Twenty Club ready to go over the top with Blackadder

* A scene in the dugout from Blackadder Goes Forth. All pictures by Helen Belton assisted by AI.

Llangollen Twenty Club's are getting ready to go over the top with their production of Blackadder Goes Forth.

Spanning World War 1 and life in the trenches, the play to be staged at Llangollen Town Hall from Wednesday - Saturday November 12/15 with a matinee, incudes episodes encapsulating the valiant efforts Blackadder makes to get himself away from the front line and out of danger.

His dry wit and cynical outlook on the various situations he finds himself in are to be brought ably to life by an enthusiastic and talented cast.

With the stark reality of what WW1 was all about, the final episode is set to be a real tear jerker.

A spokesperson for the production said: "We've been fortunate enough to source a company that deals with authentic WW1 costumes, so we're very excited about that."

* Tickets are available at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollentwentyclub

* General Melchett.

* Captain Darling.

                                                 * Lord Flashheart.

Hospice fundraisers to sell Christmas cards outside Town Hall

* A previous year's Christmas card sale by the local Nightingale House group.

The Llangollen Nightingale House Fundraising Group will be outside the Town Hall on Tuesday October 28, from 10am until 1pm, with a large selection of Christmas cards. 

Said an organiser: "Please come and have a browse."

Volunteers needed to help with railway's 'ghost' tunnel safety exercise

* David Hennigan, Trust Manager at Llangollen Railway, Tim Pulford, Heritage Engineering Manager at Llangollen Railway, Arron Jones, Locality Manager from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Mike Williams, a member of the Railway’s Operations Team at Llangollen Railway.

Llangollen Railway is inviting members of the public to take part in a major safety exercise in partnership with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service on Tuesday 11 November.

The Berwyn Tunnel Evacuation Exercise will simulate an emergency, giving railway staff, volunteers and emergency services the chance to test their joint response procedures in a realistic setting. 

To make the exercise as effective as possible, the Railway is looking for around 60 volunteers from Llangollen and the surrounding areas to take part. Participants will play the role of passengers and help staff and emergency services practise a full evacuation from the train inside Berwyn Tunnel.

 

“This is a rare opportunity for members of the community to get involved behind the scenes at Llangollen Railway,” said Mike Williams, a member of the Railway’s Operations Team. 

* The interior of the impressive 689-yard-long Berwyn Tunnel, built in the 1860’s and viewed from the cab of a locomotive earlier this year. It is not unusual for the weather conditions to be completely different at either end, which often leads to ghostly mists rising out of the portals. There are also tales of ghost sightings when it was restored in the early 1990’s by volunteers, who finally reopened the railway all the way back to a brand-new station at Corwen in 2023.

“Our volunteers and staff take passenger safety extremely seriously, and this joint exercise will help ensure we are fully prepared for any eventuality. We’re keen for local people to join us and see the teamwork and professionalism that goes into keeping our railway safe. 

"Built in the 1860’s, Berwyn tunnel is 689 yards long and the longest single bore tunnel on a UK heritage railway. It is narrow, curved and in a remote location with very limited road access. It therefore offers a great and fascinating challenge for a rescue training exercise.”

 

Arron Jones, Locality Manager from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, added: “Working closely with partners like Llangollen Railway helps us ensure that our crews are ready to respond quickly and effectively to any incident. Exercises like this are vital for testing communication, co-ordination and safety procedures, and they also demonstrate how seriously we all take the safety of the public.”

 

Volunteers should be available to meet at Llangollen Station at 5.30pm for a short safety briefing before the train departs at 6.30pm. The exercise will conclude at around 9.30pm.

 

* To register your interest, please call 01978 860 979 or email info@llangollen-railway.co.uk. You can also sign up online at: https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/news/berwyn-tunnel-evacuation-exercise/

 

Emeli Sandé to star in bespoke Eisteddfod concert

* Emeli Sandé will appear at Llangollen Pavilion on Friday July 10.

In a world-exclusive, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is set to shine in 2026 with a one-night-only orchestral spectacular starring global music icon Emeli Sandé.

On Friday July 10 the powerhouse performer will take centre stage in a bespoke concert created exclusively for the historic festival.

Making her highly anticipated Llangollen debut, the multi-award-winning artist will reimagine her greatest hits and fan favourites in brand-new symphonic arrangements, performed live with The Absolute Orchestra.

The Scottish superstar is the first headline act announced for next summer’s festival, leading a fully seated, specially curated show that continues Llangollen’s tradition of world-class artistic innovation.

