Llangollen hilltop castle walk named spookiest in Wales

A hilltop castle walk in Llangollen has been named the spookiest in Wales, according to the Leader.

* For the full story, go to: Llangollen hilltop castle walk named spookiest in Wales | The Leader

Rehearsals start for 2026 Llangollen Pantomime

                       

Llangollen’s Pantomime group says it is excited to start rehearsals for its 2026 production of Dick Whittington.

A spokesperson said: "We have picked a very talented cast and cannot wait to perform our hilarious panto with its fantastic songs and a live band.

"Take advantage of the early bird discounted tickets which are already selling fast."

The panto runs at Llangollen Town Hall from Thursday-Sunday January 15-18 2026.

Former Town Clerk Ian Parry passes away

 

* Ian Parry with his wife Cerys.

Tributes have been paid to Ian Parry, the former Town Clerk of Llangollen, who passed away peacefully on October 2.

Ian was born in 1942 with a twin sister Gill to Jack and Lily, with his little sister Judy coming along later. He grew up in around the Cefn Mawr and Acrefair area where he was quite the sportsman, earning medals in cycling road races, squash and table tennis.

He started in local government from almost day one of his working life, working in Wrexham Council.

He met his wife, Cerys, and they wed in 1969. Shortly after this Ian and Cerys moved south to Alton in Hampshire for work, then on to Maidstone in Kent where they had their first child.

In 1981 they moved to Enfield in North London where Ian started to work for the local council and the couple had their second child. 

They lived in Enfield until 1997 when they decided they would take the opportunity to move back up to the Wrexham area to be closer to family.

Ian worked for Belfour Beatty the builders in Manchester for a couple of years upon moving north but missed working in local government. When the opportunity came up to be the town clerk for Llangollen he could not pass it up and was successful in getting the role.

He did a lot to help the town grow its profile and helped many of the local businesses, while also taking on roles with the food festival and Christmas festival to help them get a broader reach. 

It was not just the local businesses he would help, he also supported many local and national charities and as many individuals as best he could.

After being diagnosed with prostate cancer back in 2010 he recognised the need for a local group where people could come together for advice and companionship, and with the late Mike Law set up the Llangollen Prostate Support Group. This is still running today, currently has a membership of 40 and would love to welcome more to it.

Ian is survived by his wife Cerys and his two sons, Ross and Ryan. Along with his grandchildren Jay, Aaron and Sophie.

In a tribute to Ian, his predecessor, current Llangollen town clerk Gareth Thomas said: “It is with deep sadness that Llangollen Town Council acknowledges the passing of Mr Ian Parry, former Town Clerk, whose dedicated service and unwavering commitment to the town and its community will long be remembered.

“Ian served as Clerk to the Council with distinction, guiding the council at all times with professionalism, integrity, and a genuine passion for public service. His deep knowledge of local government, calm demeanour, and thoughtful leadership earned him the respect and admiration of councillors, colleagues, and residents alike.

“Beyond his administrative excellence, Ian was a kind and approachable presence in the community always willing to listen, always ready to help. He remained a committed supporter of community initiatives and played a key role in inaugurating the Llangollen Christmas Festival, which he continued to champion over the years.

“The Town Council extends its heartfelt condolences to Ian’s family and friends at this difficult time. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of working with him.”

Llan councillor scores victory in battle of diversion routes

* A thing of the past - Llangollen will no longer be used as the diversion route when the viaducts are closed.

One of the town's county councillors has secured an agreement for the newly re-opened Newbridge Road to become the official diversion route - instead of Llangollen - whenever the viaducts on the A5 and A483 are closed.

Last Friday afternoon the North and Mid Road Traffic Agent (NWMTRA) declared traffic should be diverted through Llangollen after high winds from Storm Amy shut the two viaducts.

That was despite the B5605 Newbridge Road having been re-opened hours earlier following months of remedial work.

* Success: County Cllr Karen Edwards.

This resulted in heavy traffic congestion in Llangollen town centre for the rest of Friday and into Saturday afternoon, with motorists taking to social media to question why Newbridge - which was the standard diversion route before its long temporary closure - could not have been used once again.

