Get in touch ...

Know of something happening in
Llangollen?
Tweet
us on
@llanblogger

E-mail your contributions to: llanblogger@gmail.com

We are on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/llanbloggercouk/139122552895186



Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Have your say on proposed new North East Wales National Park


Natural Resources Wales (NRW) are inviting feedback on an initial Area of Search map for a proposed new National Park in North East Wales.

And people in Llangollen, which is included in the plan, will get the chance to have their say, in person, tomorrow (Saturday, November 18) at the Town Hall between 10 and 4pm.

The engagement period will run until Monday November 27.

Welsh Government has commissioned NRW, as the Designating Authority in Wales, to evaluate the case for a new National Park based on the existing Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). 

The case for the park will be considered within the existing Senedd term (2021-2026).

A questionnaire to capture feedback is now live on the project website. This can be accessed at: https://ymgynghori.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/north-east-gogledd-ddwyrain/national-park-designation-project-engagement-2023

Ash Pearce, Project Manager, said: "We are engaging with local people and groups early in the project to ensure we can capture and understand all the issues and opportunities that relate to the proposed new National Park. 

"We will consider and account for the feedback provided as we work through a series of technical assessments and prepare our informed recommendations.

"There will be a full public consultation on a proposed boundary in 2024. At this stage, we have identified an area to study and want to listen and understand the significant issues, opportunities and themes affecting the area.

"We warmly invite everyone interested in our work, to join us at one of a series of in-person and online engagement events over the next two months. Also most critically, to complete our questionnaire which will ensure that we can capture their feedback.

"The events will be an opportunity to learn more about the project, ask questions of the team and share feedback on an early map of the area being assessed.

"People will only need to attend one event, be that online or in-person as the information shared will be the same for each event."

The Llangollen engagement event is due to take place at the Town Hall on Saturday November 18, from 10am until 4pm.

People are encouraged to drop by at the in-person events, there is no need to book a place. If interested in taking part in one of the online events, email the project team at designated.landscapes.programme@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk with your name, state your interest (e.g. resident, community leader, landowner, farmer, business owner, organisation representative, etc) and which event you are interested in (the date). These will be bilingual events with simultaneous translation provided.

NRW have prepared procedural guidance setting out the statutory process that must be followed. It is evidence based and allows for engagement and consultation with statutory consultees, the public and other stakeholders. 

* For more information on the project and evaluation process, visit the website at: https://ymgynghori.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/north-east-gogledd-ddwyrain/north-east-wales-national-park-designation-project

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Re-think of Four Great Highways scheme after tenders are over-budget

* Lower Dee Mill Park is part of the scheme.

The county council is having to re-think its plans for Llangollen's Four Great Highways scheme after tenders for the work came out over-budget.  

The aim of the project is to enhance the landscape and improve accessibility, interpretation and signage in the town.

It is part of investment by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund that was secured through a joint application between Denbighshire County Council and Wrexham County Borough Council for the Clwyd South Constituency. 

The application was supported by Simon Baynes MP and £3.8 million was allocated to Denbighshire to invest in the communities of Llangollen, Llantysilio, Corwen and surrounding areas.

But Denbighshire says that due to the current market and general levels of construction inflation, all tenders submitted to undertake the work required to complete the current design proposals are "significantly over-budget".

The Four Great Highways Team are now looking to rescope the project as it is clear that all of the works currently being proposed for it will no longer be feasible as a result of these budget constraints.

While the council says it is disappointed with this development, it adds that the Project Team will ensure that the revised project will deliver the key elements and outcomes of the scheme to benefit to the local communities once completed.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment & Transport, said: “While we are disappointed that the original design proposals for this project are no longer practicable, we remain confident that we will deliver a worthwhile project that will be an asset to the local area once completed.”

The tendering process for the revised Four Great Highways project will open later this month.


MP in talks with council over support for Eisteddfod

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has revealed he has been in talks with Denbighshire County Council over additional support for Llangollen Eisteddfod.

The festival has partnered with promoters Cuffe and Taylor, which will see a number of high-profile musical acts travel to Llangollen for concerts before, during, and after the Eisteddfod. 

