Indie rock stars help mark century of Llan festivals

* Elles Bailey. 

* Kizzy Crawford. 

* Amber Run.

Global indie rock sensations Amber Run and blues powerhouse Elles Bailey will be among the stars as North Wales gears up for one of its greatest ever festivals.

They will be taking to the famous pavilion stage for a “joyous, family-friendly jamboree” as the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod returns as a physical event for the first time since 2019.

Sunday, July 10, will see this year’s festival-within-a-festival, Llanfest, take on a format the like of which it has never attempted before.

The International Eisteddfod has partnered with Llangollen Fringe Festival as they mark a combined record of 100 years of producing standout festivals.

The Eisteddfod is celebrating its landmark 75th anniversary and the Fringe is marking 25 years in existence.

As well as Amber Run and Elles Bailey, there will be sets from Cardiff based music producer Minas, and Bajan-Welsh singer songwriter Kizzy Crawford who has been making waves on the international festival scene and on BBC radio.

In something of a happy coincidence Kizzy’s sister Eädyth - whose voice is also fast becoming familiar to radio listeners - will be performing on a different stage.

The Eisteddfod’s Executive Producer, Camilla King, said: “The buzz in the air is tangible as excitement builds for a different kind of experience. It’s going to be a fun and family-friendly, end-of-Eisteddfod celebration.

“It’s been hugely rewarding to make this happen in what is a truly momentous year for both organisations. There’s no better way to honour two such significant anniversaries.”

Equally enthusiastic is Llangollen Fringe Festival programmer and Artistic Director Neal Thompson.

He said: “This day is definitely one not to be missed. It’s long been talked about but never happened before, so there’s a real vibe in the air, a huge sense of anticipation that something very special is about to happen here.

“It’s amazing when you think about it that we’ve both reached such significant anniversaries in the same year. That’s a full century of music-making between us, which has made Llangollen one of the most lauded small towns in the world.”

Adding to the fervour of the occasion is an even wider sense of inclusivity in the programme from the Eisteddfod already known for its ethos of harmony and togetherness.

It runs from Thursday, July 7 to Sunday, July 10 and first up is the Schools Day and the Young Peacemaker Awards.

Over the four days there will be a host of new attractions and activities on the revamped outdoor site, including music, dance, talks, comedy, food, drink, shopping, workshops and pop-up entertainment.

In the evenings there will be concerts featuring the singing duo of Aled Jones and Russell Watson, and Anoushka Shankar, the British-Indian-American sitar player, producer, film composer and activist who is the daughter of renowned musician Ravi Shankar, and half-sister of singer Norah Jones.

The competitions climax on Saturday night with Choir of the World and the contest for the Pendine International Voice of the Future featuring the finest young singers from around the world on the stage where icons Placido Domingo, Kiri Te Kanawa, Elaine Paige, Michael Ball, Sir Bryn Terfel and Luciano Pavarotti have performed.

Camilla said: “We’ve got something for everyone including festival stalwarts, competition veterans, overseas visitors, young families, and the wider community. It’s important to me that we’re a truly inclusive event.”

With tickets already selling, she advises audiences to go online and book for what could be one of the most memorable days in the Eisteddfod’s history.

She added: “Llanfest has always been that little bit more relaxed, with the competitions over and everyone just enjoying the buzz of meeting up on a Sunday and being in the fantastic Llangollen environment.

“At the same time there will be an opportunity to look forward, a sense of regeneration, of hope and optimism for the future, as the young and vibrant performers from the background of the Fringe inject their own unbridled enthusiasm into the occasion.”

According to Neal, the Llanfest itinerary encompasses some bands who have been firm favourites of the Fringe past as well as up and coming names of today’s vibrant Welsh and UK music scenes.

He said: “Undoubtedly a highlight will be big names like Amber Run and the fabulous Kizzy Crawford. But as ever we’ve also got a wealth of local talent from home grown bands.”

They include Baby Brave, a new wave-noise pop outfit from Wrexham who release their latest EP, Sunny Days in Dark Rooms, in July via Mai 68 Records.

North Wales four piece Alpha Chino will be there in advance of also releasing an EP, The Last Astronaut, in August.

Adding extra musical diversity will be 25-strong Chester Big Band who mix it up with funk, soul and pop, while Llareggub Brass Band brings a unique sound which invokes strains of New York Bronx-based hip hop with Welsh language pop.

