magical about enjoying afternoon tea on a heritage train as it travels through the Dee Valley. It is lovely to be part of creating those memories for families, and I am proud to be helping deliver such a special experience.

"Mother’s Day weekend provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the remarkable contribution women have made, and continue to make, to the story of Llangollen and the success of the railway. Renaming No. 3802 as ‘The Lady of Llangollen’ reflects both our heritage and the family spirit that is so central to our organisation.”

The railway confirmed that while this weekend’s Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea services are now fully sold out, Afternoon Tea on the Dee experiences are available at selected dates throughout the year, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy traditional afternoon tea served in heritage surroundings while travelling the full length of the line.

Throughout the weekend, steam-hauled services will operate between Llangollen and Corwen, allowing visitors to take part in the celebrations and witness the renaming of No.3802.

* Tickets for weekend steam services are available at:
https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/travel

Latest local roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council

Latest local roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council are:

Pengwern / Trem Yr Ysgol, Llangollen, 30/03/2026 - 30/04/2026, Gwaith Teithio Llesol / Active Travel Works PRONIN LIMITED, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

O/S LLANGOLLEN PAVILION CAR PARK ENTRANCE - ADJ NO. 9 ABBEY ROAD, until 20/03/2026, Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST UTILITIES, Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

A542 AT JUNCTION OF BROOK STREET, PENGWERN, until 30/04/2026, Gwaith Teithio Llesol / Active Travel Works PRONIN LIMITED,  Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

JUNCTION REGENT STREET, HILL STREET, 15/05/2026 - 22/05/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works RNR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

OUTSIDE PENDYFFRYN, GRANGE ROAD, 05/05/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works PLATINUM (DCC), Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

ABBEY ROAD, 13/04/2026 - 30/04/2026, Ailwynebu/ Resurfacing DCC HIGHWAYS, Confoi 10 mya/10 mph Convoy

A542 Carriageway, HORSESHOE PASS, 24/03/2026 - 02/04/2026, Ailwynebu/ Resurfacing DCC HIGHWAYS, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A542, APPROXIMATLEY GWEN HEFR A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD, 06/05/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works RPO WILLIAMS CIVIL ENGINEER, Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

Have your say on part you could play in UK Town of Culture process

                 * Have your say at the railway between 9am and 10am.

This Saturday you can have your say on how the voice of the local community is heard in the current UK Town of Culture competition.

At a packed public meeting in the Town Hall last month it was unanimously decided that Llangollen should go ahead with a bid to win the coveted title and land prize money of up to £3 million.

At its last meeting the Town Council, which is spearheading the process, approved the submission of an official expression of interest in the competition, which is being run by the UK Government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for towns in Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

* Have your say at the Town Hall from 10.30am until 3.30pm.

Finalists and the winning town will be announced in early 2027. The delivery year will be 2028.

This Saturday researchers working on behalf of the DCMS will be at Llangollen Railway Station between 9 and 10am, located outside the café on Platform 1, to hear your views on how the public should help choose between the towns in the competition and their bids.

Afterwards, the researchers will continue the conversation at Llangollen Town Hall from 10.30am until 3.30pm.

Update on St Collen's Genesis project

 

Activity afternoon at St Collen's on Good Friday

 

Christmas arrives early for Llangollen and Corwen Railway

* Christmas on Llangollen railway last year.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway has unveiled its plans for an "even bigger, brighter and more magical" festive season, with more trains, more experiences, and even more opportunities for families to create Christmas memories. 

Following the phenomenal success of last year’s season, when every single Santa Special sold out, the railway has decided to launch tickets a full nine months before Christmas. 

The first Christmas services will be on Saturday, November 28 – with services up to Christmas Eve. Tickets will also be available from Friday for its popular Sion Corn Welsh Language Christmas Experiences and its hugely popular Mince Pie Specials, which will be extended right into 2027.

 

Tickets are now available here: https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/santa-specials1

The decision comes after huge demand from visitors from across the UK who told the railway they wanted the chance to secure their festive trip well in advance. 

