Final push for public to give feedback on National Park plan

With less than a month to go until the statutory consultation closes, people are being encouraged to attend an event and submit their response to the proposed Glyndŵr National Park. 

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have been running a 12-week statutory consultation since Monday September 15 2025 on a final map and supporting evidence.

The final face-to-face consultation session is at Llangollen Town Hall on Tuesday November 18, from 4-7pm.

The statutory consultation follows two years of detailed evaluation commissioned by Welsh Government, including data gathering, technical assessments, and engagement with communities and stakeholders across the region. Previous public engagement in 2023 and a public consultation in 2024 have helped shape the current proposal. 

Ash Pearce, Programme Manager said: “This is an exceptionally rare opportunity to influence the long-term protection of this special landscape, balancing the needs of local communities, visitors, and the environment. Please share your thoughts by submitting a response form before the consultation closes.”

* The proposed Glyndŵr National Park map can be downloaded at: NPP_001b_ProposedBoundary_A0P6mm_Margin_NEW Once downloaded, open with Adobe Acrobat. 

The remaining consultation events are as follows:

Date	Time	Location	Targeted audience	Type of event
Tuesday 18 November	4pm – 7pm	Llangollen Town Hall	Public	Drop-in
Wednesday 19 November	6pm – 7.30pm	Microsoft Teams	Public	Meeting
Wednesday 26 November	3pm – 4.30pm	Microsoft Teams	Environmental Groups	Meeting
Thursday 27 November	3pm – 4.30pm	Microsoft Teams	Tourism, Recreation and Access	Meeting
Tuesday 2 December	6pm – 7.30pm	Microsoft Teams	Public	Meeting

The main way to respond to the consultation is by submitting a responses form. To do so, visit: https://ymgynghori.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/north-east-gogledd-ddwyrain/proposed-national-park-statutory-consultation-2025

All responses must be received no later than 23:59 on Monday December 8 2025.

* For more information on the background to the proposal, visit: https://ymgynghori.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/north-east-gogledd-ddwyrain/new-national-park-proposal-information-page-wales/

Pop icon Rick Astley heading for Llangollen next summer

* Rick Astley is in Llangollen next June 24. Picture: Peter Neill.

One of the UK’s best loved pop stars Rick Astley is heading to Llangollen next summer.

The Never Gonna Give You Up hitmaker will headline TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion on Wednesday June 24 when he will be joined on the night by special guests Lottery Winners.

Friends of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod can access pre-sale tickets from 10am tomorrow via llangollen.net and tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday.

Rick Astley leapt to fame in 1987 with the era-defining smash single Never Gonna Give You Up, followed by hits including Together Forever and Whenever You Need Somebody.

After stepping away from the spotlight for several years, audiences in Llangollen were treated to a special night in 2011 when he performed during the opening of that year's Eisteddfod. Then in 2016, he celebrated his 50th birthday with a triumphant return to the top of the charts with his hit album, 50.

And the still-boyish singer, songwriter and producer has stayed at the top of his game ever since, enjoying collaborations with the likes of Foo Fighters and Blossoms, show-stealing sets at Glastonbury and a number two chart position for 2023 album Are We There Yet? contributing to more than 40 million record sales worldwide.

Joining him in Llangollen will be indie pop band Lottery Winners. Earlier this year the band racked up their second Number 1 album with the release of fourth studio album KOKO.

* Joining Rick Astley a the Pavilion will be the band Lottery Winners.

And 2025 has continued at speed as not only have the band performed some of their biggest headline shows to date this year, they also spent the summer on the road supporting Robbie Williams on his UK and Europe stadium tour.

Rick Astley joins Deacon Blue, Alex James’ Britpop Classical, Tom Grennan, Billy Ocean, Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics and David Gray among the headline announcements revealed so far for TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2026, which is presented as part of an ongoing partnership with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor.

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Dave Danford said: “We can’t wait to welcome Rick Astley back to Llangollen next summer, returning for the first time in 15 years.

“There’s something truly special about live music in our incredible setting. It’s the perfect backdrop for a night of timeless hits, and when you add a hugely popular performer with a world-class band to that mix you know you are guaranteed a brilliant night of live music, with some humour thrown in for good measure!

“Llangollen has always been a place where music connects people, and Rick’s return will be another unforgettable moment in that tradition.”