It follows the success of 2025’s orchestral collaboration between KT Tunstall and the Absolute Orchestra — a standout moment of the summer that sparked a new Eisteddfod tradition of bold, genre-defying symphonic performances.

Further announcements will follow soon.

Friends of Llangollen can access pre-sale tickets from 10 am tomorrow via llangollen.net and tickets go on sale at 9am on Saturday.  

Emeli Sandé burst onto the music scene in 2012 with her debut album Our Version of Events, which featured timeless hits such as Next to Me, Read All About It (Part III), and Clown. 

The record became the UK’s biggest-selling album of the year, earning critical acclaim and praise from legendary artists such as Madonna and Alicia Keys.

Since then, Sandé has continued to evolve artistically, with her acclaimed albums Let’s Say For Instance (2022) and How Were We to Know (2023) highlighting her emotional depth and musical versatility.

Raised in rural Aberdeenshire by a Zambian father and working-class Cumbrian mother, Sandé grew from a shy teenager into one of the UK’s most influential and celebrated voices. 

Her emotionally charged performances and soaring vocals have earned her multiple BRIT Awards, an Ivor Novello Award, and an MBE for services to music — securing her place among Britain’s most decorated musical talents.

Joining her on stage in Llangollen will be The Absolute Orchestra, conducted and arranged by the Eisteddfod’s Artistic Director Dave Danford. 

Renowned for pushing creative boundaries and pioneering cross-genre collaborations with artists such as KT Tunstall and Kosheen, the orchestra will blend soul, pop, and symphonic brilliance into a truly unforgettable night of live music

On her upcoming Llangollen debut, Emeli Sandé said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be performing at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for the very first time next summer. It’s such a unique and powerful celebration of music. I can't wait to perform with the incredibly talented musicians of The Absolute Orchestra, which makes the occasion even more special!”

Artistic Director of the festival, Dave Danford added: “We’re thrilled that Emeli is coming to perform in Llangollen next summer. She’s a hugely popular artist, and very much at the top of her game right now. 

"We’re particularly excited that this show will be a bespoke one-off performance with orchestra, and that we’re presenting something that can’t be found anywhere else.”

Following a record-breaking 2025, organisers anticipate 2026 to be the festival’s biggest and most exciting year yet. 

With a recent landmark expansion in dance categories and a more diverse programme than ever before, the Eisteddfod is set to reaffirm its status as one of the world’s most inclusive and dynamic international arts festivals.

* For more information and to purchase tickets go to llangollen.net

FOLLOW EMELI SANDÉ

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Inner Wheel to host whist drive and supper

 

A Suzuki Vitara - but not as (w)e know it

Suzuki e Vitara launch drive

The name is familiar, very familiar, but this is a Suzuki Vitara unlike anything that has gone before.

Vitara has been the cornerstone of Suzuki for the best part of four decades, but this is not just a model update. It is new from the ground up, built on a purpose built electric platform and instead of a petrol engine it has an electric motor. Yes, Suzuki has finally given us an electric car and I am going to tell you whether it has been worth the wait.

Meet the e Vitara and the new face of Suzuki. It is fitting the company has kept the name, after all Suzuki is Vitara rather than the other way round, but first let’s get the essentials nailed down.

Two battery options, 49kWh or 61kWh, with ranges of 214 miles and 264 miles respectively, two models, Motion and Ultra, all wheel drive, which is rare in this segment, and with a competitive starting pricing.

Pricing: £26,249 will secure a pearlescent white 49kWh Motion. Metallic colours are £650 extra or £950 for two tone. Top of the range Ultra is £32,049 and £34,049 for Allgrip.

We have waited a while for Vitara to join the smart set and here it is. A compact SUV, no surprises there, with a smart, modern interior, by that I mean a bang up to date digital displays rather than outdated dials, and contrasting tan trim around the cabin but only on two body colours. I always felt Suzuki lagged behind on interior quality, too much hard black plastic, so this is a decent step forward.

The tan dashboard finish breaks things up with a 10.3in digital driver’s binnacle and 10.1in central touchscreen for navigation, infotainment, etc but separate physical switches for heating, and hooray for that. The splash of colour is carried over to the door trim and seats on the two tone Ultra model.

That pushes you to the top end of the price scale but I would be looking at the entry Motion with the option of the 49 or 61kWh battery because the spec level is generous and includes reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, smartphone connectivity, keyless entry, navigation and a heat pump which preserves driving range. It is not unusual to see 25-30 miles disappear on a frosty morning with the heating going full blast so a useful addition.

