Llangollen Flower Club to host coffee morning on June 3

 

Work to repair Newbridge Road remains 'on track' says story

* A picture of the work at Newbridge Road by Cllr Rondo Roberts.

Work to repair Newbridge Road remains "on track" for completion this summer, a local councillor has told the Leader. 

* For the full story, go to: Work to repair Newbridge Road on track, councillor says | The Leader

Llangollen Round Challenge gets successfully underway

* Llangollen Round Challengers step out through town earlier today. 

Bands of determined-looking walkers were out in force in the town this morning (Saturday) as the fifth Llangollen Round Challenge got underway.

Organisers say more than 750 walkers from across the UK and abroad - plus a small army of volunteer helpers - are taking part in the largest-ever Challenge today and tomorrow, all raising funds for Cancer Research UK. 

The often gruelling 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.

The amount raised for Cancer Research UK (CRUK) by the challenge has climbed steadily to almost £120,000 which has been boosted by government returns on charity donations.

If anything shows the tremendous support for the event it is the scores of participants' cars packing onto the Eisteddfod's overflow parking area this morning. The school playing field was also full of their vehicles. 

* More trekkers head out along Castle Street.

* A huge number of vehicles on the overflow car park.

June what's on guide for Pengwern Community Hub

What's on guide for June at Pengwern Community Hub is:

Kids go free as Llanfest comes back with a bang to Pavilion

* Kuff Dam are looking forward to opening the Llanfest Party.

Llangollen’s iconic music event is back with a bang for Llanfest 2025, promising a day of unforgettable live music, family-friendly fun, and an unbeatable festival atmosphere in the heart of North Wales. 

This much-anticipated event will take place at the Llangollen Pavilion on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM.

This year’s line-up features a stellar mix of headline acts and emerging talent, ensuring something for everyone. From the big-name headliners to exciting local bands, the festival will showcase the best of indie, rock, and pop music. 

Among the first to take the stage are Llangollen’s own Kuff Dam, a four-piece indie rock band whose influences span The Verve, Muse, The Amazons, and Royal Blood. Popular local DJ Dave Boss will be playing indie pop, Ska, and rock classics throughout the day.

Luke from Kuff Dam shared his excitement: "We are absolutely buzzing to be playing Llanfest this year. As local lads, we’ve been wanting to get on the bill for a few years now, so getting the opportunity to open up the show in our hometown is proper mint! We’ve been busy gigging recently and are really looking forward to adding Llanfest to our dates."

The full Llanfest line-up includes:

• Kuff Dam – Indie rock and roll originals from Llangollen.
• The Cazadors – A five-piece rock, funk, and soul band from Llangollen.
• Seprona – A 'hip-shaking' five-piece rock band from Liverpool, making a welcome return to Llanfest.
• Muddy Elephant – A four-piece indie band from Manchester known for their energetic performances.
• Galore – Seven-piece psychedelic revivalists influenced by 60s British Invasion, Freakbeat, and Mod.
• Monstaball – Renowned for high-energy performances and exceptional musicianship, delivering exhilarating party vibes.
• Chilled – An indie rock band formed in 1998, based in and around Corwen.
• Amnesia – A Liverpool-based club classics dance band performing euphoric dance tracks 100% live.

Keith Potts from the Llangollen Pavilion said: "Llanfest 2025 is a true celebration of music, community, and culture, bringing together festival-goers of all ages. 

"Best of all, accompanied children can attend for free, making it a perfect day out for families. Alongside live music, people can enjoy a range of food and drink stalls, entertainment, and the unique atmosphere of the Llangollen Pavilion."

Residents hear how this year's live Pavilion concerts will run

* The panel at the public meeting.

Officials from the Llangollen International Eisteddfod and their partners Cuffe & Taylor have dealt with concerns from local residents about how this year’s big-name concerts the Pavilion would be run.

Last year was first time the Eisteddfod had teamed up with the promoters to stage a series hugely successful musical gigs at the iconic venue.