Also on the programme are Wrexham duo Igloo Hearts, and Paperchase, a multi-generational band of session artists led by Andy Hickie.

Neal said Llanfest promises a thrilling overlap fusing the finale of the Eisteddfod with a foretaste of Llangollen Fringe 2022 which runs from July 22-30.

* For the full Fringe programme visit:  www.llangollenfringe.co.uk and for more on Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and its competitions and concerts as well as how to get to it and where to stay go to http://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/ or check out https://www.facebook.com/llangollen

Ladies of Llangollen give tour of their Plas Newydd home

* Jane Hoy and Helen Sandler play the Ladies of Llangollen.

A new play about the lives of the famous Ladies of Llangollen will be performed at their famous home early next month.

In their fourth appearance at the historic venue Queer Tales for Wales are back by popular demand with a production of Round the Home Circuit: a tour of Plas Newydd grounds with the Ladies of Llangollen on Saturday and Sunday, July 2 and 3rd, at 4pm.

It is described as a "lively re-imagining" by Jane Hoy and Helen Sandler.

In 1780 Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby found a home for life at Plas Newydd. 

And visitors are invited to join them in an intimate tour round the grounds of the house which was their home for 50 years. 

The Ladies will be accompanied by their beloved housekeeper Mary Caryll. 

On the way they will share stories about their lives, their cows, famous guests, and how they survived scurrilous gossip.

Those coming along are advised to wear stout shoes and bring a brolly just in case.

Tickets are £18.50, to include the promenade performance, tea and cake with the Ladies at the Stable block tearooms and entry to Plas Newydd House including the Sarah-Joy Ford ‘Beloved’ exhibition, at any time on the day of booking.

* For tickets please email: plasnewydd@denbighshire.gov.uk

Latest Mazda CX-5 SUV has loads to offer

Mazda CX-5 drive by Steve Rogers

Get behind the wheel of Mazda’s big-selling SUV and you will either be content or disappointed.

Content because it is a traditional car with traditional three-dial driver’s binnacle and traditional easy to use heating controls. Then again you might be disappointed at not having a high-tech TV style wide screen dashboard display as seen in the ultra modern Kia Sportage featured a few weeks ago.

Oh, and something else, there is no hybrid option.

Don’t be too quick to write off the 2022 CX-5 as old hat because it still has loads to offer. Mazda has built its reputation on cars with a sporty bite and that is the case with CX-5, arguably the best handling SUV in its class and upgrades to the suspension have made it even better so it is comfortable and rewarding when you put your foot down.

It has also had some cosmetic treatment to the front, nothing too dramatic, just a few nips and tucks to keep things fresh.

So where do I sit on the dashboard layout? It is hardly classic car dials and switches, in fact it has a bang up to date 10.2in central screen for radio, navigation and such like, and even better, it is not a touchscreen. Mazda is sticking with the rotary controller between the seats which is the easiest system I have come across.... ever.

It is dated compared to the Sportage which, incidentally, I did like, but so much easier to use than the complex Volvo XC40 infotainment centre. Thank heavens for the Swede’s brilliant voice control technology which is better than the Mazda.

So many cars have a binnacle with full screen mapping and computer generated everything so it is comforting to be faced with standard, clear dials. There is all the information needed along with Mazda’s excellent head up display with speed, rudimentary navigation instructions and the surface speed limit.

Engine choice is 2-litre petrol, 2.2 litre diesel and the 2.5 litre petrol which I used for towing. In its class CX-5 has one of the best towing capacities now that key competitors like Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav-4 have gone hybrid.

I expected the powerful all wheel drive Mazda to guzzle gas like no tomorrow with a caravan on the back but no, it returned a creditable 24mpg matching the hybrid Kia Sportage. Granted, consumption takes a tumble against the hybrids driving solo, dipping to low thirties, although I surprised myself returning 41mpg on a 90 mile Sunday stroll.

As a family car CX-5 ticks most of the boxes with plenty of space, ample legroom front and back and a good sized boot with levers in the side walls to drop the 40-20-40 back seat configuration.

Mazda has been pushing to break into the premium market and in my book has made it. CX-5 is a good example with quality trim and fittings right through the car. It is well off for safety features and generally well equipped. At the top end GT Sport lacks for nothing with 360 degree camera heated and ventilated front seats and heated outer rear seats, navigation, Apple Carplay and Android auto connections among the highlights.

