Map of new-look Eisteddfod site unveiled

As excitement builds ahead of this year’s Llangollen International Eisteddfod (July 8–13), organisers have today revealed the official map of the Eisteddfod field – giving visitors a first look at how the vibrant site will come alive with music, dance, arts, crafts and much more.

With a bustling Pavilion at its heart and surrounded by outdoor stages, workshops, food stalls, and family zones, the 2025 layout confirms what everybody knows – daytime at Llangollen Eisteddfod is set to be a joyful explosion of creativity and community.

Programmes are available from the Llangollen Tourist Information office and from the Eisteddfod from Tuesday helping visitors make the most of the incredible events packed into every day.

This year’s festival promises the most inclusive and family-friendly programme ever, with over 4,000 performers from around the globe, 50+ UK groups, and a spectacular mix of daytime events across the field, town centre, and surrounding venues. From 9am daily, visitors will be treated to a whirlwind of concerts, workshops, parades, and pop-up performances.

Key areas featured on the newly published map include:

🎤 Three Outdoor Stages – including the Globe Stage and Amphitheatre

🎪 Kids Zone – offering crafts, circus skills, music and storytelling

🍕 Food & Drink Stalls – delicious options from around the world

🎨 Craft Stalls & Workshops – get hands-on with cultural experiences

🧘‍♂️ Sensory Den & Inclusive Play – a space for relaxation and sensory fun

🌍 Competitor & Rehearsal Zones – where performers from every continent prepare to take the stage

🎶 Pavilion Performances – home to headline concerts and competitions

From Chinese and Manx dance workshops, to the Parade of Nations, and a Family Fun Day with Andy Day & The Odd Socks, the 2025 daytime programme celebrates global harmony through the universal language of the arts.

For a full programme of daytime highlights, including “Community Roots and Rhythms Wales”, a curated afternoon by BBC Radio Cymru’s Rhys Mwyn, and guest appearances by international stars and Welsh-language trailblazers, visit:

🔗 https://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/event_picker/on-the-field/

Las Vegas comedian turned angry boater navigates into Fringe

* Joel Sanders at the helm of his narrowboat.

A man who left behind a successful stand-up career in Las Vegas to live out his dream aboard a narrowboat is appearing at the 2025 Llangollen Fringe Festival.

Joel Sanders, aka Angry Boater, is bringing his show to Llangollen Town Hall on Monday July 14.

Last year, he took his narrowboat on to the sea in the middle of the night. Channel 4 filmed it for series two of its popular Narrow Escapes daytime series which has just aired. He was also a big part of the first series.

* ... and appearing on stage as the Angry Boater.

Joel says: “I have  lived on a canal boat for 15 years, prior to which I was a comedian touring the US with the plan of being the first Brit to gig in all 50 states  - I managed 40. 

“I performed everywhere from redneck bars across the Deep South to the casinos of Las Vegas and worked with many of my comedy heroes, including Robin Williams. 

“When I swapped Vegas et al for the UK’s waterways, I started to develop Angry Boater.   

“I took the show to Edinburgh several times. For the rest of the year, I would typically arrange last minute shows at venues near the canal wherever I happened to be moored.

“This is my first proper tour of Angry Boater and the first time the show will have been seen in Llangollen.” 

His Angry Boater act is described as a smart, sharp and totally original evening of stand-up, storytelling and brutally honest reflections on chasing dreams, letting go of everything you know and floating into the unknown.

As Joel puts it: “Deep comedy from shallow waters is coming to a town near you soon.”

* Info and tickets at: www.llangollenfringe.co.uk

Police witness appeal after Friday night Horseshoe Pass collision

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious injury road traffic collision on the A542, Horseshoe Pass, Llangollen at approximately 11pm on Friday July 4.

In a post on social media last night (Saturday) North Wales Police say: "A 21-year-old man is in a serious condition and being treated in a major trauma centre following the incident last night. Four people have been arrested in relation to the incident and the investigation is underway." 

Sergeant Daniel Rees from the Roads Crime Unit, said: “I would like to appeal for witnesses, and to anybody with dash cam footage, who were in the area of the Horseshoe Pass, Llangollen last night. 