Add in a suite of safety features, with front collision braking and rear cross traffic alert, and this is looking like a substantial package.

The higher battery output Motion also throws in heated front seats and heated steering wheel. Does anyone really need a heated steering wheel?

Additional features for Ultra are wireless phone charger, adaptive auto dipping headlights, higher grade sound system, 360 degree camera, glass roof panel and powered driver’s seat. The upgraded Allgrip model gets hill descent control and trail mode and is surprisingly good at keeping you on the straight and narrow in challenging conditions.

Cabin space is good and there is loads of backseat legroom room while the sliding back seat is a useful addition. The 310 litres of boot space is down on some rivals who are topping 400 litres but it will take three good sized suitcases. If the children have grown out of pushchairs and the like it might not be important.

Performance from the 61kWh battery is adequate, some rivals are quicker off the mark but surely slamming foot to the floor does not match with driving an electric car. The ride favours comfort although there should be no complaints of intrusive body roll on twisting roads.

Vitara can take a maximum charge of 150kW so away from home a top up to 80 percent takes 45 minutes, a bit longer than rivals which can do the job in under 30 minutes. You will save a heap of money charging at home which will take between six and nine hours depending on battery size.

A worthwhile new feature for Suzuki is an extended 10 year car and battery warranty (the industry standard for the battery is eight years) activated after three years but you must have the car serviced at a Suzuki dealer. And private buyers get a free wall charger.

Suzuki has been lagging behind on the electric front but given its solid reputation for reliability and exceptional value should put e Vitara on an equal footing with its rivals.

Fast facts

e Vitara Ultra 174bhp

£32,049

Battery: 61kWh

0-62mph 8.7secs; 93mph

E consumption: 4.2 miles/kWh

Boot: 310-562 litres

1st VED £10

Insurance group 23 

Funeral details given of well-known Llangollen people

* St Collen's Church where all the funerals will be held.

Three well-known Llangollen people have their funerals at St Collen's Church over the next week or so.

Because many people are likely o want to attend details of them have been posted on the Facebook page of the Llangollen Group of Anglican Churches.

* The funeral of former Llangollen own clerk Ian Parry will be held at 1.30pm on Wednesday October 29

* Jane Edwards, a much loved and respected figure in the town, will have her funeral at 11am on Tuesday November 4

* The funeral of Llangollen Operatic Society president Stella Bond will take place a 11.30am on Friday November 7.

The funeral of Siegfret (‘Fred’) Horaczek will also take place on October 29, at 10am.

MP addresses members of Llangollen Inner Wheel

* Becky Gittins MP addresses members of Llangollen Inner Wheel. 

On Sunday October 19 Llangollen Inner Wheel members delighted to receive the area's MP, Becky Gittins, to talk to them about her life as a female MP.

* Members and guests enjoy their lunch.

Upcoming events at Pengwern Hub

 

Cycling lads evade bears but then run into wild dog pack

* A pack of large wild dogs on the loose in Turkey.

The three Llangollen area lads cycling to Thailand for charity may have escaped any encounter with bears on a Bulgarian mountain road but not long after they had to dodge a pack of wild dogs just over the border in Turkey.   

Known collectively as The Westheads, Dyfan Hughes, 17, James Thomas, 18, and Louis Dennis, 18, had never ridden a bike further than the shop near their homes when they set out on their 18-month quest to reach Asia.

Once there they aim to meet up with their friend Harrison who moved to Thailand six months ago after his dad died from a heart attack and to raise money for heart research. 

Near the Bulgarian town of Veliko Tarnovo they began to ascent of a mountain - said to be as high as those in Snowdonia - keeping a close out for the bears known to inhabit the area.

* A road sign welcoming the lads to Turkey.

Luckily, they evaded the hairy monsters but as they crossed over into Turkey a day or so later they had to negotiate a road being roamed by a pack of large wild dogs. Again, the lads' luck was in as they pedalled through the snarling gang.

Earlier last week they met up with a man from Wales who was cycling through the same area and he was kind enough to stand them each a full English breakfast, complete with English tea.

There was more kindness on day 78 as a local Turkish man helped them to mend yet another puncture and also invited them home for a meal.         