* For more information go to llangollen.net  

Latest Denbighshire Citizens Advice column

Q: I'm stressed about being able to afford food for my family as the colder months set in. We will be spending more on heating, and we’re barely making it through as it is. Can I use a food bank if I need to?

A: It’s understandable to be worried about affording food when you’re in a tough spot financially - especially with the cost of your bills rising. You’re not alone, as Citizens Advice helps lots of people in this position.

Food banks are community organisations that can help if you can’t afford food, or if you need emergency food, but you’ll usually need a referral before you can use one. You can get a referral for yourself and any family members you live with, including your partner.

You can find your nearest Citizens Advice and ask them to refer you to a food bank. They'll usually make an appointment for you to discuss your situation with an adviser, who will ask you some questions to check you’re eligible. If you are, they’ll give you a voucher for your nearest food bank.

Citizens Advice can also check if you should be getting any benefits you're not currently claiming, assist with budgeting, and tell you about other local help you could get.

You can also ask for a referral from another organisation, for example your GP, local council, housing association or social worker. When an organisation refers you to a food bank, they’ll give you a voucher and tell you where the food bank is - be sure to check if the voucher is only valid on a specific day.

When you visit the food bank, let them know if you have any allergies or dietary requirements - they should be able to help you. You’ll get a food parcel and it will usually contain enough food for three days, and you might also be able to get essential toiletries, like toothpaste or deodorant.

If you live in a rural area and can’t afford to travel, or you’re sick or disabled and can’t travel, the food bank might be able to deliver your food parcel - you can contact them to ask.

If the food bank is run by a church or other religious group, they'll still help you if you're not religious or from a different religion.

You’ll need another referral if you need to use the food bank again. Some have a limit on the number of times you can visit, but it's still worth asking. If you're in this situation, talk to an adviser at Citizens Advice.

The adviser will ask you some questions about your ongoing needs. They'll refer you to the food bank if they agree it's the best way to help you - and even if they can't refer you again, they'll give you advice on debt and benefits, if you need it.

You might be able to use some food banks without a referral, for example, if it’s run by a church or community group. The easiest way to find out if you need a referral is to contact your local food bank.

The Kongs meet up with friends back in Hong Kong

* Bill Kong meets up with Robert Guy at the Hong Kong concert.

Well-known Llangollen resident Bill Kong has been meeting up with friends from back home on his latest trip to Hong Kong.

Bill so loved volunteering every year at the town's world-famous Musical Eisteddfod that he moved here from Hong Kong a few years back with his family.

He is currently staying in the former British colony due to family commitments and recently met up with a friend who also has strong Eisteddfod links, Wrexham-based conductor Robert Guy.

* Robert Guy with Selana Kong, Bill's wife, who is also well-known in Llangollen.

Robert is principal conductor to the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and has conducted the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Manchester Camerata which led to his work being on BBC radio and even recorded for Sony Play Station.

His international reputation is steadily growing with invitations to conduct in Austria, South Korea, Vietnam, Kazakhstan and Kosovo, among other destinations.

He and Bill first met when the New Sinfonia Orchestra, which he founded with his brother Jonathan, began playing at the Eisteddfod. 

In Hong Kong Robert was wielding the baton with the Hong Kong City Chamber Orchestra as it played a successful concert entitled A Night at the Musicals.  

It was old home week again for Bill when he was attending the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Wine and Spirit Fair. 

There he happened to bump into Dylan, son of Kelly, the former owner of the River Dragon Chinese restaurant in Llangollen's Bridge Street. 

* Bill Kong (second left) meets another friend from Llangollen, Dylan (next to him on right), whose family ran the River Dragon Chinese restaurant in Bridge Street.

Hundreds turn out for town's Remembrance Sunday service and parade

Hundreds of people packed the town centre to see and take part in the annual Llangollen Remembrance Sunday service and parade this morning.

Led by Father Lee Taylor, the service opened with prayers and the sounding of Last Post by a bugler from Llangollen Silver Band.

The Exhortation was read by Mike Adam of the local branch of the Royal British Legion, which was followed by the traditional two minutes' silence, the sounding of Reveille, hymns and prayers. The names of the fallen of two world wars were read out.

