Waste collection Christmas dates given by county council

There will be date changes to waste collections due to how the festive dates fall this year, says the county council. 

Over the Christmas and New Year period, the following changes will be made:

Household waste collections 

1. Household waste collections for Monday 25 December 2023 will be collected on Saturday 23 December 2023.
2. Household waste collections for Monday 1 January 2024 will be collected on Saturday 30 December 2023.
3. All other household waste collections will take place as usual. Residents are asked to please make sure that bins are out by 7am on the day of collection.

Commercial waste and recycling collections 

4. Commercial waste and recycling collections will take place on the usual days over the Christmas and New Year period.

Garden waste collections 

The following changes will be made to garden waste collections that usually take place on a Monday: 

1. Garden waste collections for Monday 25 December 2023 will be collected on Saturday 23 December 2023.
2. Garden waste collections for Monday 1 January 2024 will be collected on Saturday 30 December 2023.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said: “The festive period can produce a lot of waste as it is a celebratory time for all. From wrapping paper to bottles, there are a lot of extra items that our brilliant waste teams collect over the holiday period. 

"We thank all residents for understanding these changes, and also thank them for their cooperation.”

Eisteddfod 'optimistic for the future' says new chair

 

* Eisteddfod chair Chris Adams speaks to volunteers and supporters.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod still isn’t “out of the woods” but is “very optimistic” about the future.

That was the positive message from Chris Adams, the festival’s new chair, when he opened yesterday (Monday) evening’s latest public briefing session – both in-person and online – at St Collen’s Community Hall.

It was also used to announce the starry line-up for evening converts during the Eisteddfod’s core week from July 2-7, which starts with Sir Tom Jones on the Tuesday and ends with Katherine Jenkins on the Sunday.

The chair said that many ideas and suggestions for how the Eisteddfod could not only survive its traumatic financial loss of last year but also thrive had come from a public meeting held at the Pavilion last August.

“We talked through our problems and were delighted with the response we got. Offers of help and support came from all over. Decisions had to made and we moved as quickly as we would.”

A number of special groups were set up to look at how various aspects of the festival could be improved, from the grounds and staging to marketing and publicity.

The group members – all volunteers – were tasked to examine other key areas such as fundraising and sponsorship.

Much work has also been done as part of an initial one-year partnership with show business agency Cuffe and Taylor which has led to a package of “bookend” concerts in the weeks leading to the Eisteddfod by stars including Paloma Faith and the Manic Street Preachers.

Two special Christmas concerts built around the theme of The Snowman and featuring a live orchestra were at that point down to just a few tickets, explained Mr Adams.

However, he stressed: “There are a lot of things still to do over the next six months to make next July a festival to be remembered for years to come.”

Mr Adams – the Eisteddfod’s 11^th chair since its foundation in 1946 – also revealed how just a few days earlier he had replaced Sarah Ecob in the role.

Because of heavy work commitments in her local authority job, she had found it necessary to relinquish the chair but had parted with the Eisteddfod on “really good terms”.

“The Eisteddfod is unique is not unique in its idea of promoting peace – people have found other ways of doing this,” he told the audience but he added: “We are looking to be a major force in the cultural life of Wales into the 21^st century.”

* Dave Danford: Something for everyone. 

Lead programmer and production manager Dave Danford said: “Everything that happens at the Eisteddfod is because of our volunteers. It’s not down to individuals but is a team effort and I’m sure that next year is going to be a success.”

He assured that Cuffe and Taylor were “here to support us and not to interfere” with the way the festival is run.

“The concert programme we’ve got has something for everyone and we’ve had some incredible applications from all over the world for our competitions,” he added.

The floor was then thrown open to questions and answers. Issues included:

* Ways people can get various concessions on tickets - One of the main ways to avoid the inevitable queues for concerts tickets is to join the Friends of the Eisteddfod group, which had signed up 100 new members just that day, it was explained.

* Dance competitions - Chris Adams said lots of work was being done to see these were spread evenly across the five days of the festival.

* Volunteers - A plea was made from the floor for people to fill three key roles in music and staging.

* The Eisteddfod field - Chris Adams explained work was going on make this as attractive as possible to visitors.

