Kia Picanto is small but perfectly formed

Kia Picanto drive by Steve Rogers

It might be small but there is a big personality under the skin of the Kia Picanto.

This tiddler is the least expensive car I have driven in I don’t know how long, yet it had everything I needed, well I wouldn’t have minded heated seats but for less than £17k I can forgo that small pleasure.

Kia which, by the way, has just had its best ever September sales and is now the UK’s third most popular brand, is one of the few companies still building small cars, there is not enough profit in them, so they deserve a cheer for carrying on.

And make no mistake, Picanto is seriously good value for money even if you buy this basic model. Actually, basic is a bit of an insult because Kia has laid just about everything on a plate for Picanto 2 (the UK doesn’t get number 1, it is just for the home market).

Auto dipping headlights, air conditioning, all round electric windows, navigation, parking sensors and a crystal clear rear camera are all standard, not to mention a good handful of driver safety aids.

The spec is so good I thought I had been given a middle grade model, the only giveaway was the manual air conditioning which brings me to another satisfying chapter in the Picanto story.

Modern cars are generally complicated, some a nightmare. They have so much technology you spend an age working out how everything works before daring to drive away, and then you have to remember everything. Well relax, Picanto is like being on a stress free holiday.

Everything is nice and simple. Okay there is no keyless entry or start button, and there is a handbrake (rare these days) but this is part of the joy of Picanto. Slip it into gear and off to go. I even liked the chunky heating dials, one with five clearly marked options and the other with blue or red for temperature. You can have digital, but that is up a level.

Even the touchscreen is a doddle to master, helped by a row of quick keys for radio, navigation etc. The menus are clearly marked and the response razor sharp. My only gripe was the frequent loss of DAB radio signal.

Picanto is into its third generation and the latest update has brought it in line with Kia’s bold new design, the slimline vertical headlights and end to end light strip at the rear are a strong statement.

It also has a new digital driver display and again everything is clear with a steering wheel button to select additional information on the state of play with the car.

The range has been slimmed down, the 1.2 litre petrol dropped so it is just the 3-cylinder one litre option. If interested then get in now because the price is going up £630 for the 2026 model.

The one litre is not the quickest off the mark and would be trailing rivals like its Hyundai i10 cousin, which is turbo charged, and the Toyota Aygo X but it never bothered me and I was impressed with the engine’s flexibility, easily pulling from low revs. It is a five speed box and there is an automatic option. The good news is mid fifties to the gallon.

Space in a car this size is only ever going to be adequate so a tall passenger will be scrunched up in the back seat. For me Picanto is ideal for a couple wanting to downsize and whose children have flown the nest or as a second car for a young family.

The suspension is on the firm side so it is a bit of fun on twisty roads but back seat passengers will feel the bumps more than in the front because they are sitting over 14 inch wheels.

Another small car drawback is road noise - small wheels, short wheelbase, so you will need to pump up the radio volume when cruising.

But what is not to like about a car that is great value, very well equipped with low running costs, especially insurance. For those craving more creature comforts then go up the range, the most you will spend is 20 grand.

Picanto is small, but perfectly formed. I loved it.

Fast facts

Picanto 2

£16,065

1-litre petrol; 63bhp

0-62mph 15.4secs; 90mph

54.3mpg combined

116g/km. 1st tax £440

Insurance group 4

Boot: 255-1010 litres

Fron choir present lovespoons to Pavarotti's daughter in Modena

* David Jones, chairman of Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir (left), presents Welsh lovespoons to Alice Pavarotti, daughter of Luciano Pavarotti and his wife, Nicoletta, and  Massimo Mezzetti, Mayor of Modena. Also pictured is Leigh Mason, the choir’s Musical Director. Pictures by Stephen Cain.

A North Wales choir presented a Welsh lovespoon to the daughter of the late great Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti before singing in his home city to mark what would have been his 90^th birthday.

