West End queen Kerry packs her running shoes for Eisteddfod return

                

* Kerry Ellis is heading for Llangollen on July 4.

A performer known for her dazzling runs in the West End and on Broadway hopes to try a run through the beautiful Dee Valley when she stars at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod this summer.

Kerry Ellis – known as the Queen of the West End after playing a leading role in shows from My Fair Lady to We Will Rock You and from Les Miserables to Wicked – will take to centre stage during one of the Eisteddfod’s big Core Week concerts on Thursday July 4.

She will be performing alongside another musical theatre great, John Owen-Jones, in Direct from the West End and says she just can’t wait to get to Llangollen and, as a keen runner, maybe find time to take a dash through the local countryside.

“I did my first half-marathon last year and I’ll be arriving in the area the day before the concert so hopefully I’ll get the chance to fit in a bit of a run in the hills close to the town,” she said.

Hailed as the First Lady of West End musicals, Kerry was catapulted to fame in 2002 when she landed the role of Meat in the original London cast of We Will Rock You, a role for which she was especially scouted by Sir Brian May himself.

Taking some of musical theatre’s biggest roles, she has earned numerous awards along the way.

She has also recorded four studio albums, and toured the world both as a solo artist and with her good friend Sir Brian.

She said: “I have been to the Llangollen Eisteddfod before in 2016 when I appeared in a musical theatre evening concert with the singing group Calabro, which I really enjoyed.

“I’m very excited about coming back again and performing with John Owen-Jones, who is an old friend of mine, and a hand-picked orchestra of first-class West End performers. It should be a great evening.

“We’ll be performing a combination of songs from the shows we’ve both been in, like Les Miserables and Wicked, and no doubt John will do something from Phantom of the Opera and some other well-known favourites.”

At the Eisteddfod, Kerry will be gracing the same stage as another of her old duet partners and Llangollen favourite Alfie Boe. She worked with him on his very first studio album and fondly remembers him as a “brilliant guy”.

She has also previously worked with the Eisteddfod’s Artistic Director, Dave Danford, and says she is delighted he will be musical supervisor on Direct from the West End.

Soon after her Llangollen appearance Kerry will be heading off on a 40-date UK tour. Meanwhile, she says she’s looking forward very much to coming to Llangollen which, after all she says, is at the heart of the Land of Song.

Direct from the West End, under musical director Iestyn Griffiths, also features the final of the Voice of Musical Theatre competition, which will have been running through Eisteddfod week.

* Tickets for Direct from the West End on Thursday July 4 are available online from: Thursday 4 July 2024 Direct from the West End: Kerry Ellis & John Owen-Jones - Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod (international-eisteddfod.co.uk)

Latest local roadworks bulletin

Latest local traffic bulletin from causeway one.network is: 

Bache Mill Road, Llangollen, Denbighshire,North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency 23 April - 25 April   Delays likely - Diversion route   Name: Diversion 1   Location: Bache Mill Road   Description: Streetworks / License - Streetworks   Responsibility for event: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Planned       Grange Road, Llangollen, Denbighshire,North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency 23 April - 25 April   Delays likely - Diversion route   Name: Diversion   Location: Grange Road   Description: Streetworks / License - Streetworks   Responsibility for event: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Planned

 

Roadworks

Bache Mill Road, Llangollen, Denbighshire 23 April - 25 April   Roadworks, Delays likely   Traffic management: Road closure   Description: REPLACE APPROX 5M X 100MM DI WITH 90MM PE   Works location: JUNCTION OF GRANGE ROAD   Public facing description: Wales & West Utilities Ltd has not assigned a specific description to this Works. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Wales & West Utilities Ltd.   Responsibility for works: Wales & West Utilities   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: XY254003001625596/01       Regent Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 23 April - 24 April   Roadworks, Delays likely   Traffic management: Traffic control (two-way signals)   Description: Gwynedd CC lining to both sides of carriageway   Works location: A5 Regent Street, Llangollen.   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 NMWTRA/SWTRA.   Responsibility for works: NMWTRA/SWTRA   Current status: Planned work about to start   Works reference: PD5012411013951889

28th Llangollen Fringe unveils its diverse programme

* Craig Charles.