* Higher than usual concert ticket prices - Dave Danford said this was down to the rising cost of signing artistes. He gave the example of one who could have been booked for £15,000 in 2020 now demanding £30,000 for an appearance.

* Accommodation for Eisteddfod visitors - Deputy chair John Gambles said most visitors went directly home so priority was given to competitors from around the world, with “wonderful co-operation” being given by hostels and hotels within a 30-mile radius.

* Coping with the number of visitors the additional concerts would bring - Trustee Dave Henningan said letters had been sent to residents of Abbey Road and Dinbren Road assuring that a robust traffic plan would be in place controlled by professionals arranged by Cuffe and Taylor and a strict curfew of 11pm would be enforced. People living nearby were given an email address to contact if they had any problems and a “frequent questions” section had also been incorporated in the Eisteddfod website.      

Successful #LoveLiveLocal campaign is back for 2023

* Sion Corn is welcomed to town during this year's Llangollen Christmas Festival. Residents are being urged to support events like this whenever possible. 

The county council is urging residents to support its local businesses and traders this winter by getting involved in the latest #LoveLiveLocal campaign.

The initiative aims to highlight and introduce the wealth of businesses, goods and services that the county has to offer.

A county council spokesperson said: "Shopping locally can benefit us all by reducing the amount of fuel we need to pump into our cars for longer journeys. 

"Not only can this save shoppers a few precious pounds, it is also more sustainable shopping, with local people shopping locally from local businesses. 

"Those opting to shop locally can also benefit from the Free After Three parking scheme that runs until December 31.

"The campaign aims to encourage people to spend their money in Denbighshire, whilst encouraging shoppers and businesses to use their social media channels to share their positive experiences using the #lovelivelocal hashtag.

"As part of the campaign, social media assets will be made available for traders to help promote their businesses online – the more people are out and about doing their shopping, and telling everyone about it, the better the atmosphere for everyone as Christmas approaches.

"Residents are also encouraged to visit other seasonal events in their local town centre, such as the switching on of Christmas lights, community carol services and artisan markets."

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of Denbighshire County Council, and Lead Member for Economic Growth and Tackling Deprivation, said: “The purpose of this campaign is to remind people of the wonderful businesses we have in Denbighshire, to shop and use local services wherever possible to keep the Denbighshire economy thriving and lower our carbon footprint.

“It has been a difficult few years for businesses and there are some challenging times ahead, but it’s important that we all play a part to support our local economy. 

“We think it’s more important than ever to push the #lovelivelocal message to our residents and remind everyone there are many shops in our towns and villages that offer a wide range of products, from food and drink to beauty and fashion, from arts and crafts to professional services.

“A walk into our towns and villages will reveal some hidden gems and you’ll often find some amazing gifts for your loved ones. We want to help businesses showcase their products, to encourage people to visit and to surprise and excite the consumer about what is on offer.

"And once Christmas and the sales have passed, how about a new year’s pledge to continue visiting the local high street in 2023 and beyond?"

* You can get involved by visiting the Love Live Local page on our website.

Sir Tom Jones heads list of stars to appear during 2024 Eisteddfod week

* Sir Tom Jones appears on Tuesday July 2nd.

Welsh icons Tom Jones and Katherine Jenkins and international best-selling artist Gregory Porter will all perform headline concerts during the core week of the 2024 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

As the full line-up of events was announced today, it is revealed that music legend Tom Jones will present the opening concert of the week at Llangollen Pavilion on Tuesday July 2^nd, kicking off six days of evening concerts, with mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins closing the week on Sunday 7^th. 

Between these dates audiences can enjoy a huge variety of special evening events, featuring award-winning folk band Calan, royal harpist Alis Huws, Britain’s Got Talent favourites John’s Boys Male Chorus, West End and Broadway stars Kerry Ellis and John-Owen Jones, and two-time GRAMMY award winning jazz sensation Gregory Porter.

Tickets go on sale at 9am Friday December 8 from llangollen.net 

The core week of the iconic peace festival returns from Tuesday July 2^nd to Sunday July 7^th 2024.