The legendary singer always said he was inspired to pursue a singing career by his 1955 visit to Llangollen where the choir he and his father, Fernando, were members of, Chorus Rossini, won the choral competition at the 1955 Royal International Eisteddfod.

The 36 members of the Froncysyllte Choir flew back from Italy to Manchester early after a hectic weekend culminated in their singing several pieces to a packed house at the concert on Sunday evening.

Pavarotti’s widow, Nicoletta, had been instrumental in the issue of an invitation two months ago to the Fron choir to take part in the concert at the Teatro Communale Pavarotti-Freni in Modena.

The trip was made possible thanks to the backing of Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, owners of the arts-loving Pendine Park care organisation via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust, which supports cultural and community initiatives.

The arts loving couple are also long-term supporters of the Llangollen Eisteddfod and in July they accompanied Pavarotti’s widow, Nicoletta Mantovani, when she arrived at this year’s event by train from Corwen to Llangollen.

* Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir singing in Luciano Pavarotti’s home city of Modena on what would have been the opera superstar’s 90^th birthday.

Simon Atkinson, originally from Gresford but now living in Welshpool, a tenor in the choir and its press officer, said: “It’s been a hectic weekend but it’s been absolutely amazing.

“We flew out from Manchester on Friday, spent Saturday and Sunday in rehearsals and then flew home this morning after the concert.

“It’s been hard work but absolutely amazing and we did find time to visit Pavarotti’s home which is now a museum where there is so much memorabilia of his career but it really does feel like a home – there is even a half-written letter on his desk.

“There are costumes and photographs from his career and in pride of place on one wall is that 1955 success at Llangollen and when he came back to Llangollen in 1995 he said he was sorry it had taken him 40 years to return.

“We met one of the choristers who had come over to sing with Pavarotti in 1995 and it was all very emotional – I think a few of the choir had to take a moment to compose themselves.

“It has been a really emotional couple of days and we want to send our absolute, most sincere thanks to Mario and Gill Kreft because it’s been fantastic. This has been an incredibly memorable, once in a lifetime trip. It’s made lots of memories for people."

The Fron choir and musical director Leigh Mason were able to take a break from rehearsals on Saturday to go for a meal in Pavarotti’s favourite restaurant which is right alongside his former home – he had actually bought it and had his own entrance to the building.

The concert saw the choir sing three pieces in Italian in the first half of the concert and then three more in the second half, two in Welsh, the hymn Gwahoddiad and the lullaby Si Hei Lwli, and one in French, Bonjour Mon Coeur – Hello My Love.

Simon said: “At the end we joined in with their mixed choir and sang two pieces, finishing with Brindisi, which brought the house down. There was a 15 minute ovation at the end.

“Then we headed for our hotel, stopping off at a restaurant where we were joined by their orchestra and musica director and we presented them with our choir lapel badges before we boarded the coach and sang all the way to the airport.”

Choir chairman David P Jones, a bass from Rhosllanerchrugog, said: “The welcome we’ve had in Modena was wonderful and the programme they’ve provided for us it’s hard to believe we were only there for a couple of days.

“To stand on that stage in the theatre and look up at those boxes – it was so moving – it has been designed for people to sing without microphones and is very intimate.

“There were well-known artists on stage with us and to sing an operatic song with them was amazing and to have our own spot to perform is something we’ll never do again and it will go down in the Fron choir’s history.”

Vice-chairman Steve Winn, a tenor from Froncysyllte, said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic. I’ve been liaising with the Pavarotti Foundation and their planning has been absolutely spot on.

“Last night coincided with Modena’s celebration of World Heritage status and it’s been a fantastic weekend.

“To mark it we presented Welsh lovespoons to Pavarotti’s daughter, Alice  and to the Mayor of Modena.

“It’s always special when you sing together on stage but to be in that theatre where Pavarotti performed so many times was just wonderful.”

