Pavilion's final headline show announced for 2026

                              

                           * Bowling For Soup. Picture: Jason Janick

Texan popopunk legends Bowling For Soup and folk punk royalty Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls are teaming up next summer to headline in Llangollen.

The two genre-defying musical powerhouses and long-time friends are joining forces for the first time ever for a run of dates across the country with their Bowl My Bones tour headlining TK Maxx Presents Live At Llangollen Pavilion on Friday July 3.

Friends of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod can access pre-sale tickets from 10am Tuesday via llangollen.net and tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday November 28.

One of rocks' most unlikely friendships began years ago, sparked by Bowling For Soup frontman Jaret Reddick’s admiration for Frank Turner’s music. In more recent years the two became good friends, even hosting a weekly live stream together during the COVID pandemic. Now, after years of fan requests, the tour they’ve been hoping for is finally happening. Frank is very much looking forward to hitting the road with his long-time friends: "I love summer, I love touring, and I really love Bowling For Soup. So let’s cut to the chase and do them all at the same time! These shows are going to be a lot of fun, I’m honoured to be part of the adventure."

* Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls.

While the feeling is more than mutual from Bowling For Soup's Jaret: “Discovering Frank Turner's music happened at an important time in my life. I needed it, but I didn't know how much. Now, many years later, I get to call him friend, and touring with him and The Sleeping Souls in his home country of the UK seems unreal to me. I think these are going to be special Summer nights that none of us will forget! Stoked!!!”

The announcement of the tour follows swiftly on from the news of Bowling For Soup teaming up Wales’ viral sensations Punk Rock Factory to release a brand-new version of Endless Possibility featuring alt-rock legends Wheatus, the main theme song from video game Sonic Unleashed. The song was originally written by Jaret and has become one of the most beloved songs from the Sonic The Hedgehog franchise ever, with fans continuing to post about it, stream it, and cover it more than 15 years later.

Bowling For Soup have spent the past 30 years proving they’re not just a band — they’re a guaranteed good time. Known for their infectious anthems, off-the-cuff comedy and massive singalongs, their live shows feel less like concerts and more like backyard parties with thousands of friends.

Their UK breakthrough came in 2000 with The Bitch Song, followed by the GRAMMY-nominated hit Girl All The Bad Guys Want, 1985 and High School Never Ends — tracks that helped cement their place in pop-punk history.

Frank Turner is one of the UK’s most successful and beloved artists, with a career built on relentless touring, heartfelt songwriting and a deep connection to his fans. Since going solo in 2005, Turner has released 10 studio albums and played more than 3,000 live shows with his long-time backing band The Sleeping Souls.

His 2022 album FTHC became his first UK Number 1, following four consecutive Top 3 records. His latest release, last year’s Undefeated continued that streak, debuting at Number 3 on the Official Album Chart and topping the Independent Album Chart. With more than a million records sold worldwide and a catalogue that blends punk spirit with folk storytelling, Turner has earned a reputation as one of the most compelling live performers of his generation.

Together Bowling For Soup and Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls bring a shared love for turning gigs into unforgettable nights. The Bowl My Bones Tour isn’t just a double bill — it’s a full-throttle celebration of connection, community and the kind of live music that sticks with you long after the final chord.

The announcement marks the final headlining show to be revealed 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.

Bowling For Soup and Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls join iconic Welsh trailblazers Super Furry Animals, pop star Rick Astley, Scottish chart-toppers Deacon Blue, Britpop mastermind Alex James’ Britpop Classical, multi-platinum selling hitmaker Tom Grennan, global music icon Billy Ocean, dance music pioneer Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics and legendary singer-songwriter David Gray who will all headline the iconic Welsh venue in 2026.

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Dave Danford said: “Today’s announcement adds yet another genre to our hugely diverse line-up of shows at Llangollen Pavilion for summer 2026. We’ve really made sure there’s something for everybody next year, and if early indications are anything to go by then tickets are going to be in short supply!

“This completes our line-up for next year’s TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion series, and we can’t wait to get started in June!”