As part of the deal, it has been announced that rock bands Manic Street Preachers and Suede will headline the 2024 Eisteddfod on Friday, June 28, with more acts to be announced over the coming weeks. 

Prior to becoming the local MP Mr Baynes served on the Board of Trustees for the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod from 2017 to 2019. 

Since his election, he has continued to maintain his interest in the Eisteddfod, both in his personal capacity and as MP.

Earlier this year, Mr Baynes was contacted by the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Sarah Ecob, regarding the future of the event. 

This resulted in a meeting being arranged on Friday October 6 with the leader of Denbighshire County Council, Cllr Jason McLellan, and the Chief Executive of the Council, Graham Boase, to discuss additional support that could be offered to the Eisteddfod in light of the announcement of the partnership with Cuffe and Taylor. 

Mr Baynes said: “I am delighted at the news that the Board of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has agreed to partner with Cuffe and Taylor. The deal has already seen the announcement of two major headline acts for next year’s Eisteddfod, with further acts to be revealed over the coming weeks.

"As a former member of the Board of Trustees for the Eisteddfod, I have seen first-hand the dedication of those who help to make this event a success every year. In my role as the Member of Parliament for Clwyd South, I have had a number of discussions with the Chair of the Board, Sarah Ecob, with regards to the future of the event, with the most recent being attended by both the Leader of Denbighshire County Council and the Chief Executive. 

"I look forward to continuing to liaise with all relevant parties over the coming months to ensure that the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is a success for years to come.”

Tickets go on sale for Food Festival tasting events

 * One of last year's successful Food Festival events held in the Town Hall.

Whisky, wine and cheese enthusiasts and connoisseurs, mark your calendars. 

For Llangollen Food Festival has announced that tickets are now on sale for the three tasting events it is featuring this weekend.

The Penderyn whisky tasting experience will take place from 6pm on Saturday, October 14. 

Attendees will be able to savour three of the Welsh whisky company’s finest whiskies paired with three delicious cheeses courtesy of The Little Cheesemonger, an award-winning specialist shop based in Prestatyn. 

At 12 noon on Sunday, October 15 the local Hafod Brewery will be hosting a beer and cheese pairing event where you’ll be able to enjoy two of life’s great pleasures – beer and cheese – together. 

Hafod Brewing Co is a family team creating diverse, drinkable beers proudly showcasing the northeast Wales region’s amazing ingredients and cheeses will be supplied by The Little Cheesemonger. 

Rounding out a weekend of special events is a wine and cheese tasting event hosted by Pip Gale of Gales Wine Bar. 

Pip will be exploring six of the glorious wines of the Valpolicella region of Italy alongside a curated selection of cheeses, again from The Little Cheesemonger.

Tickets for the Penderyn Whisky and Cheese tasting cost £20, tickets for Hafod Brewery’s Beer and Cheese tasting cost £20 and Pip Gales’ wine and cheese tasting event is £25. 

All the tasting events will take place in the Silver Band Rooms in Parade Street, Llangollen.

Tickets for all the events can be purchased from Ticketsource.  Due to the exclusive nature of these events a limited number of tickets will be available, and early booking is recommended to secure your place. Tickets are only available to those over the age of 18.

Service for Baby Loss Awareness Week at St Collen's

 

A special Wave of Light service is to be held at St Collen's Church this Sunday (October 15) at 4pm to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week.

A spokesperson for the organisers said: "It’s all about raising awareness and breaking the silence on what people used to consider a ‘taboo’ topic. 

"I know that baby loss has affected many local families, including my own, so it would be really good for families to know that their babies are not forgotten. 

"The church will also be lit up to raise awareness and the service is for anyone who has a lost a baby in pregnancy, at birth or in the early years, whether the loss was yesterday or 80 years ago. 

"There will be an opportunity to write names on the remembrance tree at the back of the church throughout Baby Loss Awareness Week and the church will be open every day from 10am-3.30pm."

Monday, October 9, 2023

County council warns of 'serious budget challenges'

Denbighshire County Council is warning that challenging times lie ahead as it faces a series of continuing budget pressures due to rising costs and demand for services.

It is estimated that delivering day to day services – including social services, waste collection and schools, will cost an extra £26m due to price increases, inflation, and pressure on demand.

