Town's historic sites offer a tour through time this Saturday

Six of Llangollen historical sites have joined forces to offer a packed programme of short events celebrating different aspects of the town's history - all free of charge and with no need to book.

A Tour Through Time next Saturday May 3, has been organised by the recently-formed Our historic Llangollen hanesyddol i bawb, which a collective of many historic sites and landscapes, heritage experiences and activities in Llangollen and the surrounding Dee Valley. 

The special event starts at the Royal International Pavilion at 10.30am and wends through Llangollen to end at St Collen's Church at 3.30pm.   

Each site in turn will stage a 45-minute event, with 15 minutes between events to allow people to make their way to the next site.  

A spokesperson for the organisers said: "Join in or leave at any stage but the special display, talk or activity at each site will only take place during the time slot allotted.

"Please join us on this free exploratory and intriguing tour through Llangollen’s history.  All are welcome."

The day's programme is:

* 10.30am Eisteddfod Story: Peace and Music across the Years at the Royal International Pavilion, Abbey Road, LL20 8SW.

* 11.30am Celebrating 50 Years of the Llangollen Railway: A look back at the preservation and development of Llangollen Railway at Llangollen Railway, Abbey Road, LL20 8SN.

* 12.30pm Hands on History: A journey through history and prehistory, viewing and experiencing items from the Stone Age to the present day at Llangollen Museum, Parade Street, LL20 8PW.

* 1.30pm Crime and Punishment in Early Victorian Llangollen: Explore Llangollen’s first magistrates’ courtroom, gaol and police station at Lock Up Heritage Centre, Victoria Square, LL20 8ET.

* 2.30pm Home to the Ladies of Llangollen: Visit the home of the Ladies and learn of their journey from Ireland in search of an idyllic way of life, settling in the picturesque landscape of Llangollen at Plas Newydd, Hill Street, LL20 8AW.

* 3.30pm St. Collen’s Through Time: Discover the rich history of St. Collen’s Church, from its origins and medieval past to today’s vision for a modern future at St Collen’s Church, Regent Street, LL20 8HU.

Social care recruitment workshop to be held

* County Hall Ruthin where the social care workshop will be held.

Denbighshire County Council’s Social Care Team are inviting those who are interested in a career in social care to the latest recruitment workshop which will be held at County Hall in Ruthin on Thursday May 8.

The social care team are looking to engage with people who are interested in working within the community and supporting citizens throughout the county.

The workshop will start at 10am and will provide plenty of information about Denbighshire’s successful social care and the application process to join the team. Interviews will also be offered to candidates on the day.

Ann Lloyd, Head of Adult Social Care & Homelessness Service, said: “We are excited to be hosting another workshop centred around our social care roles. We are really looking forward to inviting those who have an interest in the care sector along so that they can learn more about the roles we offer, and the benefits of working for the council.

"The team are looking for enthusiastic and caring people who want to make a difference to people’s lives, and we will also be assessing candidates on the day."

Councillor Elen Heaton, Lead Member for Health and Social Care, said: “This workshop will provide information about the job roles currently available within our friendly social care team.

"The social care team provides care right across our county, allowing people to live happier and healthier lives.

"I would urge anyone who is looking to get into the care sector to come along to this latest workshop to see what we can offer them.”

* To book onto the free workshop please email socialcarejobs@denbighshire.gov.uk or contact 01824 712187.

 

Clair's update on her 630-mile trek to beat pancreatic cancer

* Clair Abbott, left, with daughter Livvie and dog Brodie on the South West Coast Path.

The woman currently tackling a 630-mile hike around the South-West Coastal Footpath to help tackle pancreatic cancer has sent an update on her progress to llanblogger.

And it includes the great news that she now has donations totalling £2,500.

Clair Abbott from Cynwyd, Corwen started her challenge earlier this month and is determined to raise much needed funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK, which will go towards vital research into early diagnosis and treatment, as well as support for those affected by the disease which claimed the lives of her husband Richard last year and also that of her mother. 

Clair said: “I think this could make a huge difference. I originally planned to complete this challenge in 2023, in memory of my mum on the 30th anniversary of her passing. But in a cruel twist of fate my darling husband Richard was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer early that year.

“Before he passed away in July 2024 he told me it was his wish that I continue as originally planned and complete this mammoth hike, not only to raise funds but to raise awareness.”

In the update on her walk, sent on Thursday, she says: “I'm having a rest day at Hartland Quay in Devon, which is on South West Coast Path, after two 11 mile days. The next stage to Bude is a tough 15 miles so I'm halving it by staying in The Bush pub garden on Friday night!

“So, the first week started stormy. Fortunately, my daughter, Livvie King, was with me at the start. We returned after day one to discover a fellow camper's awning had blown away causing two small tears in my fly-sheet. Fortunately we had some tape.

“We then discovered my dog Brodie, who is walking with me, had injured a paw so Livvie took him to the vets in Minehead while I hiked on. The upshot is that he needs to stay off it till it heals - he's gone back with my daughter. This was good really as he was shivering in the tent, it's too cold at night still, we had to buy him a thermal onesie!

“I've developed blisters, inevitably, even though my boots are over a year old.

“Did I mention the rain? Anyhow, week two has started much better, the sun is shining, I'm hiking solo and staying positive. Turned a corner at Hartland Point and headed south to Cornwall. 

"I've been so overwhelmed by kind and generous donations so far, raised over £2,500 its completely blown me away. Some days like today (blister pain) it's the only thing that is keeping me going, and Id like to express my gratitude." 

Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer in the UK, with more than half of people with the disease dying within just three months of diagnosis. Survival rates for pancreatic cancer have barely improved in 50 years – in stark contrast to the welcome progress made in outcomes for many other types of cancer. 

Sue Collins, Director of Fundraising at Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: “The funds raised by Clair will help us offer support to patients and families, invest in vital research to help us see the breakthroughs we urgently need, and be a voice for everyone affected by the deadliest common cancer.”

*If you would like to support Clair, you can do so at: justgiving.com/page/clair-abbott-2 

For more information or to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK, please visit www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/fundraise 

Absnt Mind to open for Olly Murs in Llangollen Pavilion this summer.

* Absnt Mind.

Rising stars Absnt Mind are set to get the party started when Olly Murs brings his 15 Years of Hits UK tour to Llangollen this summer.

One of Britain’s biggest and best-loved stars, the Troublemaker and Marry Me star, is headlining Live at Llangollen Pavilion on Friday July 4. 

It has already been announced Olly will be joined on the night by very special guest Lemar and it is now revealed acclaimed five-piece band Absnt Mind will open the show.

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

Formed just over a year ago, Absnt Mind – Alex Benson, who hails from nearby Chester, Ashton Henry-Reid, Conor Marcus, Freddie Meyer and Oscar Williams – co-write every song and are driving forward the group's musical evolution with latest single Wardrobe released today (April 25).

This year, they have already played sold-out headline shows at London's Bush Hall, Manchester's Academy 3 and Belfast's Oh Yeah Music Centre, on top of their 2024 sold out tour and two sold out London 02 Islington Academy shows. Live is where this band excels so Llangollen can prepare for the perfect start to their night with Olly Murs.

Olly first rose to fame on ITV’s The X Factor in 2009 and has since enjoyed a hit-filled career with no less than four Number One singles, seven studio albums and six BRIT Award nominations.

* Olly Murs.

Last year, he attracted a whole new army of fans after a successful stint as special guest on Take That’s This Life tour.

With his infectious energy, Olly presents a catalogue of fan-favourites including such hits as Please Don’t Let Me Go, Heart Skips A Beat, Dance With Me Tonight, Dear Darlin’, and Wrapped Up promising an unforgettable night as he makes his Llangollen debut.

Joining Olly as very special guest will be multi-award-winning singer-songwriter Lemar. One of the most successful male British solo artists of the last two decades Lemar has enjoyed considerable chart success in the UK and Ireland releasing 10 top 20 singles, seven of which peaked in the top 10, and selling more than two million albums.

Lemar is a double Brit Award and triple MOBO Award winner who has worked with many of music’s greats, from Lionel Richie to Justin Timberlake, Mary J Blige, Beyonce and Mariah Carey. In 2023, Lemar released his 7th studio album Page In My Heart and earlier last year he starred alongside Beverley Knight in Sister Act in the West End before joining chart toppers JLS on tour.

Olly Murs joins the Summer 2025 lineup, which will also feature headline shows from James, The Human League, Rag’n’Bone Man, Texas, The Script and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell at the iconic Welsh venue.

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

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

 

CONNECT WITH OLLY MURS

WEBSITE I INSTAGRAM | X | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE I TIKTOK

 

CONNECT WITH LEMAR

WEBSITE I X I FACEBOOK I INSTAGRAM I YOUTUBE I SPOTIFY

CONNECT WITH ABSNT MIND

TIKTOK I FACEBOOK I INSTAGRAM I YOUTUBE

NOTES TO EDITORS: Pics of Olly Murs, Lemar & Absnt Mind attached

 

Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2025

June 26 – Texas with support from Rianne Downey 

June 27 – Rag'n’Bone Man with support from Elles Bailey and Kerr Mercer 

June 28 - UB40 Ft Ali Campbell with very special guest Bitty McLean and Reggae Roast

June 29 – James with support from The K’s and Tom A. Smith 

July 3 – The Script with very special guest Tom Walker   

July 4 – Olly Murs with very special guest Lemar  and Absnt Mind

July 5 – The Human League with support from The Christians and Altered Images 

Famous Town Hall clock should be ticking again soon

* The famous Town Hall clock should be working again soon. 

The famous Llangollen Town Hall clock, which stopped working some days ago, will be be back in action again soon.

That's the word from a Town Council spokesperson who said: "The clock and its regular chimes are well-known features of the town.

" Unfortunately, it has stopped working due to a problem with the mechanism but our specialist has been called and, hopefully, it will be ticking back into life very soon." 

Latest local roadworks alert from Denbighshire County Council

Latest local roadworks alert from Denbighshire County Council is:

NEXT TO NUMBER 28 MILL STREET, LL20 8SA MILL STREET 09/06/2025 09/06/2025 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY (DCC)

10 Regent Street JNC QUEEN STREET AND CHURCH STREET Llangollen LL2 BROOK STREET 19/05/2025 06/06/2025 Gwaith BT/ BT Works SUNBELT RENTALS (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Verge ABBEY ROAD 31/01/2025 13/06/2025 Gwaith Ar Wal Gynnal/ Retaining Wall Works DCC HIGHWAYS

A542 Llandyn Hall Farm Culvert TRACK TO LLANDYN HALL FROM A539 28/04/2025 23/05/2025 Gwaith ar Gylfat/ Culvert Works (DCC) Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure