Bridge to be closed on Sunday to remove trees from beneath

Llangollen Bridge in Castle Street will be closed on Sunday to remove a number of trees washed down the river which have become caught up in the bridge piers.

The move was requested by Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards. 

A council official has written to her to explain: "We will close at about 07:45hrs (once the T3 bus has passed) and hopefully be finished before lunch.

 

"The only reason we might be a little longer is because we intend to let the T3 bus (Wrexham to Barmouth) through every hour or so and this might prove to be costly in terms of setting up the crane multiple times."

Mazda MX-5: an old-tyle roadster with modern touches

Mazda MX-5 drive by Steve Rogers

Some things never change. Let’s go back to March 1990 and I am in Greece for the press launch of the Mazda MX-5.

We are all eager to get behind the wheel of this sixties-style roadster, a dead ringer for the Lotus Elan, and with pop up headlights to add a bit of pizzazz.

I take off with driving partner Fred behind the wheel for his stint. Roof down, sun beating down.

At a crossroads Fred dabs the accelerator for a sharp right and the back snakes wildly, fortunately the Yorkshireman knows his stuff and catches it. We are not the only ones to get caught out and back at base the PR team put it down to the baking hot slippery road surface.

In the event the roadster turned out to have pretty solid handling on our roads, you needed to be aware of rear end slippage but not concerned about it.

Back to the here and now and coming off a wet roundabout I dip the accelerator on my bang up-to-date MX-5 starts squirming. I like to think I caught it but it was more likely the stability programme doing its job. There was no real drama but deja vu brought back happy memories.

Reading the press notes I see my 2-litre if fitted with dynamic stability that slightly delays anti-skid intervention adding a bit of thrill to the driving experience. Sounds like a clue to my back end slide.

The MX-5 has rocked the world for 35 years and built quite a CV racking up countless awards and records. It has an unbroken record as the world’s best selling two seater roadster, and last year outsold all convertibles across the globe.

Why has it been such a success? Because it has all the ingredients for a no-frills wind in your hair roadster. Great looks: tick. Hard ride: tick. Barking exhaust rap: tick. Thrill a minute drive: tick. Sheer delight: tick.

You don’t just sit in the MX-5, you become part of it as soon as you slide into the snug cockpit. And don’t waste it on the motorway, find some twisting roads and have a ball.

There is a choice of two engines, 1.5 or 2-litre and my advice is to go straight for the big guy, you want all the horsepower that can be mustered. Cracking sixty in under seven seconds is not furiously quick but sitting low and with the exhaust tuned to sound like a sixties roadster it certainly feels quick. And what about 40mpg. That deserves a round of applause.

A nod to the old roadster comes through with traditional dials, and, of course, the large rev counter takes centre stage. What is missing though is a digital speed readout, it is so easy to get caught out these days and there is a perfect space in the lower right hand corner of the speedometer. Take note Mazda!

Not that MX-5 tries to live in the past, more a case of sixties fun meets 21st century technology.

There are plenty of switches but the infotainment screen has been increased to 8.8 inches and can be navigated through a rotary controller which saves prodding the screen icons.

They have also gone to extraordinary lengths to reduce weight; lighter pistons, connecting rods and suspension elements have saved 100kg. No one can accuse Mazda of not trying.

With such a tight cockpit there is little room for odds and sods but at least the soft top gives a bit more boot space over the retractable hard top. It is reasonably deep and I managed to stow three large shopping bags so there would be room for a couple of carry on cases.

The retractable hardtop is a work of art, but the canvas top completes the roadster story and can be dropped, or put back in place in five seconds. I know because I timed it.

My 1990 review predicted the car would sell like hot cakes and was the most significant car of its time. At least I have got something right.

Is the MX-5 the best value for money roadster out there? For less than 30 grand I can’t think of one to match it.

I have been fortunate to have driven many miles in all four MX-5 models. It knocked me out back in 1990 and it is still knocking me out now. Some things never change….

Fast facts

MX-5 Homura

£35,815 (starts £28,585)

2-litre petrol; 181bhp

0-62mph 6.5secs; 136mph

41.5mpg combined

153g/km. 1st tax £1,360

Insurance group 33

Boot: 130 litres

Warranty: six years

Week of music, dance and international harmony at Eisteddfod 2026

* Sir Karl Jenkins - July 7.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has unveiled its full programme for 2026, promising a defining week of global music-making, world-class performers and vibrant international competition in the heart of North East Wales. 

Headlining the announcement is the long-awaited staging of Uniting Nations: One World on Tuesday July 7 2026. 

The major concert featuring Sir Karl Jenkins - cancelled at the last moment in 2025 due to an extraordinary medical incident - will now be presented for the very first time in Llangollen.

In response to phenomenal public demand, the concert has been expanded and enhanced for 2026. Audiences will finally experience One World, composed and conducted by Sir Karl, performed by a massed choir of more than 100 singers from WorldChoir and NEW Voices, the Llangollen International Orchestra, and soloists Simona Rose and Eirlys Myfanwy Davies.

 

This new, elevated edition also includes a fresh staging of the Peace Child Musical in partnership with Peace Child International, further reinforcing the festival’s commitment to global understanding and youth empowerment. The evening will open with a newly commissioned work by an emerging composer, written especially for Llangollen 2026. There will be a call for budding new composers soon.