CX-5 with its high engine emissions will struggle against hybrid rivals on some running costs and, in particular, as a company car where tax breaks favour the hybrids. Yet there is still something appealing about the Mazda, a bit like pulling on your favourite pair of slippers, all very comforting.

There is nothing that can’t sort out CX-5 than a hybrid engine to match its rivals. Doubt that can happen without a total rebuild but there is a hybrid on the horizon. CX-60 plug in hybrid is due in the autumn but it is bigger and more expensive so, Mazda, more hybrids please.

What the wife said....

It was good to get into a car and not need a degree in computer studies to tune the radio or operate the heating. Towed the caravan a treat!

Fast facts

CX-5 GT Sport AWD

£37,905 (Range starts £29,245)

2.5 litre petrol 6sp auto 190bhp

0-62mph 9.3secs; 122mph

35.3mpg combined

182g/km. 1st tax £945

Boot: 522-1395 litres

Insurance group 26

Eisteddfod flags go up on the bridge

 

No, not more roadworks on the bridge this morning (Wednesday) but a team of workmen putting up the traditional flags for the forthcoming Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. 

Llan author launches her new book on Trevor Hall's rich history

* Pam Williams-Hughes, centre, launches her book at the library last night.

Eight years of complex and meticulous research reached a fitting conclusion yesterday evening when a Llangollen author officially launched her book on the history of Trevor Hall and its most famous inhabitants at the town’s library.

The Phoenix Arises, by Pam Williams-Hughes, represents a significant treatise on the subject and is an important contribution to the understanding of a major aspect of the historical fabric of the Dee Valley. It also marks her out as an important and serious local chronicler of the area’s rich past.

The author won her battle against a brain tumour and severe dyslexia to gain a university degree at the age of 69 when she proudly collected a 2:1 BA Honours in History from Glyndwr University.

Originally from Birmingham, she moved to Llangollen in 2011 after spending her working life first in the Royal Air Force and then with local authorities.

She was diagnosed with a brain tumour before she started as a mature student on a fine art degree course at Glyndwr in 2007 and a brain scan revealed the devastating news that the tumour on her pituitary gland had tripled in size in just three months.

Pam had to undergo a life-saving operation which saw the tumour successfully removed.

Despite being told that the growth had not been malignant, her sight was affected.

None of this prevented her research on a range of historical matters, including Victorian crime and the history of Llangollen’s St Collen’s Church, subjects on which she has given a series of expert talks over the past decade.

Work on The Phoenix Arises, which runs to around 300 pages, involved tapping extensively into a huge number of sources, both ancient and more modern.

Published with the assistance of a grant from the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the A3-size book minutely details of the hall – first known by its Welsh title of Llys Awr – from 900AD until 2019.

Small compared to most Georgian mansions, it is sited in one of the most beautiful parts of the Dee Valley, or the Vale of Llangollen.

As Pam says in the book’s introduction: “ ... any visitor to the hall will have no idea of its amazing history, or the fantastic people who resided there. Nor will any casual glance of the house explain to the viewer how those who lived here long ago helped to change of the course of history and kings.”

And arguably none of these dwellers across the centuries has been as colourful as Bishop John Trevor who rose through the ranks of the then-Roman Catholic Church and the state to become Bishop of St Asaph and Chamberlain of Chester, Flint and North Wales and rub ermined shoulders with the likes of the Black Prince and Owain Glyndwr until falling spectacularly from favour with Richard II after throwing in his lot with that king’s usurper and eventual successor Henry IV. 

The author deals with a theory that the good bishop may even have been one of Richard’s eventual murderers, although she quickly dismisses this on the grounds that he was actually in Spain at the time.

The life and times of the first Bishop John and a later inhabitant of the hall, confusingly also known as Bishop John Trevor and who was almost equally at home with chief figures of the medieval period, are both painstakingly researched and presented by the author, who even describes the clothing they would wear and speculation surrounding their sex lives.

Much background is also presented about the characters who staffed the hall and its associated working estate at the time of the bishops, with vivid word portraits of figures such as the fish cook and cellarist. In line for similar treatment is the hall’s environment including the ferry which once crossed the Dee close to the estate.       

Pam moves the intriguing story on to tell of how the hall and its occupiers fared during subsequent landmark events in British history, like the Tudor period and the Civil War, before heading on into the 18^th, 19^th and 20^th centuries when it developed connections with an industrialist involved with the ill-fated RMS Titanic and a famous creator of pop music.   

