Praise for local businesses during Wales Tourism Week

* At Drosi Bikes CIC (from left)  Julie Masters Clwydian Range Tourism Group (CRTG), Beth and Robin Drosi Bikes, Carol Smith CRTG, Mark Isherwood MS. 

Politicians have been visiting local attractions as part of Wales Tourism Week. 

Mark Isherwood, Welsh Conservative Senedd Member for North Wales, visited Beth Ward and Robin Hughes and Drosi Bikes CIC in Parade Street, Llangollen, explaining how a love of cycling coupled with a concern for the environment was the driving force behind the company, which since May 2021 has been on a mission to encourage accessible cycling and reduce carbon footprints.  

As well as hiring bikes for the day or half day, the team at Drosi Bikes take in repairs, restore donated bikes for sale, and offer e-bike conversions. 

As a community interest company, the team supports a number of programmes to upskill and educate volunteers of all abilities. 

Mr Isherwood commended the company on the valuable service that it provides to the local community, which he said goes hand in hand with its sustainable approach to tourism and its contribution to the visitor economy. 

* At The Dory Gallery (from left) Mark Isherwood MS, Julie Masters CRTG, Suzanne Matheison, of The gallery.

Mr Isherwood also visited The Dory Gallery in Regent Street, Llangollen, where the owner Suzanne Matheison explained how the gallery, opened in June 2021, had come about. 

An independent art gallery located in the former National School for the Poor, The Dory specialises in contemporary and abstract art, particularly the work of the late abstract artist Dory after whom the gallery is named, in an informal setting. 

Individual local artists and art groups are also championed, with regular displays of their work in various media being staged in a series of bright exhibition spaces. 

Mr Isherwood said he was pleased to hear that the gallery is popular with visitors to Llangollen as well as local residents, and said that the wide range of visitor experiences available in the town, of which The Dory Gallery is one, provides growing support for the local economy. 

He added: “It was a delight to visit these excellent tourism businesses which are a real asset to North Wales. I thank them, and the members of the Clwydian Range Tourism Group, for welcoming me and wish them continued success with their ventures.”     

* Ken Skates MS with Caravan and Motorhome Club director of sites and accommodation, Anthony Davies (second left) and site managers Becky and Simon Allen at Lady Margaret’s Park Campsite, Chirk.

* Tourism can continue to drive the local economy in a corner of north-east Wales which has ‘so much to offer’, says Clwyd South Labour Senedd Member Ken Skates. 

Mr Skates, a former Welsh Government tourism minister, said his constituency is ‘brimming with potential’, and believes it will continue to keep local employment figures above the UK average. 

“Tourism is – and always will be – a key sector for Clwyd South and it’s a crucial driver of the local and regional economy,” said Mr Skates. “Our area has so much to offer and it’s a constituency I’m hugely proud to represent. 

“We have two beautiful valleys, the Dee and Ceiriog. The latter was where the Battle of Crogen took place in 1165, which saw King Henry II’s army forced to retreat by brave Welsh soldiers. And we have the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Horseshoe Pass. 

“Then there’s the 200-year-old Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the first transnational UNESCO World Heritage Site, which stretches for 11 miles through some of the most important industrial heritage anywhere in the world.Llangollen is home to the world famous International Musical Eisteddfod and the recently-restored railway line to Corwen, and Rhosllanerchrugog is home to the iconic Stiwt theatre which remains a prominent venue for Welsh language arts.” 

The famous Llangollen-Corwen line has been gradually restored in recent years, with support from the Welsh Government, and volunteers will officially reopen Corwen Station next month. 

“The team has done an incredible job, and it’s taken years of blood, sweat and tears from the volunteers,” said Mr Skates. “It’s been a real labour of love, and it’s amazing to see this jewel in the Dee Valley’s crown brought back to its former glory.” 

