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 15^th 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

News of cut in library hours sparks local concern

* Llangollen library in Castle Street could have its hours reduced.

News that the county council is planning to reduce the opening hours of libraries across Denbighshire - including Llangollen - has caused local concern.

Earlier this week llanblogger reported that as part of its response to upcoming financial pressures, the county council had asked its services to identify and propose potential savings.

The council says it will have a funding deficit during the coming financial year and, like local authorities across Wales, will need to find significant savings to ensure it can continue to deliver its essential services.

Officers are therefore proposing a specific reduction to its Library/One Stop Shop Service to help meet this funding gap. 

The proposal put forward is a 50% reduction in opening hours across Denbighshire’s Library Service.

All Libraries will remain partially open so that services can continue to be available for residents, albeit at a reduced rate. Also included are proposals to reduce other elements of the service, such as the Home Library Service.

The proposal aims to ensure that access to a library is available geographically across the county each weekday. 

Therefore, libraries which are fairly close together, namely Ruthin and Denbigh, Llangollen and Corwen, St Asaph and Rhuddlan, and Prestatyn and Rhyl, will complement each other’s service by ensuring one is open for at least part of each day.

The proposal is currently out to consultation until Monday, October 30 and members of the public are being invited to have their say either through the council’s consultation portal, County Conversation, at https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/project/755, or they can submit hard copy responses in any council-run library in Denbighshire.

In Llangollen there has been a chorus of concern about the proposal on local Facebook pages.

One post says: "What a shame that they are thinking of closing the Library on a Saturday when quite possibly the only day some people will get to the visit it due to working or other commitments, especially taking children there, a lot of children spend more time on their screens then looking at books, a Library gives them this for free!"

Another says: "It is shocking that they are proposing reduced hours that will mean local children can’t access a library in term time and anyone who works 9-5 in the week can’t access the library at all! An important warm central community space where people can access books and computers becomes inaccessible for many of the people in the town."

A related post says: "Typical DCC chosen times that most people including children can't use will end up closing next as nobody will be using it."

A further post reads: "I thought most libraries were opening up allowing the elderly and vulnerable to have a warm place to sit instead of using their heating at home - or maybe that was just last year as they seem to be doing the opposite and just as the colder weather will be arriving!"  

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards said: "I encourage people to have their say on this issue by completing the consultation document online or at the local library.

"Residents can also email me direct at Karen.Edwards@denbighshire.gov.uk, or ring me on my council phone number of 07795 652188. My next advice surgery is on October 25, from 2-4.30pm, at the town council office."

Speaking to the Daily Post, the county council's Independent group leader Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts said the proposals will hit the most vulnerable if they go ahead. 

"I'm perplexed how this library cut has come after a series of budget meetings," he said.

"I'm surprised that the Labour/Plaid coalition have issued a consultation without engaging with all members. Libraries are key services for vulnerable people, students, children and people in education.

"We just feel, as a group of independent councillors, we've not been given the data that's why they’ve arrived at this decision. I can't even tell you who uses the library right now because we haven't been privy to that information.

"This decision to take it to consultation without engaging with councillors is just a total new way of working. Libraries are used for well-being.

"People who haven't got bank accounts use it for paying bills and council tax and rent, and also, over the summer, children take part in book campaigns and engage. Obviously people can keep warm, but it's also about the services on offer at the library.

"It isn't just about books. It's about computer access, being able to photocopy documents, and some students rely on the library for access to a computer for their education." He added: "It is ironic that they've launched this consultation during national Libraries Week."

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Roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council

Latest local roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council are:

OPPOSITE 3 HILL STREET HILL STREET 21/10/2022 21/10/2023 Gwaith ar Dwll Archwilio/ Man Hole Works MJ QUINN (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Heol y Farchnad / Market Street MARKET STREET 14/10/2023 15/10/2023 Gwyl Fwyd Llangollen / Llangollen Food Festival LLANGOLLEN FOOD FESTIVAL LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

O/S BUILDING KNOWN AS HOLLYTOPS FRON BACHE 11/10/2023 13/10/2023 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY (DANIEL) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Ponsonby Arms, Mill Street, Llangollen MILL STREET 16/10/2023 18/10/2023 I reoli traffig ar llwybr amgen / To control traffic on an alternative route

A539 Ponsonby Arms, Mill Street, Llangollen MILL STREET 30/10/2023 31/10/2023 Goleuadau traffig i reoli traffig trwy man cul ar llwybr amgen / Traffic signals to control traffic through pinch point on diversion route NMWTRA (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

LLANGOLLEN ROAD 09/10/2023 09/10/2023 Gwaith Draenio / Drainage Works DCC HIGHWAYS

A539 O/S BUILDING KNOWN AS CYFLYMEN BROOK STREET 30/10/2023 01/11/2023 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY (DANIEL) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Entire Length TREM YR YSGOL 10/10/2023 10/10/2023 School Streets Closure- 08:00 - 09:00 & 14:30 - 15:30 DCC ROAD SAFETY LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure 08:00 - 09:00hrs & 14:30

TREVOR HALL LODGE' A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD 05/10/2023 06/10/2023 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

MP welcomes pledge to electrify North Wales Mainline

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes (pictured) has welcomed announcement that the UK government will electrify the North Wales Mainline.

The move is part of the Prime Minister’s new “Network North” project, which will fund hundreds of transport infrastructure schemes.

Mr Sunak said a total of £1 billion has been pledged for the electrification programme, which will be financed from the £36 billion of savings as a result of the cancellation of HS2 beyond Birmingham.

