Jersey singers receive delayed Children's Choir of World award

* Dr Rhys Davies presents the Children's Choir of the World award to the Musical Originals Singers from Jersey.

One of the outstanding choirs at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod 2025 was the Musical Originals Singers from Jersey.

They were awarded the prestigious Young Choir of the World 2025 title. 

The presentation of this highly anticipated award was delayed due to the extraordinary medical incident that led to the cancellation of the Uniting Nations concert on Wednesday, July 9.

As a result, a ceremony was held the following day. The award was presented by Dr Rhys Davies, in memory of his son Owen. Dr Davies and his wife Anne, sponsor this competition annually. 

Imogen Nicholas, Musical Director of the choir, along with members of the group, proudly received the trophy and prize.

* The Musical Originals Singers from Jersey on the Pavilion stage.

She said: "It’s completely astounding. One of the judges told us they are the highest marks ever awarded to a children’s choir in that Eisteddfod, which is the crème de la crème of Eisteddfodau.   

"The trophy is so heavy we couldn’t get it on the flight back!… The choir deserve this success so much. They have given up a lot for this - they wanted it, and they got it. I am so incredibly proud of them. The trophy will ultimately be on public display at a museum on Jersey.”  

Dr Rhys Davies, trustee and Welsh language lead at the festival, said: "The Young Choir of the World prize is given in memory of our son, Owen Davies. It means so much to see the Musical Originals Singers, with their wonderful energy and talent, receive this award. Owen’s name lives on through the music, joy, and cultural spirit that this prize represents, and I know he would be immensely proud of this incredible choir. 

"The Eisteddfod team is incredibly proud of the Musical Originals Singers and their remarkable achievements, which adds to the rich tradition of celebrating musical excellence and cultural exchange that the festival is renowned for." 

The prize fund for 2026 is now open, every penny goes directly to the competitors. The generosity helps nurture a global culture of amateur music-making, providing a vital platform for emerging young solo artists and talented groups. If you would like to make a donation for whatever cause - then please visit: https://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/support-us/prize-fund/ 

Suzuki reveals its first battery electric car

* The electric Vitara.

Steve Rogers previews Suzuki’s first electric car

All wheel drive is alive and well at Suzuki and there are no plans to change direction.

On the 55th anniversary of the first 4x4 to arrive in the UK Suzuki has revealed its first battery electric car will have Allgrip technology. Fittingly it will take the Vitara name, the model that has been Suzuki’s bedrock since it was launched 37 years ago.

Suzuki paraded its off-road heritage at Monster Mountain, a motocross centre overlooking Merthyr Tydfil where we were reminded how good cars like the 1988 Vitara and even the little Swift are at tackling challenging terrains with a minimum of fuss.

But all eyes are on the e Vitara which arrives here in the autumn with a new look, lots of technology and competitive pricing.

Suzuki is partnered with Toyota and has rebadged a couple of its hybrid models but e Vitara is a Suzuki from the ground up, built on a purpose built electric platform and with styling that at last brings Vitara right up to date.

The new model is 100mm longer, closer to the old Grand Vitara, and promises more cabin space thanks to an extra 200mm on the wheelbase.

The range follows the regular two model line-up with Motion and Ultra, both offered with Allgrip and a choice of 49kWh or 61kWh battery capacity giving the base model a range of 214 miles rising to 264 miles with the larger unit.

A full charge from a home wall charger is around eight hours but it can be charged at a 150kW public charging point although the 45 minutes for a 10-80 percent top up is slower than most of Vitara’s rivals.

An important addition is a heat pump to reduce strain on the battery so drivers will not see the range tumbling down as soon as the heating is turned on which can be quite a shock without one in cold conditions.

* Suzuki's off-road heritage.

Performance looks to be on par with most of its rivals, a sprint to 62mph covered in 7.4 seconds with the larger battery. It dips a couple of seconds with the smaller battery but is still a good bit quicker than the current petrol Vitara.

As is Suzuki’s way the entry level Motion is packed with kit and more than enough to avoid upgrading if budget is an important factor. Expect to get keyless entry, integrated navigation, heated front driver’s seat (61kWh model) electric parking brake, auto dipping headlights, slide and reclining rear seat.

Driver safety aids are pretty much the same on both models with front collision braking and rear cross traffic alert the stand out features.

Moving up to Ultra adds a powered driver seat, better sound system, 360 degree view camera, synthetic leather upholstery and a glass roof. Allgrip models get hill descent control and trail mode.

According to Suzuki, demand for four wheel drive is still strong and with so few rivals offering the same they expect 30 per cent of sales to go to Allgrip which only loses a minimal amount of economy over the two wheel drive models.

Early pictures show the sort of cabin we have been waiting for from Suzuki. Different textures and colours, digital driver’s display and a thoroughly modern centre console have completely changed the face of Vitara.

A big move by Suzuki is a 10 year car and battery warranty linked to a dealer servicing contract, and as a customer sweetener you can get zero interest finance and a free home charger.