Mr Skates visited several other businesses and attractions to mark Wales Tourism Week (May 15-21), including Chirk Castle – one of the two National Trust sites in his constituency – and the nearby Lady Margaret's Park Club Campsite. During First Minister’s Questions, the Clwyd South MS also highlighted the importance of the tourism industry to the region. 

He said: “The constituency is also home to Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse, which I visited ahead of the family race day on Saturday (May 20) and is a major local attraction. It was an excellent opportunity to meet the new general manager Paddy Chesters and chief executive Louise Stewart and hear about their plans to further improve the racecourse’s offering.”

Children's sponsored walk in aid of Hope House Hospice

 

* The whole school celebrate their successful sponsored walk.

Children from Ysgol Bryn Collen took part in a sponsored walk in aid of Hope House Hospice earlier today (Thursday).

Years 5/6 walked around the castle, years 3/4 did loops of Plas Newydd, years 1/2 walked in Penycoed Woods, reception strode out around Pengwern and the nursery walked around the school field.

The children have been busy collecting sponsorships and they took on the challenge in memory of Leo Roberts whose sisters attend the school.

Donation boxes have also been placed in Dee Valley Veg, Llangollen Barbers, Riverbanc and The Three Eagles. 

Llangollen's Jen Rush to appear in TV skin cancer appeal

* Jen Rush is taking part in a national appeal to raise money for those affected by skin cancer.   

Jen Rush from Llangollen is taking part in a national BBC charity appeal to raise money for a charity supporting people affected by melanoma skin cancer. 

Jen is appearing in the appeal in memory of her husband James who passed away in August 2022 having been diagnosed with melanoma.  

Melanoma Focus has been selected for a BBC’s Lifeline Appeal, a programme which highlights the work of charities in the UK and invites the audience to donate.

The appeal will be broadcast on Sunday May 28 and Jen will be sharing her experiences of James being diagnosed with melanoma and her work for Melanoma Focus. 

 

Melanoma Focus provides crucial support for those affected by the disease and the medical teams who treat them, along with funding innovative research into new treatments and helping to raise greater awareness of skin cancer. 

The charity's Melanoma Helpline can be the first point of call for people newly diagnosed or grappling with treatment choices.

Patients and carers are also welcomed to the annual Melanoma Patient Conference, a safe space and community event which aims to empower patients and provide information about the latest treatments and advances in melanoma medicine.

 The BBC appeal coincides with Melanoma Awareness Month. Melanoma Focus has been using the month to share information about symptoms and risk factors for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Experts say 86% of melanomas are preventable but they are becoming more common in the UK killing 2,333 people per year. 

Over the last decade, melanoma skin cancer incidence rates have increased by around a third (32%) in the UK. There are now around 16,700 new cases every year (46 every day) and it is expected to continue to rise.

Jen said: “James was a wonderful man and father to our young daughter Jess. He loved the outdoors and had hobbies including kayaking, surfing, climbing and mountain biking. He was also a talented photographer and designer. He most recently worked as a tree surgeon and was a retained firefighter.

"I’m really proud to take part in the BBC Lifeline appeal in his memory.”

Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, said: “Melanoma skin cancer is a serious and potentially fatal condition. 

"A melanoma diagnosis can bring confusion, anxiety, disbelief and disruption to the patient and their loved ones. That’s where we step in. As experts in melanoma, Melanoma Focus strives to shape a better future for melanoma patients by supporting them from diagnosis through their treatment and beyond.

“We’re delighted that Jen is continuing James’ legacy and supporting our BBC Lifeline appeal to raise awareness of melanoma and raise vital funds for our charity’s work.”

* For more information, or to make a donation online, visit the Lifeline website at bbc.co.uk/lifeline.

Mayor hands over children's coronation mugs

Cheers: Llangollen's Mayor, Cllr Paul Keddie, went along to the town's two junior schools to hand over the commemorative mugs purchased by the Town Council for each of their children to mark the coronation on May 6 of King Charles III. 