Despite an expected increase in funding of £5.6m (3%) by Welsh Government, this still leaves a funding gap of £20.4m. Like Local Authorities across Wales, the 


* County Hall in Ruthin.

Council must find additional money through savings and efficiencies, charges for services, increases in Council Tax or by reducing or cutting services. 

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation said: “Like all Councils across Wales and England we face the most challenging of times. Over a decade of constant austerity cuts from UK Government has taken its toll on local authorities and as a result we have to make very difficult decisions.

“We have already been looking at every Council function to identify budget savings. We have asked staff internally to propose ideas; we are considering what we can do differently, what we can reduce and what we can stop. On the basis of these considerations, we are working to come up with a list of potential savings across everything we do. The current financial position is incredibly challenging and as a result, the need for significant budget savings is unprecedented.”

Councillor Gwyneth Ellis, Cabinet Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets said: “The main priority for Cabinet at this point is ensure the Council can balance the books. Denbighshire wants to avoid arriving at a situation where external Commissioners are sent in by government to reduce spend with little or no reference to the elected Members or the local communities. This is the reality of what could happen should we fail to balance the books.

“That is why we must start making difficult decisions now. We need to be able to agree to implement significant savings over the next few months to enable us to set a balanced budget for 2024/25.  We also know there are likely to be similar challenges facing us for 2025/26.”

The proposals which will be put forward will all go through the appropriate process with some decisions made by Cabinet while others will be taken via delegated decision either by the Lead Member or Head of Service.  All decisions which have a significant impact on our communities will be subject to a public consultation.

Roadworks alerts for this week

Local roadworks alerts from one.network are:

 

Fron Bache, Llangollen, Denbighshire


11 October - 13 October

 

Delays likely - Road closure

 

Name: Fron Bache, Llangollen

 

Location: Fron Bache

 

Description: Streetworks / License - Streetworks

 

Responsibility for event: Denbighshire County Council

 

Current status: Planned

 

 

 

Vicarage Road, Llangollen, Denbighshire


11 October - 13 October

 

Delays likely - Diversion route

 

Name: Diversion

 

Location: Vicarage Road

 

Description: Streetworks / License - Streetworks

 

Responsibility for event: Denbighshire County Council

 

Current status: Planned

 

 

 

Market Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire


11 October - 13 October

 

Roadworks, Delays unlikely

 

Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion

 

Description: INSTALL NEW MTR AND BBOX DIG IS A METER BY A METER SQUARE

 

Works location: ROAD OPENING & DIG TAKING PLACE ON FOOTWAY OUTSIDE PUBLIC CONVENIENCES & PREMISES

 

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 Hafren Dyfrdwy.

 

Responsibility for works: Hafren Dyfrdwy

 

Current status: Planned work about to start

 

Works reference: ZU0070000/0000800797909

 

 


Judy to tackle Great South run at 78 in memory of friend Sandra

* Judy Smith, right, with her friend Sandra Woodhall at a Llangollen Round Challenge event.

At the age of 78, Llangollen's Judy Smith is to take part in this Sunday's Great South Run in memory of her friend and fellow fundraiser.

In aid of Cancer Research UK, Judy Smith had originally planned to compete in last month's Great North Run as a fitting tribute to her late friend Sandra Woodhall with whom she founded and organised the famous Llangollen Round Challenge which has raised many thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK since it began in 2012. 

But a broken wrist put paid to Judy's plan and instead she began training for the less demanding southern event of "only" ten miles rather than 13. 

Judy said: "Unfortunately, I managed to break my wrist falling over at the Erddig Parkrun a few months ago and had it in plaster, so the Great North Run would not have been a good idea. I therefore switched my entry to the Great South Run in Portsmouth.

"Sandra herself raised more than half a million pounds for CRUK in her lifetime and of course, was passionate about the Llangollen Round Challenge that has proved so successful.  

"I wanted this run to be a last fundraising event in her name, and both I and Cancer Research UK will be grateful for any sponsorship you can offer.

"You can donate using the following link: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/judys-giving-page-109  or email me on smithdinbren@gmail.com to discuss other means of donation."

