Country-folk star Rianne Downey to support Texas at the Pavilion

* Rianne Downey.

Rising country-folk star Rianne Downey will support rock legends Texas when they head to North Wales next summer.   

The Scottish singer known for her soulful vocals and acoustic-driven sound will join Texas when they headline Live at Llangollen Pavilion on Thursday June 26. 

   

Tickets are on sale now from llangollen.net and www.ticketmaster.co.uk  

 

Rianne Downey began her music career busking on the streets of Glasgow, but it was during lockdown that she started turning heads with a series of YouTube covers, featuring a standout rendition of The Beautiful South’s Rotterdam. This caught the attention of the band’s former frontman, Paul Heaton, who handpicked Downey to join him on his recent tour, which included a performance on the iconic Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury earlier this year. 

 

Texas are a Scottish rock band from Glasgow, fronted by the iconic Sharleen Spiteri. The band are known for their blend of pop rock, soul, and alternative music. Following their critically acclaimed, sold-out UK arena tour, they will bring their crowd-pleasing live show to Llangollen, spanning five decades of music - from their timeless classic I Don’t Want A Lover to modern hits like Mr. Haze and Keep On Talking. 

* Sharleen Spiteri.

 

The announcement is the latest reveal for summer 2025 which will also see The Human League, James, Rag’n’Bone Man, Olly Murs, Texas, The Script and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell headline the iconic Welsh venue. 

 

The headline concerts are presented in a partnership between Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor and Llangollen International Eisteddfod. 

 

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod Dave Danford said: “We’re delighted to be adding some more Scottish energy to next summer’s line-up, with the announcement that Rianne Downey will be supporting Texas. 

 

“She was a revelation when she performed alongside Paul Heaton at Glastonbury earlier this year, and we can’t wait to hear her solo set in Llangollen!” 

  

For more information and to purchase tickets go to llangollen.net and www.ticketmaster.co.uk  

  

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Human League, Christians and Altered Images to headline at Pavilion

* The Human League.

British synth-pop pioneers The Human League will bring their iconic electronic sound to North Wales next summer when they headline Live at Llangollen Pavilion.

The BRIT Award-winners will make their highly anticipated Llangollen debut on Saturday July 5 and they will be joined on the night by The Christians and Altered Images. 

Tickets go on general sale at 10am Friday from llangollen.net and ticketmaster.co.uk

The Human League – led by Philip Oakey, Joanne Catherall and Susan Ann Sulley – have shaped the sound of electronic pop for more than four decades and continue to reach a new generation through the innovative sounds and songs they created in the 1980s. 

Their influence on both music and culture remains undeniable, with timeless anthems like Don't You Want Me, (Keep Feeling) Fascination, Love Action (I Believe in Love) and Mirror Man continuing to resonate with fans worldwide.

With nine studio albums, including the multi-platinum DARE, The Human League has sold more than 25 million records worldwide. Their legacy is further solidified by numerous accolades, including a BRIT Award for Best British Breakthrough Act in 1982 and three Ivor Novello Award nominations.

The group has inspired new generations of artists, written some of the all-time classic pop songs, had Number 1 singles and albums across the world and yet, as they look to their fifth decade, they remain fiercely independent and true to their roots.

With a legacy approaching 50 years, fans can expect a night of timeless classics and the very best of 80s pop.

Supporting The Human League will be The Christians and Altered Images.

Formed in Liverpool in the 1980s, The Christians became known for their soulful sound, rich harmonies and socially aware lyrics. Led by Garry Christian, the band found success with hits like Ideal World, Harvest for the World and Forgotten Town. With their unique blend of soul and pop, The Christians continue to captivate audiences, bringing timeless songs that continue to stand the test of time.

* Clare Grogan with Altered Images.

Altered Images burst onto the 1980s music scene with their vibrant mix of post-punk energy, led by the charismatic Clare Grogan. Known for hits like Happy Birthday, I Could Be Happy, and Don’t Talk to Me About Love, the band captured the spirit of the era and continue to delight fans with performances that bring the magic of 80s pop to life.