Mario Kreft said it was fitting that Pendine should help celebrate the enduring link between North Wales and one of the world’s greatest voices.

“Pavarotti will always be remembered as one of the finest and most cherished tenors of all time, and it’s wonderful to think that his journey to greatness began in Llangollen,” he said.

“As we mark Pendine’s 40th anniversary, we’re proud to support the Froncysyllte Choir in joining Chorus Rossini in Modena for this magical performance.

“Music and the arts are the golden thread running through everything we do, so this felt like a perfect way to honour that connection.”

David Hennigan, from  Llangollen International Eisteddfod, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Fron Choir’s trip to Modena has been such an incredible success and a truly inspiring experience.

“The special link between Pavarotti, this remarkable choir, the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, Maria and Gill Kreft, and the Pendine Arts and Community Trust was strengthened this summer when we welcomed Nicoletta Mantovani to Llangollen to mark the 70th anniversary of Pavarotti’s historic concert at the Eisteddfod.

 

“Plans for the visit were even hatched on the Llangollen Railway as we all travelled through the beautiful Dee Valley to Llangollen.

“To see that connection celebrated in Pavarotti’s home city, on what would have been his 90th birthday, was truly special. We are so proud that the Fron Choir represented not just Wales, but also the Eisteddfod, on this international stage — sharing the very spirit of Llangollen with the world.”

Headliners announced for Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2026

* Special guest: Marti Pellow.

Dance music pioneer Pete Tong and global music icon Billy Ocean, together with very special guest Marti Pellow, are bringing unmissable headline shows to Llangollen Pavilion next summer.

Pete and his world-renowned Ibiza Classics show – featuring The Essential Orchestra – will play TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion on Thursday June 25.

On Saturday June 27 – Billy Ocean, the chart-topping legend behind such classic hits as Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run) and Red Light Spells Danger, will headline the iconic Welsh venue with special guest and former Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow.

Tickets go on sale at 10am Friday via llangollen.net and ticketmaster.co.uk  

* Music icon: Billy Ocean. 

From the sun-soaked shores of Ibiza to the world’s biggest stages, Pete Tong has redefined live dance music. Earlier this year, he celebrated the 10th anniversary of Ibiza Classics with four sold-out nights at the Royal Albert Hall alongside The Essential Orchestra and such greats as Becky Hill, Barbara Tucker, Damian Lazarus, David Morales, Paul Oakenfold, and Seth Troxler.

Throughout his remarkable 30-plus year career, Pete has championed dance music on a global scale, constantly pushing boundaries and supporting new talent. His contributions were formally recognised with the prestigious Music Industry Trusts Award (MITS) in 2021, honouring his outstanding impact on music and broadcasting.

Billy Ocean is one of the UK’s most enduring and successful artists. He has sold more than 30 million records worldwide, received GRAMMY and Ivor Novello Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, a MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award and an MBE for services to music.

* Dance music pioneer: Pete Tong.

Billy’s breakthrough came with Love Really Hurts Without You in 1976, followed by a string of global hits including Red Light Spells Danger, When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going, Loverboy, Suddenly, Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car, and the GRAMMY Award-winning Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run) attracting millions of streams worldwide.

With more than 15 million albums sold, multiple Number One singles, and iconic hits like Sweet Little Mystery, Goodnight Girl, Love Is All Around, and Angel Eyes, Marti Pellow is one of the UK’s most loved and versatile vocalists.

Alongside a successful solo career – spanning pop, jazz, and soul – he’s also earned acclaim on the musical theatre stage, starring in Chicago (West End and Broadway), Evita, Jekyll & Hyde, Blood Brothers, and Chess.

Billy Ocean and Pete Tong join David Gray among the first headline announcements for TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2026, which is presented as part of an ongoing partnership with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor.

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Dave Danford said: “We’ve welcomed some legendary artists to Llangollen over the last two summers, and next year’s proving to be no exception.