Sunday, October 8, 2023

Three local TV stars stage hit Town Hall fundraiser

 


* Chris Sims and Shea Ferron join forces on Light Up by Snow Patrol.


* Singing policeman Karl Joseph.


* Chris Sims tells all about The Piano.


 * Shea Ferron with one of his big West End musicals numbers.

Three-plus-three plus 100 equals one thousand. Or at least they do when talented Llangollen people sprinkle some stardust on the equation.

The magical arithmetic here means that last night at the Town Hall three local TV heroes spent three marvellous hours giving their services free to entertain a sell-out audience of over 100 to raise a marvellous £1,000 or more to ensure this year’s Llangollen Christmas Festival is another big hit and in turn raises thousands for local charitable causes.

Shea Ferron, who made it to the finals of ITV's Britain's Got Talent as part of the Johns' Boys choir appeared along with well-known local musician Chris Sims, who was featured in Channel 4's The Piano, and "singing policeman" Karl Joseph who hit national prominence on ITV's Star Struck.

The sum of success for got even better for the Llangollen Superstars concert when Orb Sound and Lighting and a host of volunteers, headed by Christmas Festival chair Chem Cheminais. manning the hall threw in their efforts free of charge.

Chris Sims provided the melodic prelude to the proceedings with a sing-along version of Monkees’ hit Daydream Believer, following up with Beatles biggie Lady Madonna.

He showcased his keyboard versatility even further with favourites from the likes of Duke Ellington, Bill Joel – pounding out for the first time ever in public his Piano Man – and also threw in some of his own compositions a couple of which really deserve to become hits in their own right.

Chris rounded things off in fine style by encouraging the audience to jump to their feet and dance along with Status Quo’s Rockin’ All Over the World – a version of which he had played on The Piano.

In the gaps between his numbers he gave us some fascinating behind-the-scenes tales of his couple of days in front of the TV cameras.

There were similar inside stories from PCSO Karl Joseph when he took his turn on the Town Hall beat, opening with a foot-tapping Let Me Entertain You from Robbie Williams and continuing with Coming the Air Tonight from Phil Collins.

Switching styles he steered us out West with his take on country number Wagon Wheel before paying homage to his favourite band Queen’s Crazy Little Thing Called Love.

By this time he had ‘em dancing in the rather limited aisles, ramming home Footloose, I’m a Believer from the Monkees, Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol and a big soulful Angels by Robbie Williams.

Hotfoot from another gig out on the coast, Shea Ferron bounded on stage to deliver a powerful Tougher than the Rest by Springsteen then It’s Hard to Speak My Heart from the musical Parade.

He stuck with the West End theme with a well-acted-out You’ll Be Back from Hamilton, a moving Bring Him Home from Les Mis – the same one for you which he had memorably joined Alfie Boe on stage at this year’s Eisteddfod – and a soaring Defying Gravity from Wicked.

Shea gave us his own personal memories of singing to telly glory with his choir before demonstrating how easily he can move around the songbook with Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel and the thumping Show Me the Way to Amarillo by Tony Christie.

To wind up he was joined on stage by Chris Sims to finale with Light Up by Snow Patrol.

All this added up to a stonking evening of home-grown entertainment the like of which we should see more.      

Saturday, October 7, 2023

Interest in Manics and Suede at Pavilion "goes through the roof"

Yesterday's announcement of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod's dual headlining of the Manic Street Preachers and Suede went viral across the world, say festival bosses.  

And, you read it here first on Llanblogger.  

Trustees have reported that website traffic "went through the roof".

The festival says it will announce another "sensational" headline act on Wednesday morning as they work towards their aim of ensuring it not just survives but thrives. 

On BBC Radio Wales yesterday (Friday) Nicky Wire from the Manic Street Preachers, who appeared at the Llangollen Eisteddfod in 2017, was teaching Brett Anderson about the meaning of the word Eisteddfod with Eleri Sion.  

They also appeared on Good Morning Britain on ITV and the story of the new partnership and the promise of bringing more international headliners to Llangollen was shared thousands of times across social media.   

Communication's professional David Hennigan, one of the new Board Trustees, spoke of his delight and promised much more to come.  