* Katherine Jenkins sings on July 7th.

Beginning the week of events, which brings together people from across the globe, will be singing sensation Tom Jones on Tuesday 2^nd. 

The international and multi-award-winning icon is bringing his sell-out Ages and Stages tour for what is sure to be a memorable night filled with everyone’s favourite hits. 

Wednesday July 3^rd will bring a celebration of Welsh music with Wales Welcomes the World featuring Welsh folk band Calan, royal harpist Alis Huws and John’s Boys Male Chorus, who reached the semi-finals of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent in 2023. 

Musical theatre fans will be enraptured on Thursday July 4^th when superstars Kerry Ellis and John Owen-Jones, perform an evening of Broadway and West End classics Direct From The West End. 

And on Friday July 5^th Gregory Porter will make a triumphant return to Llangollen. 

Gregory is rightly regarded as his generation's most soulful jazz singer-songwriter and since breaking through almost a decade ago, he has become a beloved part of the British cultural firmament. The Californian has played at numerous festivals, including Glastonbury, where he wowed the Pyramid Stage, and Radio 2’s Live in Hyde Park and now he heads to Llangollen. 

The very best choirs, dance groups and young operatic stars compete for the Eisteddfod’s top prizes including the coveted Pavarotti Trophy with Choir Of The World on Saturday July 6^th.

Closing the week will be a classical gala concert headlined by Katherine Jenkins – officially the world’s most successful classical singer after she was crowned ‘The Biggest Selling Classical Artist of the Century’ by Classic FM. 

* Gregory Porter stars on July 5th.

A hugely successful recording artist, she has smashed the record books achieving 14 Number 1 albums and performed for thousands of serving British troops overseas as well as Popes, Presidents and Princes in a sensational 20-year career.

The headlining shows with Tom Jones, Katherine Jenkins and Gregory Porter are the latest to be announced as part of a new partnership between Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor. 

A series of concerts falling either side of the week have already been announced including Madness, Kaiser Chiefs, Manic Street Preachers and Suede, Paloma Faith, Jess Glynne and Nile Rodgers & CHIC with more to come. 

Vice-Chair of the festival Chris Adams said: “This year, we have partnered with promoters Cuffe and Taylor and people are already seeing the international artists we are bringing to Llangollen before and after our core Eisteddfod.  Our core festival is everything our long-time supporters have come to expect from our peace festival and more.” 

Lead Programmer and Production Manager at the Llangollen Eisteddfod Dave Danford added:“The core Eisteddfod week is the centrepiece of our activities each year, and in 2024 it will be bigger and better than ever. We’ve been committed to retaining all of the elements our loyal supporters expect, such as Choir of the World on the Saturday evening, which sits proudly alongside the big-name artists we have coming to perform.

"There’s no doubt that the programme we’re announcing today combines the best of our Eisteddfod traditions with the expectations of modern audiences, we look forward to welcoming friends both new and old to Llangollen in July.”

And Cuffe and Taylor co-founder Peter Taylor said: “It is exciting to be part of such as important week in the North Wales calendar. We applaud the tireless work of the Eisteddfod team and look forward to working alongside them to complement their activities while continuing to attract household names to perform in this beautiful part of the country.”

* For more information and to buy tickets go to llangollen.net

* Llangollen Silver Band's training band strikes up It's Not Unusual at the press conference.

Llangollen Silver Band’s training section – given special permission to miss the first few hours of school for the occasion – struck up a lively version of his hit It’s Not Unusual as it was announced that Tom Jones would be headlining at next summer’s Eisteddfod during a press conference in the Community Hall this morning (Monday).

The announcement itself by Clwyd South Senedd Member Ken Skates was greeted by loud cheers from the audience of trustees, volunteers and Friends of the Eisteddfod who had gathered for the occasion.

Addressing the Eisteddfod supporters Mr Skates said: “Thank you for bringing joy and peace to this famous area of north Wales.

“The Eisteddfod has had to change and adapt. The announcements about the range of artistes appearing during the core week next summer have been fantastic.

“This has always been an incredible international festival that people in this area and across the world hold dear to their hearts.”