The Phoenix Arises is lavishly illustrated towards the end with studies of Trevor Hall, inside and out, along with its grounds during more recent centuries. There is also a series of pull-out charts covering topics such as family trees and timelines before we are presented with the hundreds of sources called upon by the author.

* More information on the book is available from Courtyard Books in Llangollen, call 01978 869394.

Latest Citizens Advice column

Here is the latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice:

Q: I’ve got loads of problems with my house that I’ve been putting off fixing - a faulty  boiler, a window that won’t shut properly, broken light fittings. The list goes on! I want to sort it out but I’ve had bad experiences with dodgy builders in the past. How do I  find someone I can trust? 

A: Making home improvements can be stressful, but there are a few steps you can follow to  help it go smoothly.  

First, find a Trading Standards ‘approved trader’. You can look for one in your area online or  use the Government’s approved trader scheme TrustMark.  

It’s also worth checking if they’re a current member of a trade body. Trade bodies have  codes of practice and can help resolve problems if things go wrong. Ask who they’re  registered with and then check the trade body’s website. 

For any gas and electric fixes, only use certified traders - it’s dangerous to use someone  who doesn’t know what they’re doing. You can check the Gas Safe Register for a list of  traders and use a registered electrician who can certify their own work. 

It’s always helpful to get references or recommendations where possible. Ask your friends,  family or neighbours if they know of anyone they’d recommend. You can also ask the person you hire for examples of work they’ve carried out in the past. Try to avoid contractors who  won’t give references - it’s a sign they could be dishonest. 

When you find someone, ask for a written quote - this is different to an estimate. A quote is  legally binding and the tradesperson can’t change it without a good reason - for example, if  you ask for extra work to be done. It’s worth comparing quotes from several contractors to  make sure you’re getting a fair price. 

Next, get a written contract. This should cover exactly what you’re paying for and everything  you’ve agreed on, including timings, payments, who will pay for materials and any  subcontractors if needed. When it comes to payment, it’s best to opt to pay in stages rather  than upfront. Try to pay by card if you can - this can give you extra safeguards if something  goes wrong.  

Finally, make sure your trader is fully insured. Keep copies of receipts and your written  contract. These will be important as evidence if things go wrong. It’s also helpful to take  photos of any problems if they arise.  

If you have a problem with a contractor and you’re not sure what to do, call the Citizens  Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133 or talk to an adviser online through the Citizens  Advice website.

Injured biker flown to hospital from Horseshoe Pass

According to a story in the Denbighshire Free Press, a motorcyclist was airlifted to the major trauma centre in Stoke after a crash on the Horseshoe Pass on Sunday.

Emergency services, including the air ambulance, were called to the incident on the mountain pass above Llangollen at about 4.50pm.

North Wales Police said the collision involved two motorcyclists - one of whom was subsequently flown to the major trauma centre at Stoke Hospital. The other was taken by road ambulance to Wrexham Maelor Hospital. 

No further details on the severity of their injuries have been provided. 

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called on Sunday at 4.52pm to reports of a road traffic collision involving two motorbikes on the Horseshoe Pass, Llangollen.

"We sent two emergency ambulances to the scene where we were supported by the Wales Air Ambulance. One person was flown to Royal Stoke University Hospital, another person was transported by road to Wrexham Maelor Hospital for further treatment.”

As a result of the collision, the road was closed from the roundabout with the A542/B5104 to Pentrefelin until shortly after 7pm.

* See the story at: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/20222304.llangollen-motorcyclist-flown-hospital-horseshoe-pass-crash/

Free primary school meals to be served from September

Reception class children will begin to receive universal primary free school meals from as early as September, the Welsh Government has confirmed. 

As part of the Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru, the Welsh Government is working closely with local authorities to meet the commitment for every primary school pupil to receive a free school meal by 2024. 

The announcement confirms the progress that has been made on the delivery and rollout of the scheme to date.

The Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru are committed to implementing the scheme as quickly as possible in response to the rising cost-of-living crisis, and are working with local authorities to ensure the offer is rolled out as quickly as possible. 

£225m has been committed to secure its delivery over the next three years. 