For more information go to llangollen.net   

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County's 'free after three' parking returns for festive season

Denbighshire County Council’s ‘free after three’ parking initiative will be returning once again this year.

Between November 24 and December 31, council-run town centre car parks will be free to use across Denbighshire every day from 3pm to encourage more people to use their local high street for shopping in the run up to Christmas and New Year.

The ‘free after three’ scheme will be available in the following car parks:

Llangollen:  East Street, Hall Street, Market Street, Mill Street.

Corwen: Green Lane.

Denbigh: Barkers Well Lane, Crown Lane, Factory Ward, Post Office Lane, Vale Street.

Prestatyn: Fern Avenue, Kings Avenue, Lower High Street, Nant Hall Road, Railway Station.

Rhuddlan: Parliament Street.

Rhyl: Library (disabled bays only), Morley Road, Queen Street, Railway Station, Town Hall, Sky Tower, West Kinmel Street.

Ruthin: Crispin Yard, Dog Lane, Market Street, Park Road, Rhos Street, St Peter’s Square, Troed Y Rhiw.

St Asaph: Bowling Green.

Denbighshire County Council have also allocated five free parking days a year to town and city councils. Details of the remaining dates for each town and city councils are below:

Llangollen: 29/11, 20/12, 21/12.

Corwen: 03/11, 12/12, 13/12, 20/12.

Denbigh: 30/11.

Prestatyn: 21/11, 22/11, 24/12.

Rhuddlan: 08/11, 09/11, 07/12, 13/12.

Rhyl: 20/12, 21/12, 22/12, 23/12, 24/12.

St Asaph: 09/11, 28/11, 25/12, 26/12, 31/12.

Ruthin: Dates to be confirmed.

The car parks listed under the ‘free after three’ initiative will also be included within the free parking days.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said: “The ‘free after three’ initiative has proved popular in previous years because it is a great scheme that enables residents to support their local communities.

“We hope that everyone supports our local high streets and back our businesses, especially in the run-up to Christmas and take full advantage of the benefits of the scheme by using the county’s town centre car parks free of charge.”

Town's Christmas tree lifted into place this morning

Members of the Tidy Town Team have been busy this morning putting up Llangollen's official Christmas tree in Centenary Square.

It was lowered carefully into its fixing point by the team assisted by Stephen Johnson from Pengwern Hall Farm using special lifting machinery, driven by Ben. 

The team have also thanked Craig "Spud" Ford from Whitewater Active for his "invaluable assistance" with the operation.

The exercise is arranged annually by the Town Council and Christmas Festival Committee. 

'Outstanding' Drosi Bikes wins Rural Wales Award

The Clwyd Branch of CPRW, the Welsh Countryside Charity, has announced that the 2025 Rural Wales Award has been presented to Drosi Bikes of Llangollen, recognising its "outstanding contribution" to community-led environmental action and sustainable transport across North Wales.

The award was presented at a ceremony in Llangollen, attended by members of the CPRW Clwyd Branch. 

Drosi Bikes was commended for its innovative approach to reducing waste, promoting cycling, and inspiring local communities to make greener transport choices.

Drosi refurbishes and recycles second-hand bicycles, reducing landfill waste while making cycling more affordable and accessible. 

The project promotes sustainable travel and connects people with the landscape in a healthy, environmentally friendly way. Its work directly supports CPRW’s aims of reducing environmental impact while enhancing rural life.

The initiative brings strong community benefit, creating volunteering opportunities, sharing practical skills, and running training sessions that help people learn to maintain their own bikes and gain confidence to use cycling as a regular form of transport. Their programmes engage young people, families, and schools, increasing environmental awareness and encouraging sustainable lifestyles.

The judging panel praised Drosi Bikes for providing an inspirational model for other communities. 

The panel said that by tackling climate change at a grassroots level, the organisation shows how local action can make a lasting difference, reducing carbon emissions, reusing valuable resources, and strengthening wellbeing across rural Wales.