"I know the area was particularly busy with people having left the Olly Murs concert in Llangollen Pavilion and we are keen to speak to anyone who saw an incident involving a pedestrian and a red Vauxhall Corsa. If you have a dash cam and travelled that route after the concert, please provide us with your footage.

“If anyone has any information relating to this collision, please contact North Wales Police quoting event number 25000551605.”

Human League bring Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2025 to a sizzling close

* Phil Oakey heads up The Human League. Pictures: CUFFE & TAYLOR**

Electro pop greats The Human League thrilled a packed crowd as they headlined the final concert of TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2025 series last night (Saturday).

 

Making their highly anticipated Llangollen debut, the BRIT Award-winners brought a spectacular close to the action-packed programme, which saw global rock and pop stars headline the iconic pavilion.

 

The synth-pop pioneers delivered a hit-filled set packed with fan favourites as they whipped the crowd into a frenzy. 

Opening with Sound of The Crowd, Mirror Man and Heart Like A Wheel, they continued with such hits as All I Ever Wanted, Love Action, Fascination, Don’t You Want Me before an encore that ended with 80s anthem Together In Electric Dreams. 

 

Kicking off the evening were fellow 80s favourites The Christians and Altered Images, who performed beloved hits such as Harvest For The World, Forgotten Town and I Could Be Happy.

 

This marked the finale of TK Maxx Presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion, which launched on June 26 with a star-studded line-up featuring Texas, Rag’n’Bone Man, UB40 featuring Ali Cambell, James, The Script and Olly Murs. 

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

 

Celebrating 78 years, the Eisteddfod kicks off on Tuesday July 8, featuring a stellar line-up with headline performances from Sir Karl Jenkins, KT Tunstall, Il Divo, Beyond Time: The Music of Hans Zimmer, Choir of the World with special guest Lucie Jones, and Bryn Terfel joined by Fisherman’s Friends plus Eve Goodman.

 

In keeping with tradition, the festival also offers a full daily programme of competitions and field entertainment alongside the headline shows.

* Altered Images with Clare Grogan were in support.

* More support came from The Christians with Garry Christian.

* Fans having a big night out.

Police warn of Horseshoe Pass closure due to collision

 

North Wales Police posted on their Facebook page around 5am today (Saturday) that the Horseshoe Pass was currently closed to traffic due to a road traffic collision with which officers were dealing.

They advised people to avoid the are and to choose alternative routes on their travels.

Up until 7.20am there had been no updates posted.  

Urgent repair works scheduled for Llangollen bridge on Tuesday

* Urgent repair work will be carried out on Tuesday.

Urgent repair works to Llangollen bridge will be undertaken on Tuesday July 8. 

According to a message from the county council traffic team passed on by by Cllr Karen Edwards, these will commence just after 9am for the morning only and traffic will be managed by a three-way stop and go system.

The message adds: "Due to the damage caused to the bell bollards we will be placing water filled barriers as a temporary measure whilst our Traffic Team investigate a more long term solution."

Olly Murs celebrates 15 years of hits with Pavilion fans

Olly Murs gets up close with the audience. Pictures: Desh Kapur Photography/ CUFFE & TAYLOR** 

Troublemaker Olly Murs proved he’s still the ultimate showman as he headlined TK Maxx Presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion last night (Friday).

 

The chart-topping pop star brought his 15 Years of Hits UK tour to town, much to the delight of a packed crowd who turned out to experience a night with one of Britain’s biggest and best-loved stars.

 

Kicking off the night with his crowd-pleasing Troublemaker, Olly delivered a hit-filled 90-minute set which included debut number one single Please Don’t Let Me Go, Army of Two, Up, Marry Me, Dear Darlin’, Heart Skips a Beat, Wrapped Up, and his brand new single Save Me. 

He closed the night on a high with the number one smash hit Dance With Me Tonight.

 

Joining Olly as special guest was multi-award-winning singer-songwriter Lemar, while rising boyband Absnt Mind opened the show.

 

TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion concludes tonight (Saturday) with final headliners The Human League.

* Olly pumps out hit after hit.

* Lemar lends solid support.

* Absnt Mind on stage.

 * Fans determined to have fun.

* Victory for this little girl and her mum.