From September, Welsh Government will fund local authorities across Wales to begin rolling out their offer of a free, nutritious school meal, starting with their youngest learners. Most schools in Wales will be ready to commence the roll-out in September to ensure that children across Wales can benefit from the offer as soon as possible. 

This will mean that most children in reception classes will start receiving universal primary free school meals from this September. 

By April 2023 the majority of children in Years 1 and 2 will also start receiving free school meals, with local authorities given the flexibility, support and funding to start delivering free school meals to those in Years 1 and 2 earlier than April if they can.

This first year of delivery will focus on building the capacity of schools to deliver this increased offer and will aim to ensure that, by the start of the Summer term, most pupils in Reception and Years 1 and 2 will be able to have a free school meal. Those in older years who are eligible for free school meals won’t be affected by the roll out of the universal scheme.

The Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru will continue to work with local authorities on plans to extend the scheme further into the 2023/24 academic year to meet the commitment for all primary school pupils to receive a free school meal by 2024. 

Jeremy Miles, the Minister for Education and the Welsh Language said: “No child should ever be at school hungry. Given the pressure so many families are under with the increases in the cost-of-living we are absolutely committed to taking practical measures to support our children and young people.

"Our new programme of universal free school meals for primary children is one of the key ways we are looking to help families. Younger children are more likely to be living in relative income poverty, so we are starting with a decent free school meal for children in Reception from September, with most children in Year 1 and Year 2 also getting free school meals by next April. 

“I want to thank our local authorities and schools for working with us so constructively over the past few months to help make this a reality.”

Llan Friends of the Earth runs successful heat-loss tests

* North Wales Senedd Member Carolyn Thomas, right, with volunteers on the thermal imaging scheme.

Llangollen Friends of the Earth (FoE) recently offered free thermal imaging surveys to help households see where their homes were losing heat.

The group’s project aimed to help local residents while highlighting the need for government action to help households reduce their energy use.

 

Over 40 houses were imaged over a number of evenings by the project volunteers. Reports were prepared and a feedback session was put together to help householders understand their reports and the options open to them.

Speaking about the project, volunteer Katharine Mann said: “With the recent hikes in energy prices this project offered people an easy way to understand where they were losing heat from their homes and explained what action they could take to reduce it.”

The group are now calling on the Welsh and UK Government to do more to help people save energy through home insulation.

* Typical thermograph showing two homes.

FoE says the project received very positive feedback, with every home imaged saying they would take some action as a result of the survey findings. 

Half planned to install radiator foil, and many are considering loft insulation, double glazing and additional wall insulation.

Warren Davies, coordinator of Llangollen Friends of the Earth, said: “We’ve shown people where they are losing heat, but improving a home’s energy efficiency can be very expensive. The UK and Welsh Government must do more to support residents to make changes. In terms of warm homes, local employment and reduced reliance on fossil fuel, insulation is win-win.”

Hot water and heating account for up to 75% of energy use in UK homes and the UK has some of the least efficient housing in Europe which has meant soaring energy costs.

The project was supported by The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Sustainable Development Fund (SDF). The project was also supported by 10 volunteers who received training and spent time imaging buildings around Llangollen.

 

Police seek witnesses to dog attack near Fron

Police are looking for witnesses to a livestock attack near Llangollen yesterday (Sunday).

PCSO Iwan Owen from the force's Rural Crime Team has sent out a message through the Neighbourhood Alert system about the incident.

He says: "Yet another livestock attack. This time it is reported that a dog similar to an Afghan Hound chased a lamb into the river in the fields a short distance from the aqueduct at Froncysyllte near Llangollen.

"Thankfully, the lamb was uninjured but clearly the lamb could easily have drowned."

He adds: "The incident took place on Sunday morning (June 19). If you have any information that may help us identify the owner of the dog please get in touch touch."

Latest Llangollen planning applications

Planning applications submitted to Denbighshire County Council between June 5 and 11 include:

* 5 Chapel Street, Llangollen, demolition of existing ground floor rear extension and erection of replacement rear extension, erection of rear dormer roof extension to rear elevation and associated works.

* Sports Pavilion, Tower Road, Llangollen, installation of three 15m high LED floodlights to allow use for training.