He said: "Yesterday's announcement surpassed our expectations, not just in terms of positive media but in people signing up for pre-sales.  

"We are blown away by the positive reaction we have received from across the UK but importantly for us - residents across Llangollen and Denbighshire.  

"Our next big announcement is on Wednesday when we will announce a gig by a worldwide sensation. 

"Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is literally reaching for the stars in order to promote how wonderful our town is.   

"Our peace festival has been a mainstay of Llangollen since 1947 and now we are confident that it will continue to promote the tenets of peace, and internationalism for another generation.  

"Our core offering will remain the same - with our competitions, our international guests, our peace parade, our traditional Eisteddfod concerts and more but in bringing in Cuffe and Taylor, we are ensuring that the Llangollen Eisteddfod doesn't just survive but thrives."

Former Barclays bank goes on the market

The former Barclays Bank in Castle Street is on the market with offers over £125,000.

A post on the property website Prime Location gives a full description of the imposing building next to Centenary Square which closed in July.

A agent's description says: "The property comprise a three storey building of brick construction under a pitched slate roof. Internally the building provides a former banking hall, leading back to office, safe, kitchen and w/c facilities. 

"There is further storage in the basement. The upper floors are residential flats and have been sold off on long leases.

"The property has been measured in accordance with the RICS Code of Measuring Practice as follows. 

"Tenure: Freehold, the first  and second floor flats have been sold off on 125 year long leases at a Peppercorn rent."

At the time its closure as a bank was announced Barclays said in a statement: Our customers’ behaviour has changed significantly in recent years, with the majority now choosing online banking. 

“This is reflected at Llangollen branch, and as we adapt, we are finding new ways to support our customers by maintaining our community presence with options for customers who still require in-person support.

“In Llangollen we plan to open a Barclays Local – a pop-up cashless banking site where customers can meet a colleague face-to-face for banking support, as they would in a branch and without the need to travel. We are currently working with the local community to identify a suitable location and will announce details once confirmed.”

Later in its response, the company says: “We will be proactively engaging with local businesses and the wider community to discuss the alternative ways customers will be able to undertake their banking locally.

“We will be offering virtual ‘tea and teach’ sessions for customers wishing to explore digital banking and other alternatives to branch based banking.”

For more information about this property, go to: https://bacommercial.com/property/9-castle-street-llangollen-denbighshire/or call BA Commercial on 01244 725457 


Friday, October 6, 2023

Electrifying North Wales line will be “once-in-a-generation boost”

 

* Rail campaigners: Ashley Rogers (right) with Adam Williams, Sean Taylor and Jim Jones. Picture Mandy Jones. 

Business leaders have hailed news that the North Wales main line is to be electrified as a “once-in-a-generation boost” for the region. 

According to the North Wales Business Council, the electrified line would help provide faster, cleaner and more frequent train services. 

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester. 

During his speech it was confirmed that the HS2 leg between Birmingham and Manchester was going to be scrapped after the costs spiralled and that the £36 billion saved from cancelling that section, would now all be used on other projects across UK. The move received an angry reception from local political and business leaders in Manchester.   

One of these alternative projects listed in the Prime Ministers’ speech was the electrification of the North Wales Mainline, which is believed to cost in the region of £1bn. 

Clare Budden, Chair of the North Wales Business Council, said: “The axing of the HS2 leg to Manchester is not good news for such a pivotal piece of UK transport investment.

“However, we have been calling for many years for the full electrification of the North Wales Mainline and to finally have commitment for this is a real positive and making the best out of a bad situation.

“This is a much-needed, once-in-a-generation investment in our railway infrastructure, supporting Net Zero and hopefully improved services for businesses,  residents and visitors alike. 

“This is a big deal but we need certainty it will be delivered in full and by when.” 

Ashley Rogers, CEO of the Business Council said: “We welcome the news of this investment as an existing major ask for our region.

“With the exception of funding for the Wrexham to Bidston line, we presume that a lot of the already identified investment priorities in rail we have been campaigning for like improving line speeds and improving Chester station, would happen as part of this full electrification project.” 

“We do have to be cautious however, as the devil is in the detail. It would be good to have confirmation of when funding will start to flow and in which years will we see spades in the ground.

