Thousands steaming towards Llangollen Garden Railway festival

* Tony Green from Tony Green Models has already set up at the Pavilion.

Thousands of garden rail enthusiasts will be heading to Llangollen this weekend, as the town again plays host to one of the UK's largest garden railway festivals.  

Over 50 of UK’s leading retailers have already set up at the International Pavilion with a fantastic selection of outstanding layouts of the larger scale in railway modelling, catering for all tastes, showcasing garden railways from different periods and countries.  

The event has been organised by Llangollen-based garden model railway enthusiast Keith Potts.  

Previous festivals have been hugely popular in the town famous for its annual International Musical Eisteddfod and own its steam railway.  

A garden railway or garden railroad is a model railway set up outdoors in a garden. Keith has his own garden railway, in his front garden on Horseshoe Pass View.

He said: "We have been busy today welcoming dozens of exhibitors from across the UK.  Llangollen is famous for its steam railway, but more and people are heading to this part of North Wales for our Garden Railway Festival.  

"Not only will you get to see some amazing model railways in action, but there will also be plenty of opportunities to meet fellow enthusiasts and learn about different railway models and layouts.  

"The festival is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Llangollen countryside, and it's a great opportunity to spend a day out with friends and family.  

"Tickets are selling fast and the great things is that all accompanied children can attend for free."

The event is held at the Llangollen Pavilion tomorrow from 10am until 4.30pm.   

The festival will feature over 50 exhibitors, as well as demonstrations of modelling techniques and larger scale and gauge societies, preservation and heritage societies and railway specialist interest groups.  

There will also be locomotives running on various gauges, live steam, gas fired, digital and analogue operations.

Tickets for the Llangollen Garden Railway Festival are priced at £12 for adults, with free admission for all accompanied children.  Tickets can be purchased from the Llangollen Tourist Information Centre in the centre of Llangollen or by calling 01978 860 828.  On the day tickets start at 10am. 

* For more information and for a list of exhibitors - see https://www.lgrf.co.uk/

Notice given of vacancy on Llangollen Town Council

Notice has been given of a casual vacancy on Llangollen Town Council.

Town clerk Gareth Thomas says: "The vacancy has been caused by the resignation of Cllr Yvonne Ryan.

"A bye-election to fill the vacancy will be held if 10 local government electors give notice, in writing, of a request for such an election to the Returning Officer, Denbighshire County Council, County Hall, Wynnstay Road, Ruthin, LL15 1YN, not later than Wednesday May 22.

"If no such notice is given the Town Council will fill the vacancy by co-option."

Australian trio Germein to support Sir Tom Jones at Eisteddfod

                                                                         

            * Australian trio Germein will support Sir Tom Jones on July 2.

Australian sibling trio Germein will support Welsh icon and music legend Sir Tom Jones when he headlines the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod this summer. 

Sir Tom will present the opening show of the Core Eisteddfod Week on Tuesday July 2 and it is announced today he will be joined on the night by Germein.

 

Indie-pop trio Germein, made up of sisters Georgia (guitar and lead vocals), Ella (bass) and Clara (drums) hail from South Australia. 

 

Germein began turning heads following the release of debut album Because You Breathe in 2013 and have been described as nothing short of mesmerising.

Taking the lead from strong female artists like HAIM and CHVRCHES, they are inspired by the vocal harmonies of iconic bands such as Queen and Fleetwood Mac.

 

With an impressive list of accolades under their belt, including opening for pop icons Little Mix, Ronan Keating, Phil Collins, Jess Glynne, and multiple times for Tom Jones, the trio promises a treat for Llangollen audiences.

Tom Jones has established himself as one of the most accomplished musicians of all time. 

Born in the mining town of Pontypridd, South Wales in 1940, he signed with Decca Records in the 1960s kickstarting a successful career with chart-topping hits such as It's Not Unusual, What's New Pussycat?, Delilah and Green, Green Grass of Home. 

His passion for diverse musical genres has led him to collaborate with legendary artists such as Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, Dolly Parton and Ed Sheeran. 

His career has been filled with numerous honours and accolades, including a deeply cherished knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2006, multiple BRIT Awards, a Silver Clef Award, the prestigious Music Industry Trusts Award, and a Hitmaker Award from the US Songwriters Hall of Fame. 

The headlining show will form part of the core week of the 2024 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod which will also see concerts with Welsh icon Katherine Jenkins and international best-selling artist Gregory Porter. 

Along with the core week of the festival running from July 2 - 7, this year sees a series of concerts taking place as part of a new partnership between Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor. 

Tom Jones, Katherine Jenkins and Gregory Porter join global rock stars Simple Minds, British pop giants Madness, indie heroes Kaiser Chiefs, Manic Street Preachers and Suede, BRIT award-winning artist Paloma Faith, chart-topper Jess Glynne, disco legends Nile Rodgers & CHIC and global rock star Bryan Adams among the artists to headline dates either side of the iconic peace festival in 2024. 