Funding fair to be held at town hall this month

 

Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC) in conjunction with Llangollen Town Council are holding a Funding Fair on Thursday June 30, from 11am – 2pm, at the Town Hall. People who attend can find out more about the different grants available in the local area and have the opportunity to discuss these grants with the funders.  This event will be hosted as a ‘hybrid’ with some funders being there in person to chat with and other funders attending the session via 30-minute Zoom presentations in which people will be able to log on to imminently via an Eventbrite page.  Organisers says: “If you are an organisation or local community group who would like to promote your current or future grants at the event, please get in touch to book a space at: office@dvsc.co.uk or phone 01824 702 441. “If you can’t attend, please feel free to send leaflets, resources etc that we can promote on your behalf.” * For more information please contact DVSC on office@dvsc.co.uk or call 01824 702441

 

Roadworks planned for Aber Adda

Latest roadworks update from one.network is:

Aber Adda, Denbighshire

20 June - 20 June

 

Delays unlikely - Some carriageway incursion

 

Description: MJ QUINN TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING WORKS: RECOVER POLE...

 

Works location: SIDE OF 1 ABER ADDA

 

Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Openreach.

 

Responsibility for works: Openreach

 

Current status: Advanced planning

 

Works reference: BC006MQONSAWN0POFAA7495C

 

Eisteddfod to provide dedicated chill-out area on field

* Davina Carey-Evans and son Benjamin.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is to become the first major event in Wales to provide a special safe chill-out space for people with special and additional needs.

This year’s four-day Eisteddfod is back live again to celebrate its 75^th anniversary, starting on Thursday, July 7, and will include a dedicated quiet zone at the heart of the field.

The innovation has come about thanks to the event’s marketing manager, Davina Carey-Evans, who founded PIWS – Welsh for purple –which aims to encourage businesses and events to improve accessibility for families with hidden disabilities.

Davina, who is also High Sheriff of Gwynedd, is the mum of three boys, one of whom, Benjamin, 27, has severe autism and she has had a lifetime of experience of the difficulties faced by similar families.

She said: “We all think of people with disabilities as having visible stuff but there are lots of people with very different issues, who can get over-stimulated, particularly somewhere with lots going on, and the International Eisteddfod is the first event in Wales to have a dedicated safe zone for them.

“It will be a tent with arts and crafts activities and we’re planning to provide yoga and other well-being therapies but essentially it is a place where when a child or person becomes over-excited they can go there to calm down without being judged by others who don’t understand.

“It’s something that PIWS is trying to encourage everywhere to embrace and the International Eisteddfod with its message of peace is the ideal place to start and it opens up the Eisteddfod to a new audience, families who would not previously have visited.

“The Eisteddfod who will be offering to train their army of volunteers with an introduction to accessibility session, which supports them to understand what they can do to help if someone with an issue like ADHD has a problem.

“I’m really grateful to them for being so innovative because this is something that all organisations, events and businesses will have to recognise in future because they should all aim to have a similar safe space.”

The International Eisteddfod’s embracing of the PIWS project is just one of the ways in which it is evolving as it returns after a two-year Covid gap after being cancelled in 2020.

Last year it was held virtually but on its 75th anniversary it is back with a new emphasis on extending and improving the on-field activities and attractions and outdoors the site will look and feel very different, Camilla King, the Eisteddfod’s new executive producer, has promised.

She said: “It has been redefined and reimagined and our wide-ranging outdoor activities will continue throughout the day and evening until 10pm.

“We’ve also introduced a £5 half-day field admission after 4.30pm and with a full programme of music, dance and activities going on all evening with food and drink on sale, it’s the perfect space for people to bring their picnic blankets and enjoy themselves.

“The outdoor stage will feature music and dance, and a new globe-shaped Geodome  will be the hub for spoken word, thought-provoking interviews , comedy and learning from different cultures.

“The Eisteddfod is an essential event where the arts and how they can contribute to peace in all senses of the word meet one another.”

The popular festival which helped launch the careers of opera superstars Luciano Pavarotti and Sir Bryn Terfel had to be cancelled in 2020 for the first time due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

In 2021 it took on a virtual format with performances streamed online but this year Wales will once again welcome the world to the little town in the Dee Valley.

This year’s festival starts on Thursday, July 7, and culminates with Llanfest on Sunday, July 10, when the Eisteddfod joins forces with the Llangollen Fringe Festival.

Over the four days there will be a host of new attractions and activities on the revamped outdoor site, including music, dance, talks, comedy, food, drink, shopping, workshops and pop-up entertainment.