Wreaths were laid at the foot of the war memorial by various local organisations before the service concluded and the parade took place around the town centre led by standard bearers.

* A bugler plays Last Post.

* Father Lee Taylor leads the service.

* The Exhortation is read by Mike Adams.

* John Palmer lays a wreath on behalf of MP Becky Gittins.

* Youth organisations lay a wreath.

* A wreath is laid by Enid Law for Llangollen Inner Wheel.

* Llangollen Railway's Mandy Towers lays its wreath.

* Above and below: The parade makes its way along Castle Street.

Young Llan panto stars given a raging river adventure

* Members of Dick Whittington cast on the river adventure.

Young members of the cast of Llangollen Pantomime Group's next show were given a thrilling special treat by the local firm which sponsors them yesterday (Saturday).

Bearded Men Adventures invited the stars of Dick Whittington to a rafting adventure down the raging rapids of the River Dee ... and they loved every soaking minute of it.

A panto spokesperson said: "Trying not to give away too much of the plot, in our version of Dick Whittington the Bearded Men are heroes and have a major part in the story. Thank you to them.

"We cannot wait for you all to see our hilarious performance, for which we have just a few early bird tickets left, so order your tickets now and take advantage of the discount. #www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenpanto #beardedmenadventures

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

Temporary closure of Dee Lane for electrical works

* The diversion route, with the road closure in marked red and the diversion route in blue.

Denbighshire County Council reports that Dee Lane, Llangollen will be closed to traffic from November 24 to 28 to allow electrical works by Scottish Power. 

Access will be available for pedestrians while the closure is in place. Should you have any queries, please contact Scottish Power on 07401484393.

https://one.network/?tm=GB145833303

Community Learning Event to be held at Llangollen Library

 

South Denbighshire Community Partnership (SDCP) and Working Denbighshire are inviting residents to a community event at the Learning Hub in Llangollen Library on Wednesday November 19.

The event will bring together local organisations to support people on their journey through learning, education, and employment, while also listening to the community about what lessons and courses they want to see offered at the Hub.

 

This event is not only about showcasing local opportunities, it is a chance for residents to share their ideas, aspirations, and learning needs, helping to shape the future of the Learning Hub. 

Whether you’re returning to education, exploring new career paths, or seeking personal development, your input will help SDCP tailor courses and support to meet the community’s needs, say organisers. 

 

What’s On:

 

Visitors can:

 

• Discover local learning and training opportunities
• Meet employers and education providers
• Share what you want to learn and guide future lessons
• Find guidance to grow your skills and confidence

 

Taster Sessions:

 

• 10:30 – Coleg Llandrillo
• 11:30 – Little Learning Company
• 12:30 – Barod Project

 

A wide range of community partners will also be in attendance, including Working Denbighshire, Communities for Work, Barod (EIT), SDCP, Careers Wales, Big Idea’s Wales, Warm Wales, My Home Denbighshire, RCS & Agrication!                            

 

Access and Transport:

Limited transport is available from Corwen and Pengwern Hub, making the event accessible to everyone in the community.

📞 For more details: Call 01490 266 004

 

Get Involved:

This is your chance to have your voice heard and help shape the future of learning in Llangollen. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect, learn, and share your ideas to shape the Learning Hub.

📅 Date: Wednesday 19th November 2025

🕙 Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
📍 Location: Llangollen Library

County councillor gives her views on new National Park plan

As Natural Resources Wales prepares to host a drop-in public consultation event on the proposed Glyndwr National Park at Llangollen Town Hall on Tuesday November 18, one of the area's county councillors, Karen Edwards, has given her views on the controversial plan to llanblogger. She says in a statement:    

"The creation of a new National Park is not a good idea. So, what has stimulated the Welsh Government to suggest it? 

"In 2021, in the Senedd, Mark Drakeford said, ‘We need to spread the load,' in response to the congestion and over-tourism experienced in other National Parks including Eryri. Would we like some of that visited upon us in Denbighshire?

"We need to dispel the myth that all tourism is good for the economy, because it isn’t.

 

"The Welsh Government isn’t very good at economics when it comes to doing economic impact assessments before it rolls out a new idea. It didn’t do it before the roll out of the 20mph speed limit and it hasn’t as far, as I know, done any tangible work to assess the economic costs and disbenefits associated with a new National Park. 