“We’re particularly proud of the range of different genres this time around — there really is something for everyone at Llangollen Pavilion next summer! The Pavilion’s stunning setting, surrounded by the beautiful Welsh hills and the River Dee, makes it a truly special place to experience live music.

“The two shows we’re announcing today promise to be nothing short of spectacular: the soulful sounds of Billy Ocean with very special guest Marti Pellow, and the euphoric energy of Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics. Two incredible nights of world-class live music from some of the biggest names in the business."

* For more information go to llangollen.net

Prostate cancer support group meets this Wednesday

* The Hand Hotel where the prostate cancer support group meets monthly.

Llangollen's Prostate Support Group will be holding their regular monthly meeting this Wednesday, October 15, at the Hand Hotel in Llangollen, at 2pm.

Group spokesperson David Davies, who himself is currently undergoing treatment, said: "Any guy who has had prostate cancer, currently has or has recently been diagnosed, is on current treatment, or who is on the 'watch and wait' is welcomed.  

"We meet on the third Wednesday of the month. We share experiences, support each other, update on latest developments and talk life tips."

Charity afternoon tea is a delicious £1,115 success

 

* Pamela Williams (left) and Jayne Dickson from the team of volunteers which organised and ran the event with the fabulous spread of home-made cakes available. The array of contributed raffle prizes are in the background.

A charity afternoon tea held at St Collen's Community Hall yesterday (Saturday) raised a total of £1,115, which will be shared equally between the two good causes of North West Cancer Research and North East Wales Mountain Rescue. 

The team of organisers have thanked all those who came along and helped make the event a success. 

* People at the event enjoy their afternoon tea.

Former Star Inn is on the market for £149,950

                                    

                              * The former Star Inn is up for sale.

A former Llangollen pub has gone on the market with an asking price of £149,950.

The Star in Queen Street has been empty and run-down for some time but he sales description from Wingetts' says: "Ground floor has front and side bar areas, two public areas and kitchen to rear, two cellar rooms. 

"The first floor offers 6 bedrooms, bathroom and separate w.c. courtyard area to side. The building offers potential for a variety of uses (subject to statutory consent).

* The sale is being handled by Wingetts' Llangollen office in Castle Street, tel: 01978 861366, or email: llangollen@wingetts.co.uk

* The former bar area.

Food festival shows the recipe for success

* Brisk business being done in the packed Town Hall.

Despite the morning's tragic incident on the river, which meant a large police presence in the town for a large part of today, the first day of Llangollen Food Festival went ahead and managed to attract large numbers of people.

Spread across the town were a huge variety of stalls, together with tastings, live music, and entertainment at in Market Street, the Town Hall, Llangollen Railway, Riverside Park, Gales Wine Bar, the Silver Band HQ in Parade Street and - new for this year - Blas Cookery & Wine School also on Parade Street. 

All the venues were doing well, with the Town Hall being especially busy from early on.

Organisers say visitors to the festival can expect a weekend full of delicious food and drink, live music, cookery demos, whisky and port tastings, children’s activities and the ever-popular Real Ale Train on the railway.

There is free parking available all weekend in car parks operated by Denbighshire County Council at Brook Street, East Street, Hall Street, Market Street and Mill Street.

The festival continues tomorrow (Sunday) from 10am to 5pm. 

* Tasty treats on display.

* Welcome to the festival!

* Sixteen-year-old Isla Jane sings in Centenary Square.

* Peter McGivern leads a wine tasting in the courtyard at Blas Cookery & Wine School.

* Food and drink stalls off Parade Street.

* People enjoying the street food and other stalls in Riverside Park.

 * Live entertainment on the bandstand in the park.

* Stalls behind Gales were a big attraction (above and below). 

* Making the most of the new Market Street ca park venue.

* People enjoying the sun and a quiet drink in the park.

* The station approach was packed with stalls.

* The station platform stalls also kept busy throughout the day.