There are English versions for Ysgol Bryn Collen and Welsh language ones for Ysgol Y Gwernant, both bearing the council's logo on the reverse. At Ysgol Y Gwernant the school dog Twm was amongst the proud recipients (below).

Funeral takes place of town's British Legion chairman

* Phil Stroud on duty with the Royal British Legion.

The funeral of Phil Stroud, chairman of the Llangollen branch of the Royal British Legion, took place yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon, with a service at St Collen’s Church followed by committal at Pentrebychan.

Mr Stroud died aged 70 at home on May 5 after a short illness.

Originally from Manchester, he served for over 20 years in the army with the King's Regiment, and leaves his wife of 23 years Marie, children and grandchildren.

In his introduction to a moving service, in which Royal British Legion standard bearers led the funeral procession down the aisle, Father Lee Taylor spoke fondly of Mr Stroud who he said had been one of the first people to welcome him when he moved to the area just under five years ago.

Father Lee also praised his strong record of service to his country and later the Legion and recalled his sense of humour which he said had prevailed even through his illness.

In the eulogy, Mr Stroud’s Legion comrade David ‘Dai’ Thomas gave an account of his life, including how he joined the army in his late teens in 1972, serving through until the early 1990s when he left the army to begin a civilian job as a tanker driver.  

After leaving the service he had become a mainstay of the Legion, serving as the local branch’s treasurer, then chairman and as a standard bearer.   

He also involved himself with many aspects of the Legion’s welfare work with former armed forces personnel. 

Later at the crematorium there was the sounding of the Last Post and a farewell song.

Donations were invited to the Legion’s Llangollen branch or the armed forces charity SSAFA.  

Traffic order issued for Abbey Road

 

Denbighshire County Council has issued a temporary traffic order for Abbey Road in Llangollen (copied above).

This covers resurfacing works by the council on a 1.1 kilometre stretch starting from June 19 when a 10mph speed limit will be in force together with a convoy system. 

The order states that no work will take place between July 7 and 11 due to the Eisteddfod.

* The council has also announced it is to close a section of  Maesmawr Road for carriageway patching between May 30 and June 2. 

New Corwen station welcomes its first steam train

* The 1943-built Austerity tank loco was the first steam train to arrive at the new Corwen station. All pictures by Terry Pickthall.

Llangollen & Corwen Railway’s new £1.25m Corwen station saw its first steam-hauled test train yesterday (Monday).

This was to test the water tower and run-round line that will be used for all services from Saturday June 3.

The train was hauled by a 1943-built Austerity tank locomotive No 68067 and was driven by Harry Barber, who was been a volunteer at the railway for over 30 years, and fireman Phil Morrey. 

Dedicated volunteers are putting the final touches to the new station before it is officially handed over to the railway's operations department for a grand opening weekend, starting on June 1 for LR members. 

* A test for the station's new water tower. 

June 2 will see a special ceremony where Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, chairman of both Network Rail and the Heritage Railway Association, will formally open the station, which has taken six years to build. 

Members of the public will be able to ride trains into the new station over the weekend of Saturday June 3 and 4. 

The two days will feature a busy hourly train service using steam, diesel and railcars and a large model railway layout of Corwen as it was in the 1950’s on display in Corwen’s Canolfan Ni village hall. A vintage fire engine will also be on display at Llangollen station. 

Phil Coles, chairman of Llangollen Railway Trust, said: “Seeing our station open on June 2 will be a very special day. 

"It is the realisation of the vision of our founders 50 years ago to reopen the railway between Llangollen and Corwen. 

* The stairway up to the platform at the new Corwen station.

"It’s been quite a journey, but we have finally made it. We’ve seen such incredible commitment from dedicated volunteers and supporters; from those who have laid the bricks and tracks to those who helped secure government Levelling-Up funding for our station canopy, including our local MP Simon Baynes. 

"I am proud to have been part of the team that has put a station back on the map in Corwen after Dr Beeching closed the original nearly 60 years ago."

* More information and advanced tickets for the opening weekend can be found by visiting https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/. 

Tower Road closed for urgent water leak repair

Denbighshire County Council says that Tower Road, Llangollen, has been closed to facilitate urgent works to repair a leaking water main by Hafren Dyfrdwy.

 

Charity trekker Gary battles on despite the blisters

* Gary plots his progress on a map of the Camino Trail.

Painfully blistered feet continued to trouble Llangollen's Gary Fletcher during the second week of his solo 500-mile charity walk to raise at least £10,000 for a local hospital’s specialist children’s unit. 

Gary Fletcher, 44, is trekking through France and Spain along the famous Camino De Santiago Pilgrim Trail.  

He reckons it will take him between six and eight weeks, dependent on the weather or any injuries he might sustain along the way. 

Early last week the blisters became so painful that he had to stop for a while to allow them to heal in the Spanish town of Estelle.

He mentions this on the Facebook page on which he is reporting his progress.

His sister Michaela comments on his post, sympathising with his pain and telling him to "keep rockin' on!"

Eventually back on the trail he had a stopover in the town of Hormilla, just outside Najera, towards the end of the week.

He mentions having a "nice clean room for 30 euros" in the local hotel and how the heat was increasing as he marched deeper into Spain.    

Gary, who recently sold his development site next to White Waters Hotel and is looking for another property in or around the town, spent weeks training for his foot-slogging marathon by climbing local hills and mountains and sweating it out in daily gym sessions. 

He also mounted an intensive publicity and social media campaign to gain the sponsorship from local businesses that he needs before he can set off on the challenge in aid of the pioneering Movement Centre at the Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Gobowen.  

Before leaving he said: “I have wanted to do something to help children in our country for some time. With the centre I have found the perfect charity to support as it relies solely on donations and private fundraising to continue its work supporting children of all ages with mobility issues.” 

His regular posts on Facebook detail how he set off aboard the Eurostar from London bound for Paris on May 6.

* You can sponsor Gary at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/500-mile-walk-along-the-camino-santiago-trail 

Latest local county council roadworks alerts

 

Latest local roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council are:

A542 OPPOSITE 3 HILL STREET HILL STREET 30/05/2023 30/05/2023 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

carriageway MAESMAWR ROAD 30/05/2023 02/06/2023 Cynnal y Lon Gerbydau/ Carrigeway Maintenance AARON MACDONALD (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Wrth / Nr FRONDEG ABBEY ROAD 06/06/2023 07/06/2023 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

Tu Allan i Ysgol Dinas Bran / Outisde Ysgol Dinas Bran DINBREN ROAD 31/05/2023 02/06/2023 Torri Coed / Tree Cutting SHIFT TRAFFIC (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Wrth / Nr DALMORE ABBEY ROAD 22/05/2023 24/05/2023 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN (DCC) LLANGOLLEN

A539 Abbey Road ABBEY ROAD 19/06/2023 30/09/2023 Ailwynebu/ Resurfacing DCC WORKS UNIT (PETER PAR LLANGOLLEN No traffic management to be on site 01/07/23 - 12/07/23 due to International Eistedfodd Confoi 10 mya/10 mph Convoy

County council calls for more hosts for Ukrainian families

Denbighshire County Council are supporting Welsh Government in looking for more hosts, so that Ukrainian families have a safe place to call home. 

As a host, you’ll get a £500 a month thank you payment from Welsh Government, as well as other free support and training. 

The council has worked closely with Welsh Government to welcome families and individuals to Denbighshire and officers from the Council have been ensuring that these families feel welcome. 

Most Ukrainians in Wales will now have spent some time here, following the full scale invasion by Russia in February 2022, and many will either be in education or employment. Most Families have started to settle into Welsh life, making contributions to our communities. 

Councillor Rhys Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “We are so thankful to all of the hosts so far who have opened up their homes throughout the county, ensuring that these families have a safe and welcoming place to stay. 