In the evenings there will be concerts featuring the singing duo of Aled Jones and Russell Watson and Anoushka Shankar, the British-Indian-American sitar player, producer, film composer and activist who is the daughter of renowned musician Ravi Shankar, and half-sister of singer Norah Jones.

The competitions climax on Saturday night with Choir of the World and the contest for the Pendine International Voice of the Future featuring the finest young singers from around the world on the stage where Placido Domingo, Kiri Te Kanawa, Elaine Paige, Michael Ball, Sir Bryn Terfel and Luciano Pavarotti have performed.

This year’s Eisteddfod is a shortened version of previous years but will still pack plenty in with a full programme of competitions in the Pavilion and starting on Thursday with Schools Day and the Young Peacemaker Awards.

Sunday sees the Eisteddfod let its hair down for Llanfest before the climactic final concert.

* For more on Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and its competitions and concerts as well as how to get to it and where to stay go to http://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/ or check out https://www.facebook.com/llangollen

First steam train to Corwen makes history for Llangollen Railway

* The special steam train arrives at Corwen Station - the first since 1964.

Llangollen Railway made history this morning as the first steam train in almost 60 years pulled into Corwen Station.

The special service was run to conduct further testing of the platforms and station facilities and allow a very important person to be amongst the very first to use the station - the railway Trust's founding member and president, Bill Shakespeare MBE. 

True to the line’s heritage, the train, proudly bearing the nameboard 'William Shakespeare', consisted of two pieces of Great Western Railway history - a 1923-built steam tank locomotive and an inspection coach, both of which were built at the GWR’s legendary Swindon works.

Bill Shakespeare has been involved in the railway from its creation as the Deeside and Flintshire Railway Preservation Society in the late 1970s. 

* Railway founder and president Bill Shakespeare, left, at Corwen with former chairman Gordon Heddon.

He has given a lifetime’s dedicated service to the railway as a volunteer and served as chairman of the LR Trust between 1976 and 1998. 

He was awarded an MBE for services to the railway upon his retirement as chairman in 1998 and continues to support the Trust in an honorary role as president.

* The special steam service passes through Berwyn Station on route to Corwen.

Joining him on the special train to Corwen were three other past chairmen of the railway, Gordon Heddon, Neil Evans and Jim Ritchie.

On the footplate were driver Ian Ross, fireman Charlie Brook and inspector Andrew Maxwell. Second driver was Paul Reynolds.

Current LR Trust chairman Phil Coles said. “What an honour it is to be travelling with Bill in this wonderful inspection coach on our first officer’s special to Corwen. 

"It was also a landmark occasion for us because this was the first steam to operate at Corwen since the mainline station closed in 1964.

* The train approaching Glyndyfrdwy Station.

"If anyone deserves to be the first into the new station then it’s Bill. His contribution to the railway has been incredible, with many years of hard work and inspirational leadership. We have all worked very hard to make this happen are looking forward to seeing the station completed."

Richard Dixon-Gough, manager for the Corwen Station Project, said “Seeing the special roll in with Bill on board is something me and the small team of volunteers who have built the station from nothing have been looking forward to for a very long time. 

"Whilst this is still part of the testing phase of getting the station ready to open to the public, it’s another big step forward. We’ve got a fair bit more work to do in order to complete the platform buildings – with the roof to finish and the canopy to erect. 

* A stop was made at Carrog on the way to Corwen.

* Railway VIPs in the observation car at the front of the train.

"We’ve been delighted to receive a Levelling Up Government Grant to help us fund the canopy and are about to place the order with a local steelwork supplier for it. All being well the station will open for passengers early next year."

Chairman Phil Coles explained that the Levelling Up fund contributed almost £165,000 of the £200,000 cost of the canopy, with the railway finding the remainder.

Llangollen Railway continues to recover from it’s economic challenges of 2021 and work towards a more sustainable future as a successful tourist attraction. 

* Work on the new Corwen Station is steaming ahead.

With healthy numbers of passengers using the current operational railway between Llangollen and Carrog, the railway’s management say they are looking forward to busy summer season, with a more intensive timetable of railcar, steam and diesel trains planned alongside some special events. 

These include a Classic Transport Weekend on July 2 and 3 and a Diesel Weekend on September 1 and 2.  

* Former railway press officer George Jones contributed the two pictures below, showing William Shakespeare looking out of the train window at Corwen Station and a wide-angle shot of the train after its arrival.