* To follow the journey on their social media and make a donation if you wish, go to: https://linktr.ee/westheads

MP welcomes Labour’s plan to create new clean energy jobs across Wales

Becky Gittins, MP for Clwyd East (pictured), has welcomed Labour’s new Clean Energy Jobs Plan, which aims to will create around 15,000 clean energy jobs across Wales by 2030 - part of more than 400,000 new jobs across the UK. 

The plan sets out how communities like those in Clwyd East can benefit from the growing clean energy sector, with new opportunities in engineering, construction, welding and electrification. 

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband MP said: “The clean energy economy is the route to delivering the good jobs at decent wages that our communities deserve. Labour’s pro-worker, pro-jobs, pro-union agenda is delivering thousands of opportunities right across the country, so young people don’t have to leave their hometown just to find a decent job.”

 

Becky Gittins commented: “People here in Clwyd East want to see real jobs and real opportunities for their families - and that’s exactly what this plan delivers.

"From wind and solar to green construction and engineering, we’re creating good work you can build a future on, without having to move away from the place you call home.

"North Wales has the skills, the ambition and the community spirit to lead the clean energy transition - and I’m proud that Labour is backing us to do just that.”

 

* See the Clean Energy Map at: https://clean-energy-map.energysecurity.gov.uk/

Eisteddfod extends contract of artistic director Dave Danford

                                                                            

* Dave Danford with K T Tunstall at the 2025 Eisteddfod.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has announced the extension of Dave Danford’s contract as Artistic Director, as the world-renowned festival marks its 79th year in 2026.   

Appointed to the role in 2023, Dave has led a creative transformation of the festival’s profile and programming — curating an eclectic mix that spans from West End theatre concerts to bespoke orchestral collaborations including the much-acclaimed KT Tunstall concert with the Absolute Orchestra this year, which he arranged, orchestrated and conducted. 

  

Dave’s connection with the Eisteddfod stretches back to 2010 when he performed in an evening concert as a percussionist with the Cory Band, and continued in 2012, when he first collaborated with previous Music Director Eilir Owen Griffiths on the production of evening concerts.

Since then, he has played an integral role in the festival’s artistic evolution in a variety of capacities and, alongside a portfolio career which has recently involved work with artists such as Dua Lipa and Reye, has led a resurgence in the festival’s profile and direction. 

  

With the 2026 programme soon to be unveiled, Dave and the team are already looking ahead to the Eisteddfod’s 80th anniversary celebrations in 2027 — a milestone expected to honour and elevate one of Wales’ most cherished cultural institutions. 

  

“It’s no secret that I love this place, and being here all year round to plan the festival is both a joy and a privilege,” said Dave. 

  

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve worked hard to raise the bar across every aspect of the Eisteddfod — from competitions to evening concerts — and I’m thrilled to continue that journey through to our 80th anniversary year. We have some very exciting announcements to make in the next couple of weeks about next year’s Eisteddfod, and I’m certain that 2026 is going to be a year to remember.” 

MS praises pioneering product from Glyndyfrdwy company

* From left: Lionel Clarke, Llyr Gruffydd, Mary Clarke, Tom Foules, Neil Craddock, Chris Clarke.

A pioneering process that turns waste products into a soil improver has been praised by Plaid Cymru’s Member of the Senedd for North Wales, Llyr Gruffydd.

He made his comments during a recent visit to BionerG in Glyndyfrdwy, which is developing world-leading carbon removal technology.

The company, led by Professor Lionel Clarke OBE, has developed cutting-edge technology to produce biochar - a charcoal-like substance created from forestry by-products such as wood offcuts, windfall and brash. 

When produced at high temperatures, the resulting biochar is almost entirely pure carbon and offers huge potential both environmentally and economically.

Biochar is highly valued in the agriculture sector as a natural soil improver. It can make pasture more drought-tolerant, increase soil pH levels (reducing the need for lime), and support better soil microbiology. The process itself is regarded as carbon-negative, as it effectively locks atmospheric CO₂ - absorbed by growing trees - into the soil for generations to come.

BionerG has also secured a patent for its software platform that allows users to trade the carbon credits generated by biochar production on the global market. This innovation means the technology not only contributes to the fight against climate change but also offers a new revenue stream for producers.

Llyr Gruffydd said: “It’s inspiring to see this kind of innovation happening here in North Wales. BionerG’s technology takes what would otherwise be waste from the forestry industry and turns it into something that benefits both the environment and our agricultural sector.

“This kind of carbon-negative technology has enormous potential - it sequesters carbon for generations, improves soil health, and strengthens the environmental credentials of farms across Wales. It’s exactly the type of forward-thinking enterprise we need to see more of.”