Bob Gaffey, CPRW Clwyd Branch Chairman, said: “Drosi Bikes embodies what our Rural Wales Awards are all about – community-led environmental action that improves lives while protecting the countryside. Their work demonstrates how sustainability, health, and social inclusion can go hand in hand. It’s a fantastic example of practical solutions with real, long-term impact.”

Beth of Drosi Bikes said: “We’re honoured to receive this award from CPRW. Our mission has always been to make cycling more accessible, reduce waste, and help people feel empowered to travel more sustainably. It’s wonderful to see this work recognised within the rural communities we serve.”

Police appeal follows fatal collision on A5 near Glyndyfrdwy

The Leader is reporting this afternoon that police have appealed for information after a man died following a two-vehicle crash on the A5 near Glyndyfrdwy earlier today.

* For the full story, go to: Man dies after two-vehicle crash on A5 near Glyndyfrdwy | The Leader

Tributes pour in to Owen Roberts, much-loved man of music

* Owen Maelor Roberts.

Tributes have been pouring in to Owen Maelor Roberts, a mainstay of the local musical scene, who died a few days ago.

There has been a full obituary report from the world-famous Fron Male Voice Choir of which he was deputy musical director, and messages of sympathy on Facebook from his many friends in the Llangollen, where he was resident organist at St Collen’s Church.

The lavish tribute from the choir known as Voices of the Valley says: “The Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Owen Maelor Roberts, our much-loved Deputy Musical Director, accompanist, and lifelong servant to music.

“Owen, who lived in Trevor near Llangollen, devoted his life to music, education and community. A gifted organist, choirmaster and conductor, he inspired generations of singers and enriched the musical life of North Wales and beyond.

“Educated at Ruabon Boys’ Grammar School and Normal College, Bangor, Owen gained his ARCM diploma in School Music in 1970 before teaching in schools at Gobowen and Coedpoeth. His love of music and people led him to a lifetime of service in both education and performance.

“In 1983, Owen founded the mixed-voice choir Choral Variations, which he conducted for over four decades. He also directed Côr Glyndŵr from 2014, leading acclaimed performances of major choral works including Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man, Fauré’s Requiem, Gounod’s St Cecilia Mass and Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle.

“As Deputy Musical Director of Fron Male Voice Choir, Owen was a cornerstone of our ensemble, supporting the choir through international tours, concerts and the celebrated Voices of the Valley recording era. His quiet leadership, musicianship and mentorship were invaluable to countless choristers over many years.

“Alongside his choral work, Owen served as Organist and Choirmaster at St Collen’s Church, Llangollen, 'where his contribution to worship and local music events, including the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and International Gymanfa Ganu, earned him widespread affection and respect. He was also heavily involved in the local operative music scene, offering his skills and expertise to organisations such as Llangollen Operatic Society and North Wales Opera Studio

“Owen embodied the very best of the Welsh choral tradition; humility, excellence, and community spirit. We will miss him deeply, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.” 

Some of the moving Facebook tributes to Owen say:

* “I can't believe he's gone. Such a sad loss to the music scene and a lovely person too!”Top of Form

* “Owen was a fantastic teacher of music and accompanist to many groups and singers in our community. I have fond memories of singing in his choir Choral Variations that rehearsed in Trevor. He was immensely helpful in teaching the NWOS ensemble opera singers chorus pieces in Carmen, Pagliacci and Cavalleria Rusticana along with many other workshops he supported with his experience and musicianship. What a loss to our community. Will miss you Owen RIP x”

* “How very sad. He was a genuinely nice man and will be much missed.”

* “Such a lovely man, this is very sad news. Rest in peace lovely Owen.”

* “So sorry to hear this news.”

* “So sorry to hear this news. Owen was our neighbour for many years. Lovely gentleman. Rest in Peace Owen. X”

* “Oh this is sad. Owen was a real gentleman and very generous with his musical talent.”

* “Owen was such a genuinely lovely man. Will be very much missed." 

* “Sad news from Llangollen. Sure he was well thought of. Condolences to his family and friends. May Owen rest in Peace.”

* “I only met him a couple of times.. but he had my utmost respect. Cysgan dawel.”

* “Fantastic pianist and lovely man.”

* “This is another sad moment....Owen was so supportive to all of us who wanted to improve our singing which his amazing talent for accompanying made possible. There was always a kindly word of advice and fun to bring a smile out, too.”

* “A very talented man and a great supporter of music. We will miss him dearly.”

* “So sorry to hear this news. He was such a lovely man, kind and warm-hearted. And very talented, too. He played for Dave and myself at our Ladies Night. He will be very much missed. RIP .”

* “Owen was such a gentleman. Music was his passion. He was always so kind nothing was too much trouble you will be missed xx”

* "Such a lovely man.”

* "Owen’s contribution to the music world was obviously enormous and well-known, but what is less well-known is that he had been a regular member of Llangollen Ramblers for more than thirty years. Owen loved the countryside and was a strong walker. In the last few years he particularly enjoyed our expeditions to the Wales Coast Path, and was looking forward to completing this epic hike with us next year. 

"Owen was both a gentleman and a gentle man. We appreciated his quiet dry humour, his kindness and his generosity. We will miss you, Owen."

Llangollen Ramblers 

Battle casualty vehicle heads to Ukraine thanks to Llangollen people

* Outside Anna's Cafe, Alan Knight, second from left, hands over the £5,000 cheque for the vehicle to Danny Fairbourn, in hat, watched by Sue Knight, far left, Anna, Paata Samsonidze and Pastor Brian Smith.

Frontline Ukrainian fighters will soon be taking delivery of a specialist vehicle to evacuate their casualties from the battlefield thanks to well-wishers at a Llangollen church and cafe.

And the four-wheel-drive SUV, which has been specially converted for its vital new role, will actually be driven out to the battle-torn country by the pastor of City Church at Penyllan, Brian Smith, along with two experienced travelling companions on December 6.

Alongside Pastor Smith at the wheel of the Honda CR-V will be Paata Samsonidze, who is the husband of the Ukrainian lady, Anna, owner of the popular café named after her in Llangollen’s Oak Street and an old hand at ferrying supplies to the battle zone, and Mark Birkhill from Corwen whose job is working with veterans. 

The venture has been arranged by another Llangollen man who has become a vital link in the Ukrainian aid chain.

Something of a phenomenon himself, Danny Fairbourn first began driving with aid convoys to the country soon after the Russian invasion sparked the bitter war in early 2022.

Convinced that he should do much more to help the Ukrainian cause after joining the first convoy of clothing, food and medical supplies, he gave up his job as a builder to station himself over there for 18 months organising more help of the same kind from ground level.

* The latest car for frontline use sent over to the Ukraine by Danny Fairbourn.

Over the past couple of years he has stepped up his commitment even further by digging deeply into a family inheritance to help finance his relief work.

Danny personally paid for around 20 trips to Ukraine, mainly arranging the purchase, conversion and delivery of frontline ambulances and other vital vehicles to the army.

Through the Mission Ukraine organisation, he has since assembled the crucial components for more than 30 further trips, of which securing the Honda on behalf of City Church is one of his latest projects.   

Danny said: “After making my very first trip out to Ukraine as part of an international aid convoy I was convinced that the people over there were in desperate need of help, so that’s why I became ever more deeply involved.

“Eventually I gave up my job in the building trade and I am now 24/7 Ukraine. The inheritance I received from my mother has enabled me to finance what I do.

“Like all of the vehicles I arrange, the one provided by City Church will be delivered to the International Legion out there and then sent to the part of the battle zone where it is needed most.”     

He added: “Anna’s café has been at the heart of the local campaign to help Ukraine. At first I was working very much on my own then through Anna I found out about all the other people around here raising money for the cause.”

Pastor Brian Smith said: “Like everyone else who watches what is happening in Ukraine, I realised that the people over there are in desperate need of all the help they can get.

“City Church has therefore been delighted to provide the £5,000 to buy the Honda. The journey over there and back will take about a week and  I’m not worried at all about it.”

* The next major local effort for Ukraine will be a fundraiser in St Collen's Community Hall at 6.30pm on February 6 next year.