Flags go up on the bridge as Eisteddfod draws near

 

With the start of the 2025 Llangollen International Eisteddfod now just weeks away, a team from Davies Brothers were on the bridge this morning (Friday) to put up the traditional flags of the nations.

Also there to shoot a short film promoting the festival, which runs from July 8-13, was Eisteddfod board member Dave Hennigan, below right, who interviewed a Davies Brothers team member and Grant Calton, the Eisteddfod's deputy chair, about the symbolic importance of the flags. 

Special edition of powerful work by Sir Karl Jenkins is launched

* Sir Karl Jenkins will appear in an Eisteddfod concert on July 9.

Today heralds a landmark moment in contemporary classical music as DECCA Records unveils the 25th Anniversary Edition of The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace.

It is the enduring and powerful work by Sir Karl Jenkins who appears in one of the concerts at Llangollen International Eisteddfod next month.

The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace was commissioned by the Royal Armouries to mark the transition from one millennium to another. It reflects on the passing of "the most war-torn and destructive century in human history" and looks forward in hope to a more peaceful future.

The 25th anniversary edition, released today, includes a cover redesign; a history of the commission by Guy Wilson, Master of the Armouries, updated biographies for contributors and new notes from Julian Lloyd Webber reflecting on the debut performance, plus a note from Sir Karl himself.

 

Sir Karl Jenkins said: "I’m delighted that this piece has found resonance globally with so many of you over the years. I regret to say that there has been no let-up in war and conflict since I dedicated the piece to the victims of Kosovo, but we continue to make music in remembrance of those who have fallen and in the hope that humanity can find a way to heal." 

On Wednesday, July 9, Sir Karl will conduct a one-off live performance of his powerful masterpiece One World – a stirring, thought-provoking work that embodies unity, hope, and peace across nations - at  a one-off Eisteddfod concert entitled Uniting Nations: One World. 

He will conduct an international cast of choirs, soloists, and orchestra during the concert as it commemorates 80 years of the United Nations and also feature a bold new production of the iconic Peace Child musical.

* Tickets are available for Uniting Nations: One World featuring Sir Karl Jenkins from https://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/events/wednesday-9th-july-2025-uniting-nations-one-world/ 

To buy a copy of 25th Anniversary Edition of The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace go to https://karljenkins.decca.com/

Pavilion hosts two exciting events this weekend

Llangollen Pavilion (pictured) is set to host a weekend of excitement and community celebration with two major events - the Llangollen Garden Railway Festival this Saturday, June 7, and Llanfest 2025 on Sunday, June 8.

Since its inception in 2021 the Llangollen Garden Railway Festival has become one of the UK’s premier model garden railway events.

This year over 40 of the UK’s leading retailers will showcase an array of large-scale model railway layouts, representing various periods and countries. 

The festival promises a day filled with intricate displays, live demonstrations, and opportunities for enthusiasts to connect and share their passion.

The festival will run from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Tickets are priced at £14, with free entry for accompanied children.

The Pavilion's amazing summer of live music kicks off with the return of the legendary Llanfest taking centre stage in the Pavilion on Sunday, June 8, from 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM. 

This one-day music festival will feature seven of the best up-and-coming bands from North Wales and the North West of England, offering a diverse lineup from rock anthems to indie tunes and club classics.

Early bird tickets are available in advance for £15 from Llangollen.net using the discount code LLANFEST25; tickets will be £20 at the door.

Keith Potts, representing the Llangollen Pavilion, encapsulated the spirit of the weekend:

“This weekend at the Pavilion is all about bringing people together – whether you’re here to marvel at the intricate artistry of model railways or to party with brilliant live music. We’re proud to be hosting two events that celebrate community, creativity, and the unique spirit of Llangollen. It’s a weekend not to be missed and the perfect start to another amazing Summer in Llangollen."

For more details and ticket purchases:

• Garden Railway Festival: www.lgrf.co.uk

• Llanfest 2025: Llanfest 2025 Tickets

• Tickets for both events can also be bought from the Llangollen Tourist, Information Centre, Y Capel, Castle Street,Llangollen,Denbighshire,LL20 8NU

llanblogger takes a short break

llanblogger is taking a short break and will be back in a few days' time

Twenty Club's cunning plan to stage Blackadder Goes Forth

Llangollen Twenty Club will be staging the comedy Blackadder Goes Forth from Wednesday-Saturday November 12-15 at the Town Hall. 

It's set during the First World War and sees Captain Blackadder and his cronies hatching various "cunning plans" to stay out of the fighting and survive the trenches. 

There's a read-through of the remaining episodes at the RAFA Club on June 25, which will also take the shape as a social evening to meet anybody that may be attending the July auditions.

It's also for anybody who may be interested in any of the other areas of a production, such as set building, props, wardrobe, and all aspects of production.

Twenty Club chairman John Clifford said: "We're a great friendly bunch, and would welcome anyone interested in getting involved, whether onstage, or in support.

"Auditions for Blackadder will be on July 15 and 17. If you're interested but may be away on holiday on those dates, we'll do our best to arrange an alternate date. For more details, please email to: contact@twentyclub.co.uk

"Prior to the read through, we have our annual general meeting at the RAFA Club at 7.30pm on June 18. It will take the form of a short meeting, including the election of new and returning officers, followed by sausage and chips and rounding off with a light- hearted quiz. You're very welcome to join us."

Llangollen Flower Club to host coffee morning on June 3

 

Work to repair Newbridge Road remains 'on track' says story

* A picture of the work at Newbridge Road by Cllr Rondo Roberts.

Work to repair Newbridge Road remains "on track" for completion this summer, a local councillor has told the Leader. 

* For the full story, go to: Work to repair Newbridge Road on track, councillor says | The Leader