Fast facts

e Vitara Motion/Ultra

Prices 2WD: £29,999-£35,799

Allgrip: £34,999-£37,799

0-62mph 7.4secs-9.6secs; 93mph

Battery capacity: 49/kWh-61kWh

Range: 214-265 miles

Zero emissions

New Dot Cinema to re-open this Friday

                          * The first screening is the classic Stand By Me.

There are just five days to go until New Dot Cinema returns to Llangollen Town Hall for its first screening since 2023. Doors open this Friday, July 25, at 6.45pm.

To launch a new season of films, the popular community cinema will screen one of the definitive coming-of-age movies, Stand By Me. Setover a summer weekend in 1959, four inseparable friends set off on a two-day trek to look for a missing teenager’s body—a mission they hope will make them heroes in their small town. 

However, what starts out as a macabre adventure turns into so much more. It’s a funny, emotional, dramatic film about friendship, self-discovery and that fleeting moment between the innocence of childhood and the complicated world of adulthood.

Heulwen Wright, who is part of the team leading New Dot’s relaunch, is a firm fan of the film. She said: “We knew from the start that this would be the film we wanted to show first. It doesn’t matter if you’ve seen it many times, it’s such a classic that you can always find something new in it. We’re delighted that it’s our first film.” 

As part of the relaunch, New Dot also has new social media pages and a new website, all of which will showcase future films.

Tickets are £6 and are still available online via TicketSource (with a 50p booking fee) or from Laura’s Tea Room in Oak Street, Llangollen (cash only) and on the door on the night.

Residents left fuming over Horseshoe Fall illegal parking, says story

According to a story in Wales Online, residents were left fuming when scores of visitors parked illegally near a Denbighshire beauty spot. A long line of cars disrupted local traffic when parked on a narrow country lane near Horseshoe Falls, Llangollen.

Double yellow lines on the B5103 were ignored with some cars parking on blind bends. As the road is a main access route to Llantysilio and Rhewl, it was feared emergency vehicles would struggle to reach the rural communities.

* For the full story, go to: Beautiful World Heritage site in North Wales becomes 'dangerous nightmare' for drivers - Wales Online

Llangollen businesses are finalists in hospitality awards

* The Eisteddfod is a finalist in the Best Welsh Festival category.

A number of Llangollen businesses, including the Eisteddfod, a hotel and spa and an outdoor education centre, have been announced as finalists for Oceanic Awards' 7th Welsh Hospitality Awards 2025.

The awards aim to highlight excellence in Wales' vibrant hospitality industry. With a focus on recognising outstanding businesses and individuals, these awards highlight the very best in hotels, restaurants, bars, spas, and other sectors within the industry. 

The winners will be announced at a ceremony set to take place on September 10.

The local finalists are:

Outdoor Venue of the Year

·        Plas y Brenin (Betws-y-Coed)

·        Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre (Caernarfon)

·        Bryntysilio Outdoor Education Centre (Llangollen)

Best Welsh Festival

·        Llangollen International Musical (Eisteddfod)

·        FOCUS Wales (Wrexham)

Spa Retreat of the Year

·        The Wild Pheasant Hotel & Spa (Llangollen)

·        IXORA Hotel and Spa (Conwy)

Best Hotel Experience

·        Ruthin Castle Hotel and Spa (Ruthin)

·        Bodelwyddan Castle (Denbighshire)

·        Wild Pheasant Hotel & Spa (Llangollen)

*  Bryntysilio Outdoor Education Centre is a finalist for Outdoor Venue of the Year.

* The Wild Pheasant Hotel & Spa is a finalist in both the Spa Retreat of the Year and the Best Hotel Experience categories.

Eisteddfod volunteers meet for a catch-up at the Pavilion

Some of the many volunteers who made the recent 2025 Llangollen International Eisteddfod such as success met up for a chat and a social drink at the Pavilion last night (Saturday) hosted by the man now in charge there, Keith Potts. All pictures by Kurly Mawaha.

Former pupil Shea guests at Ysgol Dinas Bran awards evening

* Shea Ferron was guest at the school's annual awards evening.

A former student making it big in the entertainment world was guest speaker at Ysgol Dinas Bran's awards annual evening.

A school Facebook post says: "We were very pleased to welcome back ex-student Shea Ferron to present the awards.

"Shea told us of his ventures since leaving us, including his performance with Johns' Boys on Britain's Got Talent and the Royal Variety Show, and the role Ysgol Dinas Brân had played in his life.

"Shea also treated the attendees to a beautiful rendition of Somewhere over the Rainbow."

* The 2025 award winners line up.

The post adds: "A wonderful evening was had by all ... over 100 awards were presented as families watched on proudly.

"All of the award winners embodied the school’s motto ‘Success through effort’ and are a credit to their families and the school.

"We are already looking forward to next year and who the next recipients will be."