The 28th edition of the Llangollen Fringe Festival takes place from July 5-13 and will feature a diverse range of shows, with comedy, music, dance, workshops and more.

Kicking off the festival's festivities is the highly anticipated finale to its comedy season, featuring headliner Robin Ince. 

Renowned for his ability to educate through comedy, his performance promises "laughter and enlightenment." 

* The Undertones.

Supported by the dynamic duo, The Raymond and Mr Timkins Revue - with the possibility of a surprise guest appearance - the event is hosted by the charismatic Silky.

In the realm of music, the Fringe welcomes back three iconic acts - The Selecter, Craig Charles, and Band Pres Llareggub. 

Prepare to rock out with The Undertones as they bring their iconic sound to Llangollen. Catching them on their European Tour guarantees a night filled with timeless hits like "Teenage Kicks" that will have the Town Hall pulsating with nostalgia. 

Hailing from the Highlands of Scotland, Elephant Sessions will present their unique blend of traditional, funk, and electronica music. 

* The Selector.

Welsh talent takes centre stage with Adwaith and Melin Melyn, two bands that transcend borders with their captivating performances. 

Folk sensation Seth Lakeman returns to cast his spell over the audience, while the collaboration of Catrin Finch and Aoife Ní Bhriain promises to stir emotions with their fusion of Celtic and classical music. 

Complementing the musical line-up are a variety of theatrical performances, workshops, and artistic endeavours, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Commenting on the programme Paul Keddie, Chairperson of the Llangollen Fringe, said: "We are incredibly proud of the diverse and dynamic program we have put together for this year's Fringe, with a line-up featuring both established icons and emerging talents, we look forward to welcoming audiences to what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of culture and creativity." 

* Catrin Finch and Aoife Ní Bhriain.

* Tickets for these headline shows are on sale now, as well as Festival passes. Priced at just £120 the festival pass allows access to all of the main events across the nine days.

Festival tickets and dates and times for all concerts and events are available from www.llangollenfringe.co.uk. 

Llangollen Fringe Festival is supported by The Arts Council of Wales

At a glance

Friday, 5th July: Robin Ince

Saturday, 6th July: Band Pres Llareggub 

Sunday, 7th July: The Undertones 

Monday, 8th July: Seth Lakeman

Tuesday, 9th July: Catrin Finch & Aoife Ní Bhriain 

Wednesday, 10th July: The Selecter  

Thursday, 11th July: Elephant Sessions 

Friday, 12th July: Melin Melyn and ADWAITH - double headline show 

Saturday, 13th July: Craig Charles 

North East Wales Archives launch new digital content

* Welsh Bibles added to the shelves of the Archives.

North East Wales Archives have recently launched a digital series named ‘Acid Free’, which explores some of the real life experiences and themes from their collections. 

In the series, archivists and featured guests take a closer look at the people and stories from the archived collections, bringing fascinating stories to life. 

In their the second instalment of this series, the focus is on the recently acquired Welsh Bibles Collection, which have been added to the shelves of the Archives. 

Back in 2023, the Archives catalogued a Welsh Bibles Collection and began to unravel some of the stories connected to items from this collection. 

The collection is one of the largest outside of the National Library of Wales, and contains very rare volumes. These include the earliest translations by famous figure William Morgan, a William Salesbury New Testament of 1567 and the Bible Mari Jones used before famously walking 25 miles to purchase her own copy. 

In the latest podcast episode, the Archives are joined by Hedd ap Emlyn and Bethan Hughes who discuss the origins of the collection, the different ways various bibles came to be collected and the significance of the collection for North East Wales. 

Katie Gilliland, Community Engagement Officer said: “We’re excited to share the latest episode of our podcast and digital stories series, ‘Acid Free’. 