The announcement is the latest reveal for summer 2025 which will also see James, Rag’n’Bone Man, Olly Murs, Texas, The Script and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell headline the iconic Welsh venue.

The headline concerts are presented in a partnership between Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor and the Llangollen International Eisteddfod.

Cuffe and Taylor co-founder Peter Taylor said: "We’re incredibly excited to announce that The Human League will be headlining Live at Llangollen Pavilion next summer. For more than four decades, their synth-pop sound and unforgettable hits have captivated audiences around the world. We’re looking forward to an unforgettable night filled with the anthems that defined a generation.”

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod Dave Danford added: “The Human League have a legendary catalogue of hits that continue to resonate with fans of all ages. We can’t wait to welcome them to Llangollen next summer, for what’s set to be an incredible night of live music.” For more information and to purchase tickets go to llangollen.net and ticketmaster.co.uk

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Tan y Ddôl creates some new Christmas crackers

* Mrs Santa does the old man's ironing.

* Elves hard at work filling Santa's sack ready for the big night.

It's a sure sign that Christmas has really arrived in Llangollen when another of the brilliant seasonal tableaux appears outside Tan y Ddôl off Abbey Road. 

Once again created by talented residents, this year's two imaginative offerings on either side of the entrance gate depict: 

* Mrs Santa diligently ironing the old man's trousers while a little white dog slumbers in a basket at her feet and 

* The hectic scene in Santa's workshop as three elves toil to fill the boss's sack with goodies ready for his big delivery, while a cheeky reindeer sticks his nose through a curtain to check on progress.

Take a look for yourself and be filled with the Christmas spirit!   

Illuminated tractor run lights up the town

The town centre was lit up for the second night in a row tonight (Sunday) as Llangollen Young Farmers' Illuminated Tractor Run came through to the cheers of the crowds braving the rain to see them.

Over 50 festively-decorated machines left the Pavilion at 5pm passing through the town as they headed Wrexham via the A539.

Along the route they visited numerous villages, including Penycae, Rhosllanerchrugog and Bersham, before reaching Morrisons on Ruthin Road about 7pm.

There, they plan to take a short break, and give passers-by the chance to see their tractors and make a donation to their chosen charity, which this year is the children’s ward at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

They will then continue through the city along Mold Road and into the city centre, before heading out along Ruabon Road through Johnstown and Ruabon and on towards Chirk.

The full run is likely to last until 9.30pm.

Answers to Christmas Festival fun trail

Organisers of the Fun Trail at yesterday's Llangollen Christmas Festival have now provided the answers to it.

They also thank all those who took part in the quest to locate

Here are the answers:

          Animal                                                                          Location

Dinosaur                                                         Bear Trax

Sloth                                                               Bearded Men

Ostrich                                                            Butcher

Gorilla                                                             Chapel Street Coffee

Pig                                                                  Corn Mill

Donkey                                                           Courtyard Books

Hedgehog                                                       Edinburgh Woollen Mill

Caterpillar                                                       Food Share (Market Street Car Park)

Unicorn                                                           Gales Winebar

Dragon                                                            Gwalia Classics

Elephant                                                         Jades Hair & Beauty

Cat                                                                  Jenni's

Badger                                                             Laura's Tea Room

Puppy Dog                                                      Lily Rose Interiors

Fox                                                                  M'eating Point

Koala Bear                                                      Mabel & Eve

Snake                                                              Nook Antiques

Giraffe                                                             Oak Chest Jewellers

Tiger                                                                Porters

Chimpanzee                                                    Pro Adventure

Panda                                                              Railway Signal Box (visible from bridge)

Parrot                                                               recycledkit.com (end of bridge)

Penguin                                                            River Banc

Camel                                                              Shop Around the Corner

Lion                                                                 Solitaire

Horse                                                               Tenovus

Rabbit                                                              Trespass

Seal                                                                 Ty Nook

Flamingo                                                         Watkin & Williams

Red Panda                                                      Wingetts

Biggest parade in years kicks off Christmas Festival

Special llanblogger report and pictures

* The firework display lights up the town.