"With the support of local communities and public authorities, the Welsh nation has declared itself a nation of sanctuary for both refugees and asylum seekers.

"We are now asking for more people to do the same, if they can. Teams at the council are on hand to help and answer any queries if you are also looking to become a host yourself."

Housing Justice Cymru offer a helpline for hosts and runs online sessions for those considering hosting to offer them more information on what’s involved, and whether this is right for them. There’s no obligation to apply following the session. 

* To apply to become a host visit: gov.wales/offerhome.

Rotary gets busy building bee and bug hotels

* Rotary members installing the seeded area and bug hotels.

Vale of Llangollen Rotary and its associated community team have installed the first bee garden and bug houses in the gardens of Tan-y-Garth Hall, a retreat near Lllanollen.

1st Enable Ltd at Chester sponsored the project which is the first installation under the Rotary International programme, Operation Pollination and recognises the importance of a pollinator habitat both restored and maintained on public and private lands. 

Through collaboration and outreach, an interconnected mosaic of these habitats will be interspersed between public and private land with the aim of increasing populations of species throughout the area.

Pollinators play a vital role in flower and plant reproduction: 80% to 90% of all plants depend on them to reproduce.  

A Rotary spokesperson said: "As pollinator advocates, we recognise the need to help reverse the unintended consequences of human activities in urban, suburban, and rural landscapes and help to establish a mosaic of vibrate pollinator habitats throughout the Vale of Llangollen.

"If you have a small area of ground in Llangollen or your village in the area that you think would benefit from a bee garden please get in touch."

The Vale of Llangollen Rotary and Vale of Llangollen Community Team is ready to welcome individuals and couples of 18+ from the local community who want to be people of action.  

They normally meet face-to-face, at Liberty Tavern, 20 Market Street, Llangollen on Monday evenings at 7.30pm.

* For more information contact Mike Lade on 07803 038858, valeofllangollenrotary@gmail.com or see www.valeofllangollenrotary

Vehicle fire breaks out on main road into Llan

* Picture: Sarah Mann from Facebook.

A vehicle fire blocked a main road near Llangollen earlier today, according to a story in the Leader.

* For the full story, see: https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/23531295.vehicle-fire-blocks-main-road-near-llangollen/

Road closed for urgent repairs to water main

 

One.network has issued an alert which says that Maesmawr Road, Llangollen, has been closed to facilitate urgent works to repair a leaking water main by Hafren Dyfrdwy.

Latest local roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council are:

Wrth / Nr DALMORE ABBEY ROAD 22/05/2023 24/05/2023 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN (DCC)

A542 carriageway MAESMAWR ROAD 30/05/2023 02/06/2023 Cynnal y Lon Gerbydau/ Carrigeway Maintenance AARON MACDONALD (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Wrth / Nr FRONDEG ABBEY ROAD 06/06/2023 07/06/2023 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

A542 Abbey Road ABBEY ROAD 19/06/2023 30/09/2023 Ailwynebu/ Resurfacing DCC WORKS UNIT (PETER PAR LLANGOLLEN No traffic management to be on site 01/07/23 - 12/07/23 due to International Eis Confoi 10 mya/10 mph Convoy

Evening taster session planned for young kayakers

Following on from the success of last year's initative, Llangollen Canoe Club is again teaming up with North Wales Slalom to introduce more youngsters into the sport as part of the 2023 North Wales Slalom Programme.

On Thursday May 25, from 6:30 - 8:30pm, they will host an evening for young people aged between 10 and 16 to come along and try out slalom kayaking on the River Dee Course at Mile End Mill/TNR.

Location: https://g.page/TNROutdoors?share

In a Facebook post the organisers say: "Once more, we’re looking to develop a young group who can begin and continue to train with expert tuition alongside a team of top slalom coaches and form an active part of the North Wales Slalom team who will then go on to compete in local, national and potentially, international events and competitions.