It showcases our newly catalogued Welsh Bibles Collection and we’re excited to see our users engage with the collection as a result of this episode.” 

A digital story which provides a visual glimpse of the collection has also been produced. This is available to view on Youtube here: 

English - https://youtu.be/rKy0zHWaNVA

Welsh - https://youtu.be/8KZEa08HitU

Hedd and Bethan’s discussion is in Welsh, but an English translation of the episode is available on the website. Listen to the podcast episode here: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/Ar0dmNgKfIb 

The next instalment of ‘Acid Free’ will be focused on the Courtauld’s factories in North East Wales.

Chain Bridge undergoes vital repair work

* Work taking place on the Chain Bridge.

The iconic Chain Bridge of Llangollen is undergoing vital repairs all this week until Saturday to ensure its continued safety and integrity. 

Llangollen Town Council has engaged the expertise of Beaver Bridges Limited, based in Shrewsbury, to execute these essential works, with a total investment exceeding £17,000. 

The decision to undertake these repairs follows a recent comprehensive survey, which highlighted several minor defects in the bridge's structure. 

While seemingly insignificant, if left unattended, these issues could lead to accelerated deterioration, potentially compromising the bridge's stability and safety. 

Commenting on the significance of the works, Llangollen's Town Clerk Gareth Thomas said: "These repairs were identified during a recent survey, where minor defects were discovered. Although seemingly minor, if neglected, these issues could lead to the rapid degradation of the structure. 

"The repairs range from fitting new deck boards to addressing minor plating and welding on some of the bridge's elements. 

"To ensure the efficiency and thoroughness of the repair process, the contractor is employing a combination of techniques, including roped access, to access and address all identified concerns comprehensively. 

"These are the first major works undertaken to the bridge since it was refurbished and reopened in May 2015. 

"The Town Council recognises the importance of preserving the historical and cultural significance of the Chain Bridge and these proactive measures underscore the council's commitment to maintaining the safety and longevity of this beloved landmark for both residents and visitors alike.

"There have been some diversions in place during the repair period, as some temporary disruptions may have occurred . 

"However, these inconveniences are essential to safeguarding the structural integrity of the Chain Bridge for generations to come."

Last chance to guarantee tickets for Tom Jones in Llangollen

* Sir Tom Jones in concert.

Sir Tom Jones will be making his long-awaited Llangollen debut in July, and tickets have been in high demand ever since they went on sale.

With the event quickly selling out, the only way to guarantee a ticket is by buying a season ticket before the end of April, say festival organisers.

This not only gives you a guaranteed seat in our pavilion to see Tom Jones, but also entry to a full week of other evening concerts, with artists including Welsh folk superstars Calan, Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists Johns’ Boys Male Chorus, the royal harpist Alis Huws, West End stars Kerry Ellis and John Owen Jones, and jazz sensation Gregory Porter. 

The final 100 season tickets are now available for the Core Eisteddfod Week, which runs from Tuesday 2^nd to Sunday 7^th July. 

Season tickets guarantee the best seats in the house, and offer much better value for money than buying individual tickets for each concert, according to the Eisteddfod.

To secure your season ticket, call the Eisteddfod office on 01978 862001 before 5pm on Tuesday April 30. 

Dave Danford, artistic director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “Our season tickets are strictly limited, and only available until the end of this month. There’s no other way to guarantee your seat in the pavilion to see Tom Jones make his Llangollen debut in July. 

“We’re so proud of the range of evening concerts we have during our Core Eisteddfod Week this year, and season ticket holders can enjoy a week of entertainment they’ll never forget.”

Festival bosses have been committed to protecting the heritage and values of the Eisteddfod, which was founded in 1947. 

The popular competitions will see international visitors arriving in the largest numbers since the pandemic, with over 3,000 competitors travelling to Llangollen.

Ladies Fellowship to hold coffee morning

Llangollen Ladies Fellowship is to hold a coffee morning at the Memorial Hall in Market Street on Tuesday April 23, from 10am-noon.