The biochar technology developed by BionerG has several advantages:

• It is cost-effective to establish and operate.
• It utilises by-products from the forestry sector that might otherwise go to waste.
• It locks carbon into the soil for generations.
• It reduces the need for lime and fertiliser, improving sustainability in agriculture.

Free storytelling session planned for Llangollen Library

A free afternoon school storytelling session will be held in Llangollen Library on Wednesday October 22 as part of National Young Storytellers Week 2025.

Final touches being put to Something for Sarah charity concert

Llangollen Operatic Society are busy putting the final touches to their forthcoming concert, "Something for Sarah," a week today on Saturday October 25, in the town hall.

It promises to be a lively evening's entertainment of song and dance from Llangollen Panto Group, the Operatic Society and their youth section, the Young 'Uns.

The idea of the concert came about with the sad passing in 2024 of Sarah Marshall who was the inspired and dedicated choreographer for all these organisations.

One of the concert organisers said: "Sarah worked tirelessly, weaving her magic into everything she did, the results of which were bright, inspired and managed to make the least confident look confident and polished, such was her talent.

"Two very worthwhile charities close to Sarah's heart stand to benefit from the proceeds, these being Friends of the Earth and Nightingale House Hospice, where she spent the last few weeks of her life."

On the night there will be a bar and a  raffle.

* Tickets £10, available from Solitaire Jewellers in Llangollen, or online at: ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety.

Long-standing Llangollen Operatic member Stella Bond passes away

* Taken backstage at the Young 'Uns production of  Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2018 as Stella Bond, society president, presents the Herniman Trophy for Best Performance with Cassius Hackforth and Katy Clark. 

Long-standing Llangollen Operatic Society member, Stella Bond, passed away earlier this week.

A well-known figure in Llangollen, Stella spent her childhood on a hill farm in Pontfadog before moving to Llangollen in 1967 upon her marriage to Donald Bond. 

They moved into their house on Birch Hill and it was also in that year that Don persuaded Stella to join Llangollen Operatic Society, a decision which gave her much pleasure over the years. 

She was an active cast member, appearing on stage in numerous shows, held the committee positions of treasurer, chairman and, latterly, since 2015 was the president.

Stella worked as a clerk in the National Provincial Bank, later known as Natwest. 

She was an enthusiastic member of the Inner Wheel, taking on the role of president of its local branch for a while.

A dedicated church member at St Collen's, she maintained her support and interest after declining health prevented her from continuing in an active role.

A close friend said of her: "Stella was one of the 'old school' - diligent, hard-working, with old-fashioned values."

She leaves a son David, daughter Mair and grandson Ryan.

Her funeral will be held at St Collen's and details will be announced shortly.

Llangollen lads cycling to Thailand have interview with BBC news website

The three Llangollen area lads - known as the Westheads - whose progress llanblogger has been following as they cycle to Thailand have hit the Welsh national headlines.

As they head deeper in Eastern Europe an interview with them has appeared on the BBC's Cymru Fyw online news site.

* For the full story, go to: Llangollen boys cycling to Bangkok - BBC Cymru Fyw

Here is a translation of the article from the Welsh in which it appears:

Three boys from the North East are currently on an unforgettable adventure, cycling from Llangollen to Thailand.

Dyfan Hughes and Louis Dennis are from Llangollen, with James Thomas coming from the Wrexham area. The journey to southeast Asia will take over a year, stopping in a number of countries along the way.

The tour began in Llangollen on 2 August, and the boys are now in eastern Bulgaria, not far from the border with Turkey.

Speaking to Cymru Fyw from the city of Sliven in Bulgaria, Dyfan explained why they are making this trip. "We have a friend called Harrison who lives in Thailand, and he recently lost his father, and we cycled to him. Harrison lived in Cefn near Llangollen and we became good friends with him." All three will be raising money for the Heart Foundation by doing this challenge.

Cycling from north Wales to the south-east of England the three camped, making the most of the fine weather.

"We crossed into the Netherlands, and then went through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Romania, and now we are in Bulgaria."

The plan is to cycle to Turkey in the next few days, and travel along the north of the country into Georgia.

"We're going to stay in Georgia for five months, hoping to work there. The reason we stay so long in Georgia is because it's too cold to cycle through Kazakhstan all winter.