This prompted Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards to ask NWMTRA why the Llangollen route had been chosen, especially when Newbridge was open again.

An official told her: "Because we must always utilise trunk roads for our service to accommodate HGV’s etc, drivers can determine their own route if safe to do so."

But she continued to call for a change of route and earlier this afternoon (Wednesday) she heard that she had been successful.

She said: "Further to my previous statement, I have been lobbying NWMTRA regarding using Llangollen as the official standard diversion route when the A483 is closed as I wasn’t satisfied with their initial response.

"I am now pleased to report that today it has been confirmed by NWMTRA that in the event of any future closures of the A483 Dee Viaduct a signed diversion via the B5605 Newbridge Road will be implemented.

"Hopefully, this will reduce some of the traffic pressures we have experienced whilst the Newbridge Road was closed."

Half-million lottery grant will help boost communities

* At the official launch event held in Corwen last Friday. 

By Heulwen Wright

South Denbighshire Community Partnership (SDCP) has secured £499,708 of funding from The National Lottery Community People & Places III fund for their ‘ Your Place or Ours - South Denbighshire’ four-year project. 

The project will enable the partnerships not only to continue delivering some of their current provision but also further develop these and new initiatives.

Sally Lloyd Davies, Chief Officer of SDCP,  said the funding will allow them to build on its strong foundations and meet the growing needs of the local community.

She expressed her gratitude to the residents of South Denbighshire communities and partner organisations who took the time to participate in their community consultation last summer which enabled the partnership to identify the needs of the community.

“Our aim is to now continue developing wellbeing and social opportunities, extend some provision into evenings and weekends, and create further opportunities for local people to engage, connect and learn."

SDCP already offers a wide range of services from their head office in Corwen, Hwb Cymunedol Pengwern Community Hub Llangollen and from various outreach community venues across the area.

This includes support for older people, community transport, children and family activities and volunteering opportunities. 

The new funding will enable SDCP to take things even further – with a strong focus on promoting the Welsh language, heritage and culture and improving access to training and learning opportunities for all ages in our community.

Future plans include collaborating with partners such as Working Denbighshire to develop the opportunity for residents to access to skills-based courses, adult education sessions, and support for those returning to the workforce in suitable venues in South Denbighshire, and to perhaps engage with local colleges and other providers to deliver from community-based settings in Llangollen and Corwen.

Sally added: “Securing this funding is recognition of the value of grassroots community organisations such as SDCP, and we are proud to be recognised as an organisation that other service providers and organisations want to work with to enable them to reach a wider audience and ensure positive change for people living in our communities."

It's out of Serbia into Romania for Llan's three cycling heroes

* Getting ready to enter a dark road tunnel as they head into Romania.  

The three Llangollen area lads cycling to Thailand made it out of Serbia and into Romania on the latest leg of their mammoth journey.

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

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

* Next stop Romania.

Their daily video logo shows that on day 58 and in one of their last stops in Serbia the woman running the shop where they stopped for supplies offered to cook them their evening meal - which they reckoned was typical of the friendliness they had encountered in the country.

The following day saw them take a ferry over the river Danube and head onwards into Romania. Not long afterwards they were battling through pouring rain, which failed to dampen their spirits but did break Dyfan's mobile phone.  

Soon after crossing into the next country they had to go carefully around a pack of "massive" stray dogs.

Next problem they confronted was a broken pedal on one of their bikes, which they managed to temporarily fix with the help of a local. 

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

Llangollen Railway welcomes new Trust Manager aboard.

* David Hennigan (third from left) with some of the Llangollen Railway Board, management and commercial team on Llangollen Station.

Llangollen Railway Trust has announced the appointment of David Hennigan as its new Trust Manager, working with the team at one of Wales’ most cherished heritage attractions as it looks ahead to its next 50 years.

David brings a wealth of leadership experience across the cultural, heritage and local government sectors, including his role as a Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and senior leadership positions in local government. 

He has a proven track record in transformation, fundraising, volunteer engagement and community partnership building.

