Major comic con event is heading for Llangollen Pavilion

A major event in the comic con calendar has found a new base in Llangollen.

And an outfit which has previously arranged guest appearances from the likes of Rupert Grint, Kiefer Sutherland and Andy Serkis says fans are going to love the first big name it will be bringing to the town’s International Pavilion on September 20 and 21.

A comic con or comic book convention is a convention emphasizing comic books and comic book culture in which fans gather to meet creators, experts and each other.

On its Facebook page Wales Comic Con has just announced that it will be coming to Llangollen – now being run by the Eisteddfod team after being acquired from Denbighshire Leisure – in the autumn.

The triumphant post says: “We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve signed a multi-year deal to host Wales Comic Con at a brand-new venue in the heart of North Wales!

“We’re moving to the Llangollen Pavilion – a stunning location steeped in history, surrounded by breath-taking scenery, and home to the world-famous Llangollen International Eisteddfod.

“Some of you might even remember the Doctor Who Exhibition that once called this town home – it’s a place with deep roots in geek culture, and we can’t wait to add our own chapter to its story.”

And organisers go on: “Join us for the first edition at this new venue on September 20-21 – it’s going to be a weekend to remember. With more space than ever before, we’ll be packing the site with our biggest line-up of displays yet, plus a UK-first unique panel experience that we can’t wait to reveal.

“We know you’re excited for those first guest announcements, and we’ve got a fantastic name to kick things off this evening – a star from one of the biggest TV shows ever.

“As you’ve come to expect, we pride ourselves on delivering line-ups with first-time UK appearances like Rupert Grint, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Morrison, Lee Pace, Evangeline Lilly and world-firsts like Charlie Hunnam. We even brought legends like Andy Serkis out of UK event retirement, so you know we’re aiming high once again. You’re going to love this first name out the gate.

“Community has always been at the heart of Wales Comic Con, and our fans deserve the very best. That’s why we’re proud to say that our events remain FAMILY FRIENDLY, with tickets for KIDS 11 AND UNDER GOING FREE.

“We’re also committed to offering the best value for families, with our VIP and Platinum experiences returning this year, packed with unique perks tailored to the new venue. Tickets for the September event are on sale now – grab yours today at https://store.walescomiccon.com/ and be part of something truly special.”

Latest local roadworks update from the county council

Latest local roadworks update from the county council is:

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

A539 OPP 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, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Nr Dee Cottage MILL STREET 10/06/2025 10/06/2025 Amnewid Colofn / Replace Column DCC STREET LIGHTING

A539 Wharf Hill / Castle Street ABBEY ROAD 26/06/2025 13/07/2025 Eisteddfod BIG PARKING LTD, Stopio Mynd/Stop Go

Ochr / Side of 8 Cae Ddol ABBEY ROAD 11/06/2025 11/06/2025 Amnewid Hen Golofn / Replace old column

Young snappers encouraged to capture meadow moments

Young photographers are being encouraged to capture life around Denbighshire’s many wildflower meadows.

Denbighshire County Council has launched a Schools Wildflower Meadow Photography Competition as wildflowers across the region begin to bloom.

In 2019 the council declared a climate and nature emergency with the aim to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.

One of its first actions was to start managing some of our grassland for wildflower meadow creation across the county. The aim of the project is to restore and increase the amount of habitat available throughout the county for pollinators and wildlife.

This project also brings many benefits or ‘ecosystem services’ to residents in the county, such as reduced flooding, improved air quality, and air cooling.

Budding young nature and photography enthusiasts are encouraged to take a photograph of one of our wildflower meadows, a school meadow or community nature reserve site.

Photos can be of the whole site or of a tiny part such as an insect, flower or grass species, it’s up to the photographer to pick their favoured subject to make the best photograph. Each entrant needs to write something about their photo or find a quote that compliments the photo.

The winning entries will be printed up to A2 size and put on the walls outside the council chamber in County Hall, Ruthin. All the winners will be invited to attend a council meeting to receive their prizes and see their pictures on the wall.

Winners will receive a selection of environmental books for their school and a smaller version of the image will be available for the winner to put up at home or school.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Pupils across Denbighshire have a really good understanding of how climate change is impacting on their lives. They have great ideas and carry out a lot of good work themselves, many have supported us in creating wildflower meadows across Denbighshire.

“We want to open the floor to them through this competition to really see what our meadows mean to them through the lens they will see them through. I look forward to seeing the entries from our fantastic youngsters across the county.”

* For more information on how to enter the competition please visit this link - www.denbighshire.gov.uk/wildflower-meadow-photography-competition

 

Jobs fair planned for St Collen’s Community Hall

Working Denbighshire, in collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Careers Wales, will be holding a Jobs Fair next Wednesday, May 21, at St Collen’s Community Hall.

The event, which will run from 11am to 3pm, offers an opportunity for job seekers to meet with a wide range of local and regional employers across multiple industries.