"For example it would see the establishment of a two-planning-authority system. That idea was thrown out as inefficient in the 90’s when local government was re-organised. Are we expected to support this idea and hope for the best? 

 

"There is a suggestion of stable long-term funding for a new National Park but this belies the fact that our existing parks have seen significant drops in their budgets in real terms in recent years.

"In fact, National Parks in Wales are widely considered underfunded  with campaigners and officials warning that recent budget increases are insufficient to address years of real-terms cuts. Despite a recent 5% core grant increase, National Park Authorities face significant strain, leading to concerns about job losses, reduced services, and an inability to deliver on nature and climate goals.

 

"The reliance on short-term grants and project funding is also a concern, as it makes it difficult to retain skilled staff and plan for long-term projects. The lack of funding has an impact on the ability to deliver core services, conservation efforts and nature and climate restoration programmes.

 

"We need stable, long-term funding for this local authority first. It is an affront to our intelligence at a time when we cannot fund essential public services like libraries and public toilets to suggest that money can be found for a new National Park. This will increase the tax burden on all of us.

 

"The consideration of a new National Park should be deferred indefinitely until such time as the long-promised economic growth delivers adequate and stable funding to the authority and when the Welsh Government demonstrates its ability to give sufficient funding to its existing National Parks. Only then should we be asked to explore the viability of more cost to the public purse in creating a new National Park."

* The Natural Resources Wales (NRW) drop-in public consultation event at the Town Hall on November 18 runs from 4-7pm and they say that all are welcome.

NRW adds: "Drop by at an in-person event, come along to a public meeting, or email us at: designated.landscapes.programme@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk to sign up to an online event."

This announcement of an extra date follows criticism, reported by llanblogger, that no consultation event was to be held in Llangollen, which would be a key area within the proposed park. 

Welsh-language Christmas trains return to Llangollen Railway

* Sion Corn is ready to greet the Santa Specials on Llangollen Railway.  

Families are invited to climb aboard a magical festive journey this December as Llangollen Railway once again runs its popular Sion Corn - Tren Arbennig (Santa Special) services. 

Running on a beautifully restored heritage railcar, the trains will travel from Corwen to Llangollen on December 5, 12 and 19, with departures at 10.00am and 12.20pm.

 

Tickets are £12 per person, with each child ticket including a special gift from Sion Corn, who meets each child personally during the journey and spreads festive cheer in the heated comfort of our cosy carriages.

 

Sion Corn is a cherished part of Welsh Christmas folklore. Meaning Chimney John, Sion Corn is the Welsh counterpart to Santa Claus - a friendly, story-telling figure who brings warmth and community spirit to the season. Llangollen Railway’s special trains celebrate this unique Welsh heritage, helping families experience the magic of Christmas in their own language.

 

The service is perfect for group trips, home-educated children, and younger families, as it runs during term time and offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with a strong Welsh flavour.

 

Bookings can be made directly through the Llangollen Railway office by calling 01978 860979 (Mon–Fri, 9.30am–4.30pm) or emailing info@llangollen-railway.co.uk

 

Ian Lebbon, Director of the Llangollen Railway Trust, said: “Marking this Welsh language Christmas tradition is so important to us at Llangollen Railway. The Sion Corn trains bring communities together to celebrate the season in a way that’s uniquely Welsh – full of warmth, community, and pride in our heritage. We’re delighted to offer this magical experience once again and look forward to welcoming everyone aboard.”

 

* For more information, visit www.llangollen-railway.co.uk

Forthcoming community events in Llangollen area

The following events and activities are happening in the Pengwern Community and Llangollen area in November and December:

Details of Llangollen's Remembrance commemorations

* Last year's Remembrance Sunday service in Centenary Square. 

Llangollen Town Council will hold the annual Remembrance Sunday Service on November 9 on Centenary Square. 

As usual the parade will muster on Market Street at 10.30am. The Service of Remembrance will start at 10.55 am at the War Memorial.

At 10.45am on Armistice Day, Tuesday November 11, there will be a short Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial organised by the Llangollen Branch of the Royal British Legion.

Volunteer fair planned for railway this week

 

* To book, go to: DVSC Llangollen Volunteer Fair - Stall Holders Tickets, Sat 8 Nov 2025 at 11:30 | Eventbrite