For the first time ever, families can also add optional ticket refund protection when booking, allowing them to recover 100% of the ticket price if plans change, offering extra peace of mind when booking early.

 

Even better news for families is that prices have been frozen for 2026, ensuring this much-loved experience remains accessible while continuing to deliver the high-quality festive magic that visitors have come to expect.

 

The railway’s famous Santa Specials will once again take passengers on a magical winter journey through the breathtaking Dee Valley. Festively decorated carriages, cheerful elves, and a special visit from Santa himself will create a truly unforgettable experience for children and adults alike.

 

At the start of the journey, adults will receive a warming mulled wine and festive mince pie at Llangollen, while children will enjoy special festive treats before boarding their Christmas adventure.

 

Santa will travel on board the train before settling into his grotto at Lapland in Carrog, where families can enjoy a special meet and greet, take photographs, and share a magical festive moment together. Each child will also receive a high-quality age-appropriate present.

 

Visitors will also be able to enjoy high quality festive food at Lapland, with a range of options available to pre-order online from September, helping families plan their perfect Christmas day out in advance.

 

With additional seating available and more services planned than ever before, even more families will be able to enjoy this wonderful Christmas tradition.

 

Anita Piatowska of the Llangollen and Corwen Railway said: “Our Christmas trains have become one of the most magical festive experiences anywhere in the UK and every year we welcome families who return to create new memories together. 

"Last year our Santa Specials completely sold out, which shows just how much people love the experience. By putting tickets on sale a full nine months before Christmas, we’re giving families the chance to secure their seats early and avoid missing out.

 

“We’ve frozen our prices for 2026, expanded the number of services and listened carefully to feedback from visitors and volunteers. With the return of high-quality age-appropriate presents, more trains and even more festive atmosphere, we believe this will be our most exciting Christmas season yet.” 

Tickets for the Santa Specials are on sale now, with the railway encouraging visitors to book early before the most popular dates sell out.

 

Tickets for additional festive services including Sion Corn Welsh Language Trains and Mince Pie Specials will be released this Friday. 

Tickets are available here: https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/santa-specials1

 

 

Results showcased of a burning ambition to brighten the town

* Some of the people who organised and worked on the project with the benches in the background.

A group of dedicated community artists have had a burning ambition to use their intricate new skill to brighten up the town.

And the results of their efforts over the past few months were showcased to an appreciative audience at the Town Hall this evening (Tuesday).  

Thanks to a funding contribution from the Commuted Sums scheme, Llangollen Town Council has partnered with The Little Learning Company to run a community art project to create imagery on a number of benches using pyrography, which is the art of burning a design into the surface of the wood using a specialist tool.  

With guidance from expert tutor, Dr Victoria Ward, a dozen members of the community were enlisted to carry out the fascinating process and, since January, have burnt a variety of iconic images into 12 benches which will be placed at prime locations across the town.  

Their beautiful work celebrates the local landscape, wildlife, landmarks, history and heritage and include depictions of St Collen's Church, the International Pavilion, a steam train at Llangollen Station, Plas Newydd, Pontysyllte Aqueduct, Llangollen Wharf, the Chainbridge and Llangollen town bridge.

Others celebrate the library and Town Hall, music, theatre, dance, cinema and performance as well as reading and poetry. 

It is hoped that QR codes can be added to each bench so that people can map out a course to walk around town to admire them.

They were admired by an audience of people representing the various locations shown who were asked whether they would like to see the project extended and whether more benches are needed in the area and, if so, where they might be best placed. 

A Commuted Sum is a payment by developers to a local authority when it is not appropriate to provide the required outdoor open space during a development. 

The funds are held specifically for the enhancement of open spaces and play areas, and are often used for the same town or community council from where they came.

The Town Mayor, Cllr Aled Morris, said: "I think everyone who sees them is blown away by the way the benches have turned out - the artwork is absolutely outstanding - and I'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved in the project."   