"This initiative would suit youngsters who are already comfortable and confident around water and ideally have already had experience with some form of kayaking and paddle sports, although all are welcome to attend and take part to see if this sport ‘floats their boat’.

"All equipment, including slalom kayaks, paddles, helmets, buoyancy aids and cags will be provided and the young person will be able to take part in the slalom course ‘taster’ evening session.

"On this first evening, we will begin at 6:30pm with a short presentation from Jonathan Davis, Canoe Wales Talent Pathway Officer, explaining more on the sport of Slalom Kayaking and how he and his team will look to develop and train this new group, working on their paddling skills and all elements of the sport should they choose to start out on this path to becoming young Slalom athletes.

"If you would like to attend this free event and book a space for your potential paddling star(s) of the future then send an email to jonathan.davis@canoewales.com to reserve your space so we have a good idea of expected numbers.

"This event is open to club members and non-club members alike and we look forward to welcoming many young people and their families to the evening."

Vehicle destroyed in deliberate blaze near town

Denbighshire Free Press is reporting this morning (Wednesday) how a vehicle was destroyed in a deliberate blaze near Llangollen yesterday evening.

* For the full story, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/23527506.vehicle-destroyed-deliberate-fire-near-llangollen/ 

  

Llangollen Ramblers planning Offa's Dyke Path walk this summer

Starting on June 27 Llangollen Ramblers will be walking the Offa's Dyke Path in sections, starting from Prestatyn.  

Each walk will be between 7 and 11 miles in length and will take place on the last Thursday of the month. 

Beyond Knighton (April '24), a short stay of 1-3 nights each time will be necessary and the route should be completed by late summer 2024.

A group spokesperson said: "Transport logistics mean we can take only a limited number on each walk, but we do have a few spare places at present.  

"If you think you could be interested in joining us please contact Judy asap for more details (07905 330788 / smithdinbren@gmail.com).  

"You will be very welcome, and you really don't have to commit to the whole at once - you are perfectly welcome to come along and see."

Alfie Boe 'can't wait' to headline the Eisteddfod

* Alfie Boe will headline at this year's Eisteddfod.

Superstar tenor Alfie Boe says he "can't wait" to return to North Wales as he gets set to headline Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod this summer.

The renowned English singer and actor will open the event alongside Britain's Got Talent semi-finalists Welsh of the West End at a glitzy evening concert on Tuesday, July 4.

Alfie, who has appeared at the cultural festival on several occasions, said fans will be treated to "fantastic bloody music" with a hand-picked programme created just for Llangollen.

Supported by Welsh of the West End - which is made up of some of Wales' own home-grown talent - Alfie said fans are in for a great night.

Speaking about his return to the town, he said: "Performing in Llangollen is very exciting because it's a real buzz.

"There's a great musical atmosphere - everybody's there from around the world celebrating music and culture and it's a wonderful thing to be a part of.

"The last few times I've been, I've loved every minute.

"And when you get to play the main stage and you have a day of your own, it's even better, I can't wait."

Alfie, who has collaborated with many choirs during his career said he's looking forward to teaming up with Welsh of the West End -  the musical theatre super-group and Britain's Got Talent semi-finalists.

Commenting on what fans can expect, Alfie said: "Fantastic bloody music -  a good concert, lots of fun and laughter.

"My aim is to deliver a good show with lots of different music.

"It's always nice to try new songs out with a festival crowd."

Alfie, who is gearing up for his UK tour this September, said he has lots in the pipeline for his loyal fans including a book and a new album.

"I just want to keep coming up with ideas, keep working and doing the best I can. I'm trying my hand at some original songs too so I'll be drip-feeding them to the public."

Welsh of the West End star Steffan Hughes from Llangwyfan near Denbigh, who has been a Youth Ambassador for Llangollen Eisteddfod and also presented the S4C coverage of the festival in 2019, said appearing at the festival with Alfie is a real "full circle moment" having competed in the event for many years growing up.

He said: "The Llangollen International Eisteddfod holds a dear place in my heart. A truly unique festival, that I had the privilege of representing as a youth ambassador in my teens. 

"I spent many years competing on that wonderful stage and enjoyed the most varied and high-quality concerts there too. I’m so excited to be bringing Welsh of the West End to Llangollen. 

"We represented Wales on an international stage through our appearance on Britain’s Got Talent, but there’s truly no place like home - and as a Denbighshire boy myself, I’m thrilled to be singing on home turf. We'll be performing some of our favourite songs from the world of musical theatre and film."

Steffan added: "Sharing the stage with the wonderful Alfie Boe is the icing on the cake. We were a guest act on his UK tour with Michael Ball last year, so we're very excited to be reuniting with him once more." 

Fellow members, Jade Davies from Denbigh, sister of Love Island winner Amber Davies, and Mared Wiliams from Llannefydd, who alongside Steffan, all went to Ysgol Glan Clwyd in St Asaph said they are also excited for the event.

Jade, who has performed in shows such as Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera said: "It's a dream come true to share the stage with Alfie Boe - someone who I really admire. It'll be a joy to perform on that iconic Llangollen stage."

Mared, who is a previous winner of the Musical Theatre International Voice of the Future at Llangollen said: "I'm thrilled to be singing at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod again. Having grown up competing and visiting the Eisteddfod, it's a lovely feeling to be coming back to perform with professional musical theatre experience behind me."

The Eisteddfod will be back for its 76th year this summer - the first full length festival to be held since before the coronavirus pandemic.

And this year, the Parade of Nations will be back for the first time since 2019.

Llangollen Eisteddfod executive producer Camilla King said: "There was a lot of excitement last year when we came back for the first time since 2019 but people then were still cautious about covid and travel, whereas this year, everyone's ready to be back out there celebrating.

"People can expect to see a lot of the things that the festival has developed a reputation for - fantastic world renowned artists, competitions which showcase performers from around the world, exciting live finals like Choir of the World, Dance Champions and Voice of the Future - where you'll see some of the top choirs, dance groups and operatic soloists.

"There'll also be spectacular international concerts which bring lots of different performers together including The White Flower which sees massed forces of Welsh, Bosnian and Ukrainian performers. We’re also delighted that the 2022 Pendine International Voice of the Future winner, Emyr Lloyd Jones, will be joining us on stage as a soloist for this concert.

On the Eisteddfod line-up will be well known jazz performer and conductor, Guy Barker with his Big Band on Friday 7 July, collaborating with top soloists such as Tommy Blaize, lead singer on Strictly Come Dancing, and soul and jazz musicians, Clare Teal, Giacomo Smith and Vanessa Haynes performing a one-off set.

"It's going to be a real summer's evening party - if you're into jazz and you like that punchy big band Sinatra sound, this is the night out for you," Camilla said.

Commenting about Alfie Boe's return to Llangollen, Camilla added: "It's a few years since Alfie has been to the Eisteddfod but he's a real favourite with our audience. 

"It's also a brilliant showcase for Welsh of the West End - really talented young Welsh musical theatre stars.”

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod runs between July 4 and 9, and features a combination of competition and performance with choirs competing for the coveted Choir of the World title and the Pavarotti Trophy. 

Each year around 4,000 participants take to the stage with around 25,000 visitors attending.

There will also be lots of entertainment on the outside site including workshops, talks, international showcases, outdoor theatre performances and circus skills.

The Eisteddfod will also crown the 2023 dance champions with the Lucille Armstrong Trophy, in addition to the Pendine International Voice of the Future event.

Tickets are available online at www.llangollen.net or on 01978 862001.

A5 roadworks causing long delays

* Traffic queueing on the A5 this afternoon.

llanblogger has received reports this afternoon about traffic congestion on the A5 heading out of town towards Wrexham.