Speaking about his appointment, David said: “It is a huge honour to be appointed Trust Manager of the Llangollen Railway during a landmark year. This is a hugely exciting time as we celebrate 50 years of heritage railway running in the Dee Valley and look forward to our next half century. 

"My focus will be on strengthening our sustainability, supporting our volunteers and ensuring the railway remains at the very heart of our community and visitor economy. Together, we can make sure that Llangollen Railway continues to inspire and delight for generations to come.”

He added, “What makes this railway truly special is its incredible volunteer family. Their dedication and passion keep the railway running day-in, day-out and it’s a privilege to work alongside them. This is an especially busy and exciting time as we ramp up for our ever-popular Santa Special Season, which brings joy to so many families every Christmas. 

"I also can’t wait to see the railway play a big part in the Llangollen Food Festival this weekend (October 11 and 12), where we are hosting eight tempting food stalls and running our final evening Real Ale Train of the 2025 season on Saturday 11^th”.  

Chair of Llangollen Railway Trust, Bob Creasey, welcomed the appointment, saying: “We are thrilled to welcome David as our new Trust Manager. He brings not only strong leadership and financial expertise but also a real passion for Llangollen and the wider Dee Valley. David is determined to work with us to increase footfall across the town and the wider region, ensuring the railway plays a central role in supporting the local economy. This is an exciting new chapter for the railway, and under David’s stewardship we are confident that Llangollen Railway will go from strength to strength.”

Special events will mark Baby Loss Awareness Week

Special events will take place in Llangollen to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week, which takes place between October 8 and 15.

One of the local organisers said: "From Wednesday October 8, we invite you to visit our Tree of Remembrance at St Collen’s Parish Church, a special space where you can hang the names of the little ones who are forever loved and never forgotten. The tree will be there all week.

"To mark the end of Baby Loss Awareness Week, there will be a Wave of Light on Wednesday October 15, between 7–8pm.

"This means there will be a visible wave of light in Llangollen, where part of the landscape will be lit up in blue and pink."

Dance extravaganza at 2026 Llangollen Eisteddfod

* Nachda Punjab Youth Club were the Eisteddfod's 2025 dance champions. 

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has today unveiled its 2026 competitions syllabus.

This marks a landmark expansion of opportunities for performers at next summer’s world-renowned festival, which runs from Tuesday-Sunday July 7-12.

A standout highlight is the huge increase in competitive dance categories, increasing from just five in 2025 to 14 distinct classes. 

This unprecedented expansion opens the door for soloists, ensembles, and cultural dance groups from across the globe to showcase their artistry. 

From the elegance of ballet and contemporary performance to the colour and vitality of folk and traditional dances, the Eisteddfod stage will host more variety than ever before.

The changes come directly in response to feedback from performers and audiences who expressed a strong appetite for more opportunities to celebrate the diversity of global dance traditions. 

At the same time the festival says it will continue to honour its most cherished competitions, including male voice choirs, the Choir of the World, and many other established favourites. This ensures that the heart of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod remains as strong as ever.

* New Zealand Youth Choir, 2025 Choir of the World winners.

In 2025, the festival welcomed over 4,000 competitors from around the world, all coming together to celebrate culture, creativity, and international friendship. With the 2026 syllabus now published, organisers anticipate record-breaking interest, cementing Llangollen’s reputation as one of the world’s most inclusive and dynamic international arts festivals.

Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “The Eisteddfod has always been about bringing people together through music and performance, and dance has a very special role in that mission. By expanding our competition categories, we are creating space for more traditions, more performers, and more stories to be shared on our stage. We can’t wait to see the energy and creativity that dancers will bring to Llangollen in 2026.”

Fiona Brockway, a Trustee of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, and a former First Soloist with the Royal Ballet, said: “Throughout my dance career I have been privileged to have performed on stages across the world, witnessing the extraordinary power of dance to transcend language barriers and unite people of all cultures. 

"That is why I am so excited that in 2026, the Llangollen Eisteddfod will significantly expand its Dance program, embracing styles from Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Heritage and Traditional Folk, to Ballroom, Hip-Hop, and Street Dance. 