Michelle Wright from the Little learning Company said: “The opportunity to be part of a community-based project, leaving a lasting legacy around the town and passing on a new heritage skill to members of the community was an opportunity not to be missed.”

Please don't park at youth centre, says county council

An urgent appeal has gone out for people not to park at Llangollen Youth Centre.

It comes from Denbighshire County Council which says on that the car park of the building on Willow Street should be kept clear for the improvement work going on there.

The Facebook post says: "We are currently undergoing external improvement works at Llangollen Youth Centre (Willow Street, Llangollen LL20 8HH). 

"To ensure these works can proceed safely and without disruption, can we kindly ask visitors and residents not to park in the Youth Centre car park. 

"The Youth Club car park is private property and not for public use. While we understand it has been used regularly by residents, we now require the space to be clear.

"Work has begun on site, and we require the car park to be clear of vehicles as soon as possible to allow contractors full access.

"Thank you for your understanding and for helping us improve this community space."

Yee-haw! RAFA to host Country-themed fundraiser

A fundraising event with a distinctly Country theme will take place at the RAFA Club in Llangollen on Saturday March 14.

Boot, Scoot & Bid will feature line dancing, a Shania Twain tribute act, a Country disco and an auction.

Entry is free, but all attendees are encouraged to bid on the auction to raise money for Derwen Charity, which supports young people with SEND who attend Derwen College in Gobowen, near Oswestry. Doors open at 6pm.

 

If you would like to donate an auction prize to support the fundraising efforts, get in touch with Serena Young (serena.young@derwen.ac.uk) or Bryony Wesson (bryony.wesson@derwen.ac.uk) at Derwen College.

 

Health board staying in Special Measures 'is no surprise' says MS

* Darren Millar MS.

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives and Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has expressed his "deep concern" at last week's announcement that Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which covers Llangollen, is to remain in Special Measures, but said it comes as no surprise.  

The troubled health board was first placed in Special Measures back in 2015 due to serious concerns about governance, leadership, and the quality of care. 

It remained in this position for over five years before moving to Targeted Intervention in November 2020, shortly before a Senedd election. 

It was subsequently placed back into Special Measures in February 2023 and has now spent longer in Special Measures than any other organisation in the history of the NHS.     

Commenting on last week's announcement, Mr Millar, who days earlier called for an independent body to make decisions about special measures and intervention in the Welsh NHS, rather than politicians, said: "Last week's announcement that the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board will remain in Special Measures will come as no surprise to the people of North Wales.
 
"They know from their own personal experiences, and those of loved ones and friends, that the health board is failing on many levels and has been for years. 

"It was first placed in Special Measures, and therefore under direct control of the Welsh Government, back in 2015 and this latest announcement has confirmed that the situation is no better all these years on.     

"Patients, families and frontline staff deserve so much more than promises and reports. We are demanding action and improvement. 

"Only days before this announcement, it was reported in the press that an elderly patient died in an Emergency Department corridor in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd -  on her own and in view of other patients. The situation is simply barbaric.

"As I recently stated, with Welsh Government Ministers responsible for making decisions about intervention arrangements, politics often comes first. I want patients to be put first instead.  

"An independent decision making process is needed to remove the politics, deliver rapid improvement, and give patients the service and care that is currently lacking."

Mr Millar added: "We have wonderful staff working in our NHS here in North Wales, but like the patients they serve, they are being let down.   

"Special measures are meant to be a wake-up call for improvements, not a permanent state."  

Pavilion packed for International Women's Day celebration

* A crowded Pavilion for the International Women's Day celebration.

Hundreds turned up to enjoy a free community celebration for International Women's Day held at the Llangollen Pavilion yesterday (Sunday). 

The day's events were organised by the Floral Team of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Team secretary Diana Ballard said: "Entry as free with no booking required. Everyone was welcome to inspiring talks, live entertainment, browse local crafts, artisans and exhibitors. 

"There was also a photo competition, entitled This Is My Joy, in which we encouraged women of all ages to take part. Prizes were awarded on the day."

* All pictures by Jeanette Robinson

* Soprano Clare Harrison entertains.