Artistic Director of the Llangollen Eisteddfod Dave Danford said: “Tom Jones has been the talk of the town ever since we announced our 2024 line-up, and the opening night of our Core Eisteddfod Week will now be even bigger, with Germein warming up the stage for him. Their catchy brand of indie pop will be just the ticket to build the excitement on Tuesday 2 July.” 

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

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Paloma Faith fan Ken Skates looks forward to Eisteddfod

* From left, Eisteddfod Board Member David Hennigan with Ken Skates MS and festival Vice Chair John Gambles.

Local Senedd Member Ken Skates says he can't wait for this summer's Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod to begin.

Mr Skates, who represents Clwyd South and is the new Cabinet Minister for Transport and North Wales, is also a Vice-President of the festival.

He recently met up with Eisteddfod organisers for an update as they step up plans for the biggest Eisteddfod for generations.

This year, the festival has partnered with promoters Cuffe and Taylor to bring some of the world’s biggest artists to the town with Bryan Adams arriving in about 50 days' time.  

In June and July, the likes of Kaiser Chiefs, Jess Glynne, Nile Rodgers & Chic and Simple Minds are all heading to Llangollen.  

There are major concerts before and after the core Eisteddfod, which takes place from July 2-7 – with Sir Tom Jones making his Llangollen debut followed by concerts by Welsh folk heroes Calan, Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists Johns Boys Chorus, West End stars Kerry Ellis and John Owen-Jones, double GRAMMY award winning Gregory Porter, the internationally renowned Choir of the World and finishing with a Gala Concert from Katherine Jenkins.  

The Eisteddfod will also welcome more than 3,000 competitors from over 30 countries with the popular Parade of Nations, its Children’s Day, popular outdoor stages and much more. 

Ken Skates says he is a Paloma Faith fan and is also looking forward to seeing local choir John’s Boys Chorus.  

He said: “Everyone in Llangollen and North Wales is super excited about this year’s changes at the International Musical Eisteddfod. I can’t wait to attend. It is a fantastic occasion and this year is going to better than ever.” 

He added: “When it comes to who I am looking forward to most, I’ve been to see her before, so I’m going to say Paloma Faith because she is phenomenal. And coming from North Wales, how could I not also mention Johns Boys?”

Llangollen Eisteddfod Board Member David Hennigan said: “It was great to update Ken on our exciting plans for this summer.  

"He has been and remains a huge supporter of our peace festival. We were pleased to congratulate him on becoming Cabinet Minister for North Wales and Transport. 

"This year we are set to welcome tens of thousands of extra visitors to our wonderful town and we are pleased to enjoy continued support from the Senedd.  

"Every summer since 1947 something magical happens in Llangollen - we are a small town with a big voice and this year our festival will be even bigger and better.”

Town is now officially dementia friendly

  

        * The Dementia Friendly group proudly display their accreditation. 

The steering group aiming to have Llangollen recognised as age and dementia friendly says it is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded accreditation by the North Wales Partnership Board as a Dementia Friendly Community with a commitment to take action and improve the lives of people affected by the condition. 

Group chair Angela Williams said: “The group will be outside the town hall entrance with information on dementia during Dementia Awareness week on Tuesday May 14, between 10am and 2pm, and Monday May 13, same times, outside Llangollen Health Centre. 

“Come along and chat to us we will have lots of information on dementia, dementia awareness training and all available help. 

“Becky from Nature for Health will be with us on the Tuesday and the wonderful Ruth Moore Williams with stories and music. 

“We have a carers group who meet monthly. Their next group is on May 9 at 2pm in the Hand Hotel a speaker from the North East Wales Carers Information Service (NEWCIS) is attending that meeting to share lots of information for carers. Please look on our Facebook page for details of various events,  or contact John on 07515051696. 

“Let's make Llangollen a happy friendly knowledgeable place for those living with dementia and older people to live and visit.”

Llan panto group makes £1,500 donation to Nightingale House Hospice

* The panto group make their presentation to Nightingale House's Sue Williams.

Llangollen’s Pantomime group have thanked everyone from the town and surrounding areas for their "amazing" support for this year’s smash-hit production of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Spokesperson Neil Barrett said: "Your support enabled us to be in a position to donate £1,500 to Nightingale House Hospice. 

"It was a privilege to present a cheque for that amount to Sue Williams from Nightingale House at our AGM recently."

He added: "We are delighted to support Nightingale House as it provides such amazing care for the local community.

"We had a fantastic response and amazing support from you, our very supportive community who returned to watch Llangollen’s panto group after three years absence. 

"We can't wait to to put on next year’s production of Beauty and the Beast. Dave and Louise Lyne have already written the script which includes lots of hilarious local themes."