And this year – from June 26 to July 5 – they will come together again to host stars such as Texas, Rag’n’Bone Man, UB40, James, The Human League and Olly Murs in the Live at Llangollen events.

A public meeting was held at the Pavilion last night (Thursday) to give residents and local businesses the chance to air any worries about how these would be run. It was attended by about 40 people.

On the panel along with Eisteddfod chair John Gambles and Keith Potts, who is now in charge of the volunteer team handling day-to-day management of the Pavilion, were Cuffe & Taylor’s event manager Rebecca Woodhead and traffic manager Ben Perkins.

* Rebecca Woodhead answers a point from the floor. On her right is Sarah Rhodes of Rhodes Media appearing on behalf of Cuffe & Taylor.  

John Games said: “Last year we had about 50,000 people coming here for the evening concerts and we’re holding this meeting to find out whether people have any issues or concerns about last year or this year.”

Rebecca Woodhead explained there would again be a one-way system put in place Abbey Road, Tower Road and Dinbren to ensure smooth traffic flow on the evenings of the concerts.

The official car park will be open daily for the concerts at 1pm – earlier on Eisteddfod week – and be closed at 11.30pm.

Organisers would also be opening a special phone line – and make an email address available – for residents to report any problems they were experiencing with traffic.  

* The audience at the Pavilion listen to an answer.

However, she said there had been “good feedback” on how the same system operated last year.

One resident close by complained that, last year, she had faced the problem of having people trying to gain access to the field for the concerts through her property.

Rebecca Woodhead replied that they would investigate to see if any extra security measures could be put in place to prevent this.

Another resident said she had had problems with the one-way barriers staying in place longer than had been stated and, despite complaining at the time, nothing was done.

Rebecca Woodhead responded that there would be a different traffic management company handing things this year and that they “would do their best to get it right” this time.

A further complaint was made about contractors fixing fittings connected to the one-way system to their property without permission and this would also be looked into, she added.

Also brought up was the problem of street hawkers selling goods connected to the concerts obstructing pavements in the area. Local county councillor Karen Edwards, who was in the audience, said she would see if council officers could address this.

One of the final issues to be raised was whether this year, like 2024, there would be any “flash” sales of reduced-priced tickets for the concerts. But Sarah Rhodes, on behalf of Cuffe & Taylor said this would not be case. However, she urged people to buy their tickets quickly as there were now “very few left”.

John Gambles ended by saying that on a visit last year the North Wales Chief Constable had assured him security of the site had been impressive and that Cuffe & Taylor were “pretty much the best in the business at looking after people’s safety.”

Leaflets containing all relevant information about how the concerts will be run are to be distributed around the affected areas soon.          

Tonight's public meeting explains Pavilion events this summer

* Events at the International Pavilion will bring more than 50,000 people to Llangollen this summer. 

Residents and businesses are being invited to a public meeting tonight (Thursday) about what's happening at the International Pavilion this summer.

Starting at 7pm in the Pavilion, it aims to give people the chance to find out about what will happen at the TK Maxx presents Live at the Pavilion and Llangollen International Eisteddfod events in June and July.

The two programmes of events are expected to attract more than 50,000 people to Llangollen and provide a huge boost to the local economy. 

At the meeting representatives from both the volunteer team behind the festival and co-promoters Cuffe and Taylor will be on hand to answer and address all questions covering subjects such as traffic management, noise alleviation measures and access to the site. 

Chair of Llangollen International Eisteddfod, John Gambles, said: “In just a few weeks’ time, the doors of our iconic Pavilion will welcome tens of thousands of people for our TK Maxx Presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion and the Llangollen International Eisteddfod events. 

"This meeting will be an opportunity for Llangollen residents and businesses to get the latest information, as we gear up for a summer of fun. It’s important to us to keep residents in the loop, to ensure the impact on our town is positive.”

The Eisteddfod team says numerous steps are being taken to maintain a safe environment for the public during event days, including a one-way traffic system in certain areas. A dedicated phoneline will also be launched to allow residents to contact the team with any issues during the festival.

* Tickets for all TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion and the Llangollen International Eisteddfod are available from llangollen.net