The electrification of the mainline will result in parts of North Wales being within an hour of Manchester. It will also lead to more punctual and reliable journeys on the 126-mile route, which stretches across North Wales and into the North West of England, says the UK Government.

Speaking after the Prime Minister’s announcement, Mr Baynes said: “I was delighted by the Prime Minister’s speech and the news that the UK government will invest £1bn to electrify the Crewe-Holyhead North Wales Mainline. This will be funded from the £36bn of savings due to the cancellation of the extension of HS2 beyond Birmingham.

"Speeds will be increased and it will bring parts of North Wales within an hour of Manchester. It will lead to more punctual, reliable journeys on the 126-mile route between Crewe, Warrington, Chester, Llandudno and Holyhead, where ferry services run to Dublin.”

Kayak film to be shown at Town Hall

A film described as a “love letter to water” will be shown at Llangollen Town Hall on Saturday October 28.

Dave Manby, who has organised the event, said: “It’s a unique kayak film looking beyond adrenaline and ego and has a focus looking into a modern revival of pioneering surf kayaking films of the 1970s - it’s a love letter to water.

“When I saw this film I immediately thought of Crystal Voyager, the early 1970s surfing film - a beautiful film with none of the machismo of most ‘kayak porn’ that gets posted online.

“Stunning settings and footage and a specially composed score which, to my mind, elevates it above its surfing inspiration. You can almost feel the effort that must have gone into making this film. 

“ This is not a film just for kayak paddlers – its appeal is far greater than just this niche audience.

“The guys who made River of Mirrors will be there for a Q&A session at the end.”

There will also be supporting films on the night:

* Bren Orton will be there to present his latest footage from his recent exploits.
* One Breath around the World Free diving from locations around the world.
* Next Stop Sneg. Siberian skiing and boarding.
* Riverboarding Pete Patterson 2012 show reel of river boarding rapids most people would not want to paddle let alone swim.

Doors open at 6pm and films start at 6.30pm. Entry is £10. 

You buy tickets in advance at: https://buytickets.at/dgmanby/1013722

Festival offers menu of food and music

* The Riverside Park bandstand is one of two musical venues at this year's Llangollen Food Festival.

A new location will help Llangollen Food Festival offer a feast of music as well as food later this month.

For the first time the popular foodie extravaganza will be using the bandstand in Riverside Park as the venue for a tasty menu of music and dancing between 10am and 6pm on both Saturday and Sunday, October 14 and 15.   

Adjacent to the bandstand, festival-goers can discover the culinary delights on offer at food trucks, from burgers to halloumi fries.

There will also be a dedicated bar area serving up a selection of beverages.

This year there will be two musical stages at the festival - the one at the bandstand and also in Centenary Square.

Acts on at the two venues include Danny Gruff, Dim Parcio, Mark Morgan, Mechanical Owl and Robert Jones.

Around 60 exhibitors have been confirmed for the festival, which organisers say will be bigger and better than ever. 

The two-day event aims to showcase the best of Welsh and international cuisine. From artisanal cheeses to mouth-watering chocolates, from succulent meats to fresh produce, our exhibitors will offer a smorgasbord of delectable treats to satisfy every craving.

Food enthusiasts can look forward to live cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs who will share their culinary secrets and inspire your inner chef. 

A whisky and cheese tasting evening with Penderyn whisky and Welsh cheese from The Little Cheesemonger and a wine tasting evening with Pip Gale of Gale's Wine Bar will give you the chance to discover new and exciting flavours. 

And to round off the first day, Llangollen Railway will be running its famous Ale train in partnership with Hafod Brewery. Tickets will be available for the tasting events and the Ale Train will be available soon at the Food Festival website and social media pages.

For the younger foodies in the family, there will be a wide range of children's activities, ensuring a fun and educational experience for kids of all ages. From interactive food-themed activities to hands-on cooking classes, there's something for every little chef in the making.

* For more information and to stay updated on the festival's latest news, visit the Llangollen Food Festival website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice is: 

Q: Halloween is coming up and my children are keen to dress up for trick-or-treat. I’ve read about accidents involving costumes catching fire and I’m worried about buying an outfit that could be highly flammable. I don’t want to spoil their fun but I do want to make sure everyone is safe. How can I check if the costumes would be safe for my children to wear? 

A: It’s not easy being the ‘safety police’ when everyone just wants to have fun - especially when that fun includes extravagant costumes. Children should always be kept away from naked flames, but Halloween costumes come with their own set of risks for which extra safety precautions are needed. 

They’re not always subject to the same fire safety checks as normal clothing as they can often be classed as toys. With Halloween being a time where lots of lit candles in pumpkins are on the same doorsteps that trick-or-treaters congregate on. As you rightly point out there have sadly been accidents associated with dressing-up outfits and so checking the garment complies with UK/EU safety standards should be a top priority. 

No one wants an unexpected horror story at Halloween so it’s always best to know what you’re looking for when buying any costume to make sure the risks are limited as much as they can be: 

• Always buy your Halloween costumes from reputable shops and online retailers. If you haven’t bought anything from the shop before make sure you check online reviews. 

• Make sure the costume comes with safety instructions, a UKCA or CE marking and the manufacturer’s name. The UKCA marking is the post-Brexit British equivalent of the CE mark which is also still valid. 

• Check for any product recalls online — searching for ‘product safety recalls’ will bring up the Office for Product Safety and Standards list. 

And while you might like to let your creative streak run wild and attempt to make your own bespoke costume, it’s worth keeping in mind that homemade fancy dress costumes may also come with risks, especially if you use fabrics or decorations not designed to be worn.

If you’d like more advice, or to report something to Trading Standards, contact Citizens Advice consumer service by phone or online.