"Dancers will have the amazing opportunity to showcase their creativity and artistry, to tell their stories on a unique stage where many world famous artists have performed before them, and to receive invaluable feedback from a panel of esteemed industry professionals.

 “Llangollen is a place where dancers and musicians can come together to share their culture and their love of performance with others from across the globe. It’s a celebration of connections and I can’t wait to see the incredible and inspiring talent here in 2026!”

The full 2026 competitions syllabus is now available to view online with details of all classes and entry requirements. Performers and ensembles are encouraged to apply early to secure their place at what promises to be an unforgettable week of music, dance, and friendship in the heart of North East Wales.

Story says reopened Newbridge 'eased' storm travel disruption

* The headline on the story in the Advertizer.

A story in the Oswestry Border Counties Advertizer says a long-awaited road reopening in Wrexham "came just in time to ease travel disruption caused by Storm Amy".

The B5605 in Newbridge reopened last Saturday (October 4) after being closed since a landslip during Storm Christoph in 2021.

For the full story, see: Storm Amy shows the need for reopened Newbridge route | Border Counties Advertizer

* However, despite the re-opened Newbridge, there was still considerable disruption in Llangollen on Saturday due to the diversion as the pictures below show.

* Congestion in Castle Street at lunchtime on Saturday after traffic was diverted through Llangollen by the viaduct closures.

* At one point around 12.30pm on Saturday an ambulance with 'blues and twos' on had to reverse out of a congested Castle Street where it had intended to go and continue instead along the  A5 instead.

New major roadworks begin in town centre

* Sign of the times ...

Gas works at the junction of Regent Street, Hill Street and Chapel Street which are due to last until October 25 have started this morning (Monday). 

Temporary three-way traffic lights acting on both sides of the permanent lights on the A5 and on Castle Street are in place along with diversion signs.

The same stretch of Regent Street was the scene of major sewer works only in May.

* Barriers at the Regent Street end of Hill Street.

* Temporary traffic lights in place of the permanent ones at the Castle Street/Regent Street junction.  

* Sewer works at the same spot on Regent Street last May.

Operatic to stage charity afternoon tea next Saturday

Llangollen Operatic Society will be holding their annual Afternoon Tea on Saturday October 11 at St Collen's Community Hall.

An organiser said: "For a modest entrance fee, there will be a feast of home-made goodies on offer, with unlimited tea or coffee, convivial company and a chance to take a breather after perusing the food festival in the town.

"Two very worthwhile charities stand to benefit from the fundraiser, with all monies raised going directly to them.

"This year the chosen charities are North West Cancer Research and North East Wales Mountain Rescue.

"Since its inception several years ago, a very impressive £6,203 has been raised and we hope to substantially add to this sum.

"So do please pop along from 12 noon onwards where a very warm welcome awaits you! 

"Dogs are welcome with well behaved owners, and there's even a doggy treat for them!" 

RAFA bingo night raises £910 for Nightingale House

The recent bingo night at the Llangollen RAFA Club raised over £900 for Nightingale House Hospice.

One of the organisers said: "I'd like to say a huge thank you for the generous support we received at our bingo night at the RAFA Club raising a total of £910." 

Funding fair to be held at St Collen's Community Hall

 

Latest column for Denbighshire Citizens Advice

Q: After last winter, I’m really worried about falling behind on my energy bills again as we head into the colder months. We’re careful about what we use but with small kids it’s hard. What can I do if I’m struggling to keep up with payments?

A: It's understandable to feel anxious about energy bills at this time of year. If you’re struggling to afford your bills, it's important to act quickly; support is available and there are things you can do to ensure you’re not overpaying.

The first thing is to contact your energy supplier - they’re responsible for helping you come to a solution, like setting up an affordable repayment plan if you’ve fallen behind.

Energy bills can go up and down for many reasons, and if you think your bills don’t look right, you should check to see if they’re based on accurate readings. You might be getting estimated bills if your smart meter has stopped automatically sending readings, or if you have a non-smart meter and haven’t sent a reading for a while.