* Heather Aspinwall speaks about the Welsh Women's Peace Petition.

* Llangollen Museum's Gillian Smith gives her talk on The Hidden History of the Women of Llangollen.

* A colourful floral display.

* A dance group go through their paces.

Free celebration of International Women's Day at the Pavilion today

 

A free community celebration for International Women's Day will take place at Llangollen Pavilion today (Sunday March 8) from 10am-4pm. 

The day's events he have been organised by the Floral Team of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Team secretary Diana Ballard said: "Entry will be free with no booking required. Everyone is welcome to inspiring talks, live entertainment, browse local crafts, artisans and exhibitors. 

"There will also be a photo competition, entitled This Is My Joy, in which we encourage women of all ages to take part. Prizes awarded on the day."

* Details about how to apply for the competition are below:

Programme

* For more details go to the event's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1438735061110500/ 

Road closure alert for Pengwern

A road closure will be in place covering the stretch from Pen y Coed Road up towards Pengwern junction from March 9-13. 

The closure is required for resurfacing works being carried out as part of the active travel works along Brook Street and Pengwern.

* For more information on the project, go to: https://bit.ly/3Lz1rGB

Town to see red with its big Wuthering Heights day

Llangollen will be seeing red one day next June. Lots of it, in fact.

Because that's the colour at the heart of the town's first Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever, in which 250 Kate Bush fans come together in the grounds of the Plas Newydd historic house to dance to the singer's iconic 1978 hit of the same name.

For the past couple of years similar events have been held across Britain. But this will definitely be a first for Llangollen.

And it's all the more remarkable given that the local lady whose brainchild it is and who has spent months leading the dedicated team making her dream come true began her task soon after learning she was terminally ill.

Moira Gleed explained: "A few months back in 2025 someone sent me a video of one of the Most Wuthering Heights Days Ever and what a revelation it turned out to be.

"It arrived in my WhatsApp at a grim time in my life after having received a diagnosis that I was terminally ill with cancer and would start palliative care. 

"What motivated me to look further into the possibility of putting on an event like this ourselves here in Llangollen was the looks on the participants' faces of pure joy and glee I saw on that video.

"Frankly, it delighted me and bucked me up hugely to see such positive jubilation on a big scale. I thought, why can't we do that here in Llangollen and enable folk to have a similar experience?

"So, this June 20 we'll have our own event, with a capacity 250 participants dancing to that famous song by Kate Bush.

"All tickets were sold within 11 days with scores of enquiries for more but we cannot increase capacity due to health and safety. 

"But there will be an open invitation for any number of family and loved ones and bystanders to enjoy the experience too in what must rank as one of the country's most unique Gothic settings of Llangollen's own Plas Newydd - a real storybook backdrop for such an amazing piece of literature telling of the obsessive and destructive 'love' of Heathcliff and Cathy Earnshaw.

"Our professional choreographers Karen Lyon and Sarah Bright will lead the dance from the front on stage and they are currently preparing videos that will be sent out to ticket holders so they can in a bit of practice beforehand."

As they arrive dancers, wearing red dresses or items as requested, will be led to the lawned area with the stone circle where the dance will take place. 

At noon there will be picnics, with entertainment during lunch being provided by the day's MC Charlie Jones plus local musicians and some interviews with the red-clad dancers. 

The actual performance starts at 1.30pm - with options for encores if requested.

Professional photographer Jane Evans from Garth will be on hand to capture scenes from the memorable day.

Moira added: "People are coming from far and wide - London to Cumbria, the North West to Yorkshire and beyond and of course more locally.

"We still have a few details to work on but none of this could have been done without our amazing team who drive this thing ever forward. 

"Full credit goes to them for listening to the ramblings of yours truly and still being prepared to stick their necks out and do something so totally different to what's been tried before in Llangollen. What an amazing crew they are!

"All money raised will go to Welsh Women's Aid to help with the amazing work they do across our country.

"Thanks everyone for reading this and we hope to see you all on Saturday June 20 at Plas Newydd."