"The hope is to work at the ski resorts, but we'll have to choose any job that's available to tell the truth. "We're trying to get a visa to enter China, but if we can't, we'll have to fly down to India." '

Everything is fine' so far. Things are going smoothly on the journey so far, and they're starting to get used to the challenge of the roads.

"So far everything is going fine. Of course, a large number of punctures, but we're able to patch those up very quickly now."

The boys weren't used to cycling before embarking on this challenge, as Dyfan explained: "All three of us were quite fit, but now we're growing!" In fact, the boys only bought their bikes at the beginning of the summer of this year.

As well as being avid supporters of the Wrexham football team, all three also play for Llangollen, so at least they're used to using their legs! The boys have a huge following on social media, with 48,000 following on Instagram (west.heads) and 98,500 following them on TikTok (@westheads).

The layout of all three is quite similar every day, following the map from west to east.

"We start cycling around 10 every morning... We're not very good at picking up to be honest. We had breakfast in the first shop we saw, and had lunch around 2 or 3 in the afternoon.

"We decide every morning where we want to go, with the intention of finding somewhere to sleep for the night by 6 at night."

Are Dyfan's parents, James and Louis, worried about them travelling so far alone?

"They used to worry a lot at first, but now they're a lot happier," says Dyfan. He went on to say that the three are constantly texting back home so that the family can find out how the trip is going.

The boys plan to arrive in Thailand in October 2026, with the hope that they will have raised a significant amount for a worthy cause. 

Collen Players to present evening of comedy, music and merriment

The Collen Players are promising a sparkling night of laughter, melody, and good old-fashioned entertainment for their next show at St Collen's Community Hall on Friday October 31.

Topping the evening's bill, which starts at 6.30pm, will be Colin Bourdiec, the ukulele maestro who pays a jolly tribute to the great George Formby.

The Chairman of Charm delights with “I’ve Never Seen a Straight Banana” and Phil “Razzle-Dazzle” Robinson tickles the crowd with “My Old Man’s a Dustman.” 

Miss Sue Stokes, billed as our Silver Songbird, will enchant with “After the Ball Is Over.”

Jayne and Clayton — the Melodious Magicians of Melody and Mirth - will provide some stupendous backing throughout the night, with Jayne weaving wonder upon the keys and Clayton conjuring cadence on the drums, this dynamic duo deliver rhythm, rapture and rollicking rejoicing.

And from the parlour to the promenade, presenting those blushing belles of banter and bloomers will be Cissie and Ada presenting a riotous rendering of corsets, cackles and common-sense, recalling the glorious gossip of yesteryear.

Deborah and Jayne - the Mistresses of Melody and Mischief - have their uproarious rendition of “I Want to Sing in Opera,” these tuneful temptresses taking to the stage with trills, thrills, and theatrical tomfoolery.

The evening is all in aid of our Roof Restoration Appeal.

* For an evening of toe-tapping tunes, hearty laughs, and a night that’ll have you whistling all the way home book at:

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on?q=hammerbeams%20and%20harmonies

Trading standards seize over 600 counterfeit items

 * Some of the fake Labubu items seized.

Following several visits across the county, Denbighshire’s Trading Standards team has successfully seized over 600 counterfeit goods from the shelves of local traders.

More than five visits that took place throughout the county and officers seized a number of items bearing the Labubu, Coca Cola and Disney trademarks amongst other well-known brands.

These counterfeit goods are often the result of social media trends that lead to the demand of the product outweighing the manufacture’s ability to supply them and are usually cheaper to buy than the genuine product.

Upon further investigation, it was clear that the seized items posed a major risk for young children as they included small detachable parts that were easily broken.

Denbighshire County Council’s trading standards team say they will continue their crackdown of counterfeit goods across the county and help educate local traders on the dangers of selling these illegal goods.

Councillor Alan James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning said:

“Having come across a number of social media posts advertising the sale of Labubu dolls within stores across the county, our trading standards team wrote to all the traders concerned with general advice about counterfeit goods, specifically the Labubu brand.

“Due to the recent increase in demand of these Labubu dolls, our officers were concerned about possible rise in counterfeit products that were being presented as the genuine article when being sold in the county.

“The seizure of these illegal goods is a great result for the team and highlights the important work that our officers do in ensuring the safety of our residents when it comes to buying these goods that they believe to be a genuine product.

“It is important to remember that many of these products are only available on ‘official’ sites, and potential buyers should refrain from purchasing these items if they doubt that they are a genuine product."

* Businesses can get in touch with Denbighshire’s Trading Standards Team for advice on counterfeit products on Denbighshire' website.