Whether you're searching for your first job, looking to return to work, or ready for a career change, the Jobs Fair is open to all and completely free to attend.

Attendees will be able to explore job vacancies, chat directly with hiring managers, and discover pathways into training and employment. There will also be staff from Working Denbighshire on hand to offer advice and guidance around job searching, CVs, and interview prep.

Following the success of our first event earlier this year in Rhyl, we’re proud to host our second Jobs Fair in Llangollen, and the event is expected to be popular with both employers and residents.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation, said: “Bringing this event to Llangollen opens even more opportunity for people in the Dee Valley to meet employers, explore training options and take their next steps into work.

"We’re proud to support events like this, which have a real impact on our communities and help local businesses connect with great candidates.”

Ruth Hanson, Principal Manager at Working Denbighshire said: “Our Jobs Fairs are designed to be a welcoming and accessible space where people can come and speak to employers face-to-face, find out about live vacancies, and gain confidence in their job search.

“After the success of our job fair in Rhyl, we’re really pleased to bring this event to Llangollen and look forward to helping residents connect with new opportunities.”

To ensure the event is accessible and welcoming for everyone, quiet spaces will be available on the day for individuals who may benefit from a calmer environment. These are bookable by using this link: Microsoft Forms

Employers who would like to get involved in the Jobs Fair are encouraged to get in touch via: employmentcoordinators@denbighshire.gov.uk.

There is also further information on our website: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/jobs-and-employees/working-denbighshire/training-and-events/jobs-fair.aspx

Working Denbighshire is part funded through the Welsh Government Communities for Work Plus Programme which supports those most disadvantaged in the labour market to overcome the barriers preventing them from gaining employment. Working Denbighshire is part funded by UK Government.

For updates and further information, follow Working Denbighshire on social media or visit our website.

 

Board member Dave tells Tory leader Kemi about this year's Eisteddfod

* Dave Hennigan with Kemi Badenoch at the Pavilion.

Eisteddfod board member Dave Hennigan took the opportunity to brief Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch on this year's festival earlier today (Friday).

The two met up outside the International Pavilion where the Welsh Conservatives have been holding their conference this weekend. 

Dave was part of the team making sure things ran smoothly for one of the largest events to be held at the Pavilion since its running was taken over by the Eisteddfod from Denbighshire Leisure last month.

He said: "I met Kemi Badenoch just outside and took the chance to tell her about all the fantastic things that will be happening at Llangollen International Eisteddfod 2025 and also at the Pavilion.

"She took one of our Eisteddfod flyers and wished us well."

Later, Dave evened things up politically when he met Ken Skates, Welsh Labour's Clwyd South Senedd Member and Welsh transport minister, in the town.

"It's always great to catch up with Ken and I updated him on plans for Eisteddfod 2025.

"He's a massive supporter and always ensures that our voice is heard in the Senedd."  

 * Dave Hennigan with Ken Skates MS and Eisteddfod chairman John Gambles.

A5 traffic lights go as sewer repair work ends

The traffic lights put up for the roadworks at the junction of Regent Street and Hill Street have been removed today (Friady) as work on a collapsed sewer is now complete .

You can help bring history to life at Plas Newydd

* Plas Newydd in the heart of Llangollen.

Denbighshire's Countryside Team are calling on the public to help bring the story of Plas Newydd  to life by sharing their hidden treasures. 

Plas Newydd is famous for its connection to the Ladies of Llangollen, Lady Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, whose remarkable story of friendship and defiance captured the imagination of visitors from across the world.

 

Over the years the house has welcomed poets, celebrities and curious travellers, becoming a treasured part of Llangollen’s cultural and historical landscape. 

Today, the council says it wants to celebrate not just the grand stories but also the everyday memories that continue to shape Plas Newydd’s legacy.

 

Do you have a hidden piece of history waiting to be rediscovered? Whether it’s a photograph tucked away in a family album, or a souvenir forgotten in an attic, your contributions could become part of an exciting project to showcase the unseen artefacts and personal memories that make up Plas Newydd’s rich history.

 

If you have any old photographs, postcards, memorabilia, or even historic artefacts related to the Ladies of Llangollen or Plas Newydd from any era, the Countryside Team would love to hear from you. No item or memory is too small, they say.

* The famous Ladies of Llangollen.

 

Jillian Howe, National Landscape Community Engagement Officer, said: "Plas Newydd holds so many untold stories, and we’re excited to work with the community to uncover them. Every photo, postcard, and memory helps bring the history of this special place to life."

 

Councillor Alan James, Local Development and Planning, said: “This is an exciting project that our residents can be a part of to bring to life the rich history of Plas Newydd. We’re very lucky to have such an historic site on our doorstep here in Denbighshire, and I would encourage residents and visitors alike to take advantage of visiting Plas Newydd”.

 

* If you have any old photographs, postcards, memorabilia, or even historic artefacts related to the Ladies of Llangollen or Plas Newydd from any era, get in touch. To submit a photo and its story email plasnewydd@denbighshire.gov.uk