It is understood this has been caused by temporary lights just before the Tyn Y Wern in connection with resurfacing work on the carriageway.

Around 1.15pm a queue of traffic could be seen stretching back from the lights to the fire station car park.

One llanblogger reader warned: "It's chaos on the A5 going towards Wrexham. There are roadworks with lights which do not seem to be working properly.

"I went through on green and met the traffic coming in the opposite direction." 

MG3: No wonder car but not bad for the price

MG 3 drive by Steve Rogers

A friend asked for advice on buying a new car for not too much money.

His son is heading towards giant size so something like a little Kia Picanto or Hyundai i10 would not fit the bill. 

I pointed him towards the MG 3 mainly because I have just been driving it and think it is outstanding value for money. It’s in a battle with the Dacia Sandero for the cheapest car of its size, losing out by £25, but the MG has a seven-year warranty.

This is not the famed MG marque of old. That renowned British car maker was allowed to smoulder and die until it rose phoenix like from the ashes thanks to a Chinese conglomerate which bought the name and did what the Chinese do best, churn out inexpensive goods.

Let’s not kid ourselves that the price tag makes this a wonder car. There is some good and some not so good bits, the not so good taking up more space than not so good on a Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo which are among the more expensive rivals.

Here we have a five door, five seat hatchback that falls into the supermini bracket like Fiesta and Polo etc. There are just two models, Excite and Exclusive, and one engine option, a 1.5 litre petrol. It does not look that quick on paper and is not that quick when driven although it gets to sixty quicker than a Dacia Sandero and does not sound stressed at motorway speed.

The downside is economy. Trying very hard on a 30 mile round trip I managed 44mpg but think yourself lucky if your weekly average reaches 40mpg which is some way adrift of most rivals. Would a six speed option rather than the standard five speed gearbox improve matters?

Another area that could be improved is the ride. I could tell it was twitchy before I reached the end of my cul-de-sac. My advice to the suspension experts is to take a ride in a Citroen C3 and copy it. That said no one can match the C3 for comfort so let’s not be too hard on this little fella. I have driven other MGs where the ride is more than acceptable.

With a budget price tag it is easy to expect an interior like a low rent bedsit. Well prepare to be pleasantly surprised. Yes there is a lot of scratchy black plastic but everything is well screwed together, and there are a few screwheads on show if you want to check!

There is nothing complicated about the layout with a central eight inch touchscreen and clear, separate switches for radio and heating, and even though this is a car for a low budget it does not feel drab. They have made an effort to jazz things up with a stylish bubble design on the door cards while the silver tartan dashboard inlay adds a nice touch of class.

Five adults will fit into the car as long as those in the back are not too tall but they will not be troubled by a lack of headroom.

Boot space does not come close to best in class and the 23cm drop to the boot floor will make lifting heavier items a strain. A two level floor, found on most cars, would be an inexpensive fix.

Equipment level on the Excite covers the basics with all round electric windows, air conditioning, DAB radio with Apple CarPlay, and parking sensors as the standouts. Going for Exclusive adds on board navigation, rear parking camera, cruise control and sports seats.

What is missing on both models is a telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel which has to make do with tilt only. It will stop drivers with shorter legs finding the ideal driving position because you have to sit too close to the steering wheel.

Something else that might put off potential customers is the three star Euro NCAP rating when the majority have five, although it is one more than Sandero. It is not something that bothers me as modern day cars are all pretty robust, but lower rated cars do not have the necessary safety aids to qualify.

So there we have it. A car that is hard to beat on price, particularly if you go for Excite which would be my choice. Who needs basic cruise control, or navigation when someone in the family will have a smart phone? But I would miss a reversing camera.

Fast facts

MG 3 Exclusive Nav

£16,040 (starts £13,820)

1.5 litre petrol; 104bhp

0-60mph 10.4secs; 108mph

43.3mpg combined

147g/km. 1st VED £255

Boot: 285-1262 litres