New Eisteddfod chair, Chris Adams, spoke of the “huge effort” made by the volunteers now in charge of the festival to turn round its fortunes.

And Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Keddie, said that the “stunning” line-up of international performers the Eisteddfod would be presenting would make “Llangollen the place to be next summer”.

* Tonight (Monday December 4) the Eisteddfod will be holding another community meeting at St Collen’s Community Hall starting at 7pm. 

The hybrid session will be an opportunity to provide an update on the 2024 concert programme, answer questions about their plans for next summer, and to invite residents to join the growing team of volunteers.  

 

Police appeal for witnesses to fatal road collision on A539

North Wales Police investigating a road traffic collision in which a man sadly died are appealing for witnesses.

In a statement this evening they say: "We were called at 6.38pm last night (Saturday 2nd December) by colleagues at WAST to reports of a RTC involving a car and a motorbike on the A539 near the Sun Trevor, outside Llangollen.

"Local officers and Roads Crime Unit colleagues attended alongside paramedics, but sadly the motorcyclist passed away. The road was closed until approximately 2.20am.

"The man’s next of kin and the local Coroner’s Office have been informed."

PC Jo Roberts of the Roads Crime Unit said: “We are appealing for any witnesses, especially those with dashcam to contact us either via our live webchat or on 101. We are particularly keen to speak to the driver of a white panel van, who may have witnessed the incident.”

* Anyone in the area at the time, who could assist the investigation should get in touch quoting reference A190186.

Hundreds turn out to cheer illuminated tractor run through town

Hundreds of cheering spectators lined the centre of the town to watch as this year's Illuminated Tractor Run by the Vale of Llangollen Rotary and the Llangollen Young Farmers Club came rumbling through.

Building on the success of last year's event, organisers promised this year's event would be even more spectacular, featuring 50 tractors and an extended route for the brightly-lit and decorated brightly lit tractors.

Starting at 5 pm from The Pavilion in Llangollen, the convoy embarked on a picturesque journey through Llangollen, Trevor, Acrefair, Plas Madoc, Ruabon, Rhosllanerchrugog, Rhostyllen, Bersham, Wrexham, Morrison's car park (for a 45-minute stop), Bersham, Minera, Bwlchgwyn, Llandegla, Horseshoe Pass, and finishing back at Llangollen.

Leading the way, shouting "Merry Christmas" as he went was Santa himself.

The route was carefully curated to spread the festive cheer across the region.

This year the event aims to raise funds for three worthy causes - The Teenage Cancer Trust, Nightingale Hope Hospice, and a community defibrillator. 

* To make donations even more accessible, the organizing committee has set up an online fundraising page at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/TractorRun2023. 

Illuminated tractor run takes place later today

Vale of Llangollen Rotary and the Llangollen Young Farmers Club are gearing up for the second annual Llangollen Illuminated Tractor Run later today (Sunday). 

Building on the success of last year's event, organisers say this year's event will be even more spectacular, featuring an extended route and a convoy of brightly lit tractors.

Starting at 5 pm from The Pavilion in Llangollen, the tractors will embark on a picturesque journey through Llangollen, Trevor, Acrefair, Plas Madoc, Ruabon, Rhosllanerchrugog, Rhostyllen, Bersham, Wrexham, Morrison's car park (for a 45-minute stop), Bersham, Minera, Bwlchgwyn, Llandegla, Horseshoe Pass, and finishing back at Llangollen.

The route is carefully curated to spread the festive cheer across the region.

Before the spectacle begins, from 4 pm to 5 pm, all tractors will be on display at The Pavilion, offering the public the chance to get up close and personal. 

Father Christmas himself will be present for photo opportunities and chats with the little ones.

The grand old man in red will then join the tractors on their journey, adding an extra dash of magic to the evening.

This year the event aims to raise funds for three worthy causes - The Teenage Cancer Trust, Nightingale Hope Hospice, and a community defibrillator. 

Volunteers, identifiable by their high-visibility vests and badges, will line the route with collection buckets, offering everyone who comes the opportunity to contribute to these good causes.

* To make donations even more accessible, the organizing committee has set up an online fundraising page at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/TractorRun2023.