* Town crier Chem leads the festival parade into town over the bridge.

The biggest parade in years, featuring everything from a penny farthing bike to a Rolls Royce and a cavalcade of vintage tractors to a tuk tuk, kicked of this year's Llangollen Christmas Festival in fine style watched by a huge crowd.

And later the mayoress of Llangollen - now probably better known as Big Brother housemate Sarah Griffiths - assisted the mayor Cllr Aled Morris, rounded off a great day by switching on the town's Christmas lights.

As the rain held off things began early with the opening up of a wide array of around 30 stalls and a traditional children's ride in Market Street, which were all kept busy throughout the day.     

Centenary Square saw stalls showcasing the contribution of local community groups and outside the Tourist Information Centre there were more stalls manned by  charity and community groups.

The square also housed a programme of musical entertainment and morris dancing displays.

 

Throughout the day there was a treasure hunt involving many of the town's shops.

The big festival parade came through just after 1pm, starting at the Pavilion and heading into town along Abbey Road, Castle Street, Bridge Street, Chapel Street, Oak Street and back onto Castle Street stopping off outside the Town Hall. 

 

During the afternoon the Town Hall was the scene of children’s entertainment with Sion Corn’s Grotto, circus school, face painting, balloon sculpture, bouncy play and morris dancing, all of it free of charge.

 

Just after darkness fell came the highpoint of the switching on of the Christmas lights by the mayor and mayoress followed by a massive fireworks display touched off from the hill overlooking the town which lit up the sky and delighted the crowds.

All the proceeds from the festival will go to local charities and good causes.

* Llangollen Silver Band sets the parade tempo.

* A vintage car delights the crowds.

* A brewery dray hauled by two magnificent horses came in all the way from Stockport to join the parade.

* The first of many decorated tractors thunders in.

* In contrast came youngsters on their scooters.

* A WW2 Jeep and veteran car were next in line.

* A penny farthing cyclist followed by a colourful tuk tuk.

* Back on foot for the morris dancers.

* A couple of cute four-legged friends clip-clop in.

* Sion Corn in his sleigh greets the crowds on the bridge.

* One of a group of vintage tractors in the parade.

* Cheering occupants of a tractor-pulled trailer.

* A vintage Rolls Royce brings up the rear of the parade.

* Saying it with stilts.

* Market Street was temporarily closed to allow the stalls to be set up.

* A street performer plays in Market Street.

* The hook-a-duck stall does a brisk trade.

* Clywedog Steel Band plays in Centenary Square.

* A colourful bunch out collecting for the Christmas Festival.

* The mayor and mayoress, Cllr Aled Morris and Sarah Griffiths, are greeted by town crier Chem outside the Town Hall.

* The mayor greets Sion Corn at the Town Hall.

* Karl Joseph performs in the square.

* Chris Burton performs a Beatles medley with a Christmas flavour.

* The mayor and mayoress switch on the lights.

* The fireworks display. 

... and at the end of the day some long bus queues home

Llangollen ready for its annual Christmas Festival today

* The massive fireworks display that brought last year's Christmas Festival to an end.

Llangollen's annual Christmas Festival, all completely free and with proceeds to local charities, is today (Saturday) and here is the full programme of events:

 

10am

 

Christmas Market – Approximately 30 Stalls

 

Market Street - The majority of stallholders will be local crafters

 

Centenary Square – Local community groups

 

Outside Tourist Information Centre – Local charity and community groups

 

Throughout the day - Treasure hunt around town

 

12am – 5pm

 

Musical entertainment and morris dancing in Centenary Square

 

1pm

 

Christmas Festival Parade, starting at the Pavilion and heading into town along Abbey Road, Castle Street, Bridge Street, Chapel Street, Oak Street and back onto Castle Street stopping outside the Town Hall. 

 

1pm

 

Town Hall - Open children’s entertainment with Sion Corn’s Grotto, circus school, face painting, balloon sculpture, bouncy play, morris dancing. All free.

 

5pm

 

Switching-on of the Christmas lights (Town Council) Fireworks