“Essential development funding for example is needed immediately to move the project forward. Our connectivity into Manchester and Liverpool is also vital, so those areas also need support for funding for Northern Powerhouse Rail.” 

The news was also welcomed by Jim Jones, the chief executive of North Wales Tourism.

He said: “Transport connectivity is incredibly important in terms of tourism and the flow of visitors in and out of North Wales, especially this link between London and Holyhead.

“News about electrification of the North Wales line is long overdue because this is a vitally important strategic route and tourism is central to the economic recovery here in North Wales. 

“Let’s not lose the focus on today though. In recent years, there has been a serious decline in the quality of the train service linking North Wales and London and at one point the number of direct trains was slashed to just three a day. 

“While things have improved, it’s still a poor imitation of the service we had before the pandemic.”

Manic Street Preachers and Suede to headline special Eisteddfod show


* Manic Street Preachers.

Manic Street Preachers and Suede are to headline a very special show in North Wales next summer.

The double headlining show will see the indie music legends head to Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod on Friday June 28 for the first date in their UK and Ireland tour. 

It marks a triumphant return for the Manic Street Preachers to Llangollen after they last headlined at the festival in 2017. 

Tickets go on general sale at 9am on Friday October 13 from llangollen.net and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

* Suede.

Manic Street Preachers are one of the most influential and iconic rock bands to have come out of Wales. They have gone on to release 14 studio albums and have headlined countless festivals including Glastonbury, T in the Park, V Festival and Reading & Leeds. They have won eleven NME Awards, eight Q Awards and four BRIT Awards and were also nominated for the Mercury Prize and the MTV Europe Music Awards.   

Manics are currently working on their 15th studio album, the follow up to ‘The Ultra Vivid Lament’ which entered the UK charts at No. 1 on its release in September 2021.  They last performed in the UK this summer when they made critically acclaimed performances at Isle of Wight and Glastonbury festivals. 

The news of the tour meets huge demand surrounding the success of Suede’s ninth studio album Autofiction, and their entirely sold-out UK headline tour earlier this year. Debuting at #2 in the UK Albums Chart, the release marked Suede’s highest charting LP since 1999’s Head Music. The new album has been received as a career peak by fans and critics alike. 

2023 has seen the release of Suede30 – timely reminder of how the band’s debut album had such a powerful and transformative effect on British music from the outset. Suede’s eponymous debut shot to #1 in the UK Album Charts upon its release selling over 100,000 copies in its first week, winning the prestigious Mercury Music Prize and becoming the fastest-selling debut album ever in the UK at that time. 

Suede and the Manic Street Preachers’ Llangollen show is part of a UK and Ireland tour that follows a sold out 2022 US tour that saw both bands greeted with a fantastic reception. 

The headlining show is presented in a new partnership between Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor. 

Cuffe and Taylor, one of the UK’s top live music, theatre and event promoters, are partnering with the International Eisteddfod to promote a series of live concerts in conjunction with the world-famous peace festival. 

Cuffe and Taylor co-founder Peter Taylor said: “We have presented countless shows in Wales over the years so it is great to be forming a new and very exciting relationship with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod team. 

“We will be working together to bring global stars and look forward to working alongside everyone in Llangollen helping secure the future of this historic event. 

“I am delighted our first announcement is that we are bringing the Manic Street Preachers and Suede to Llangollen and we will be revealing even more big name artists very soon.” 

Cuffe and Taylor present breath-taking tours, festivals and shows across the UK filling football stadiums, arenas, theatres and major historical sites working with a roster of artists ranging from Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Britney Spears and Stereophonics to Sir Tom Jones, Rod Stewart, Sam Fender, The Strokes and Kylie. 

Chair of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Sarah Ecob said: “We are so pleased to be working with Cuffe and Taylor, who have an outstanding reputation in the industry.  By working in partnership with them, we have ensured that our peace festival set up in 1947 not only survives, but thrives.  We are so excited to welcome back the Manic Street Preachers and can’t wait to make more announcements over the coming days and weeks.” 

* For more information and to purchase tickets go to llangollen.net and www.ticketmaster.co.uk