If you see the word “estimated” or the letter “E” next to the readings on your latest bill, that means it’s estimated. If this is the case, submit an up-to-date reading to get an accurate bill. A working smart meter does this for you, so if you have one and suspect it’s not automatically sending readings, or if you’d like to get one installed, then speak to your supplier.

To help make your home easier and cheaper to heat, you might be able to apply for support with the cost of energy efficiency upgrades like insulation, a new boiler or a heat pump. Schemes like the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme or Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) are run by energy suppliers and local councils.

You may also be able to find grants run by your local council to help you pay your energy bills. These are usually for emergency situations, like if you’ve lost your job and can’t afford to top up your meter. You’ll need to search for these on your local council’s website, which you can find on GOV.UK.

If you’re behind on your bills, you might be able to get a grant to help you pay off your debt. You’ll need to get debt advice before applying and can do this through organisations like Citizens Advice. You can also check which grants are available on our website.

If you need extra non-financial help - for example, because you’re disabled or of state pension age - you can apply for support from your supplier through the Priority Services Register (PSR). Being on the register means your supplier can take readings for you if you struggle with this and there’s no one else who can do it for you, and ensures your bills are in a format you can understand. See the full list of eligibility criteria and how to sign up on the PSR website.

Remember, you don't have to face this alone. If you're struggling to afford your energy bills, visit the Citizens Advice website.

Councillor gets answer to why diverted traffic is coming through Llangollen

* The official diversion through Llangollen - even though Newbridge Road is now open again.

A highways official has answered a Llangollen county councillor's urgent question about why traffic is still being diverted through Llangollen today due to the closure of the A5 and A483 viaducts due to the weather - even though Newbridge Road is now open again. 

The viaducts are closed until 3pm today as the current forecast indicates wind speed over the 55mph closure threshold due to storm Amy. 

The approved diversion route https://bit.ly/3xtcqWl goes via Llangollen even though Newbridge was re-opened to traffic yesterday after years of repair work.

That has prompted numerous people to ask on social media why this shorter route cannot be used instead.

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards has been in touch with the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent seeking an answer.

She asked: "Why is the diversion route going through Llangollen, when the Newbridge B5605 is now open?"

An official responded: "Because we must always utilise trunk roads for our service to accommodate HGV’s etc, drivers can determine their own route if safe to do so."

A southbound lane closure and 30mph speed restriction will remain in place until wind speeds have lowered further, says Traffic Wales.

 

Latest updates will be provided via www.traffic.wales, X and Facebook.

 

Discover how traffic is managed during high winds on the viaducts to help keep road users safe : High Winds A5 Ceiriog and A483 Dee Viaduct | Traffic Wales

MS backs demands to tackle parking problems at Wrexham Maelor

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales (pictured), is backing calls for improvements to alleviate parking issues at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

 

He has added his voice to concerns raised by Wrexham County Borough Council who are urging Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to fix the long-running parking issues at the hospital.

 

Mr Rowlands, who constantly raises this matter on behalf of his constituents, said: “I have had frequent contact from residents in Wrexham about parking issues at the Maelor Hospital as the car park is often overflowing, causing distress, for visitors, out-patients attending appointments, and indeed for staff. It is also causing issues on the surrounding streets around the hospital.

 

“As a person who has experienced the problems at first hand I know the last thing anyone working, visiting or attending for appointments needs is to have to drive round and round to find a suitable parking space. Yet from reports this is happening every day and appears to be getting steadily worse every year.

 

“Parking has been a major and challenging issue at the hospital for many years as the demand quite clearly outweighs the number of spaces available and I fully support Wrexham council’s calls for a proper strategy to be put in place to deal with the issue.

 

“I have highlighted the problems in the Senedd in the past yet the health board continue to drag their feet to find solutions. And they do not seem to get any help or support from the Welsh Labour Government.

 

“I regularly receive emails from angry constituents who have been faced with this problem, and I feel so very sorry on their behalf as it is something which really should have been resolved by now. It simply isn’t right that grass verges, pavements and yellow lines are all being used for parking. This is clearly unacceptable as it is dangerous because it blocks pathways and forces people to walk on the busy roads.”