 

On Wednesday July 8, the festival ignites with Global Rhythms: Made in Wales, a celebration of Welsh creativity and multicultural collaboration. Performers include Guinean-Welsh multi-instrumentalist N’famady Kouyaté, brass sensations Band Pres Llareggub with special guest Sage Todz, the final of the Children’s Choir of the World competition, and the Eisteddfod’s iconic Celebration of Nations, a vibrant display of flags, colour and unity.

 

On Thursday July 9, audiences will experience the spellbinding Orchestral Qawwali Project, led by critically acclaimed composer, Rushil Ranjan. The Project features the soaring vocals of Abi Sampa in an effortless combination with rich orchestral arrangements and powerful chants. The duo seamlessly blends Western Classical, choral, Indian Classical and Sufi music. Since their formation, they've risen to prominence selling out concert venues around the world, including the Royal Albert Hall. They have also amassed millions of online listeners.

 

The weekend features two major headline events already generating huge excitement:

 

•      Emeli Sandé with The Absolute Orchestra on Friday July 10, delivering a world-exclusive orchestral reimagining of her greatest hits.

•      An Evening with Michael Ball on Saturday July 11, showcasing his unmistakable blend of musical theatre favourites and timeless classics, preceded by the International Voice of Musical Theatre final.

 

The festival concludes on Sunday July 12 with the internationally celebrated Choir of the World competition, where leading choirs compete for the prestigious Pavarotti Trophy. 

The evening also features the Pendine International Voice of the Future final, spotlighting exceptional emerging vocal talent.

Across the week, thousands of competitors from around the globe will take to the pavilion stage for a dynamic programme of daytime competitions. Saturday marks the festival’s most ambitious slate of dance events in decades, and Sunday brings together international choirs in inspiring harmony.

Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “Llangollen 2026 brings together everything that makes this festival so special: world-class artists, extraordinary global talent and a spirit of friendship that transcends borders.

 

“We’re delighted this year to bring cutting edge music including N’famady Kouyaté, Band Pres Llareggub, Sage Todz, Emeli Sandé and the incredible Orchestral Qawwali Project, who recently sold-out prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall and Birmingham Symphony Hall. This will be another week that truly embodies the Eisteddfod’s mission to unite nations through music and dance.”

 

John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said, “The staging of One World for the first time in Llangollen is more than a rescheduled concert – it is a powerful statement about resilience, collaboration and the unifying force of music. We can’t wait to welcome Sir Karl Jenkins to the Eisteddfod stage again. The entire 2026 programme reflects that same spirit, bringing together extraordinary artists and communities from across the world for a truly unforgettable week.”

* Tickets for all 2026 evening concerts and season passes will go on sale to Friends of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod from Tuesday 25 November, with general sale opening on Wednesday 26 November. They will be available from Llangollen.net, 01978 862 000 or from Llangollen Tourist Information Centre on Castle Street, Llangollen.

* Michael Ball - July 11.

* N’famady Kouyaté July 8.

* Emeli Sandé - July 10.

* Orchestral Qawwali Project - July 9. 

 

Season Tickets:

 

Festival Season Ticket (All Eisteddfod Week events) - £300

Daytime Season Ticket (Eisteddfod daytime Wed-Sun only) - £45

 

Tuesday 7 July - Uniting Nations: One World 2026

£49.00 | £42.00 | £33.00

 

Wednesday 8 July - Global Rhythms: Made In Wales

£22.40 | £11.20 (child)

 

Thursday 9 July - Orchestral Qawwali Project

£45.00 | £37.50 | £29.50

 

Friday 10 July - Emeli Sandé with The Absolute Orchestra

Tickets: £96.70 | £63.10 | £54.70 | £40.70

 

Saturday 11 July 2026 - An Evening with Michael Ball

Tickets: £96.70 | £63.10 | £49.10 | £43.50 | £35.10

 

Sunday 12 July – Choir of the World

£40.70 | £32.30 | £29.50

 

Christmas Festival Fun Trail hits the road again on Saturday

* The Fun Trail map will be available from the Town Hall.

Llangollen Christmas Festival is once again running its popular Fun Trail when it takes place this Saturday.

And this year organisers are asking people taking part to search for things out of children's story books, in windows displaying the fun trail sign.  

The instructions/entry form can be picked up from the Town Hall foyer from 10.30am onwards on the big day.

The things they're looking for may be a character from the story, or perhaps some of their clothing or other related objects … maybe a picture, or even a jigsaw.

The area to search in will be the same as previous years, but the places are often different - organisers say they like to keep you on their toes!

When the players have found as many as they can, they should take their forms back to the Town Hall to claim their small, tasty prize.  

They can keep their entry forms, and as usual we’ll send llanblogger the answers once it’s all over.

A festival spokesperson said: "Also this year, in response to parents' feedback, we've included the parade route on the map so they can pick their viewpoint.

"We’d like to thank all the businesses that are taking part this year, and to reassure those who weren’t asked this time that we haven’t forgotten you, it’s all part of trying to keep it fresh and you’ll no doubt get asked again in the future."

Volunteers plant bulbs ready for Spring in Centenary Square

Volunteers turned out yesterday Monday) morning for a bulb-planting session in Centenary Square arranged by Llangollen Town Council. 

A council spokesperson said: "Thank you to the volunteers for their help and support, we really do appreciate it and are looking forward to seeing the bulbs flower in the Spring for the benefit of wildlife and the community, brightening up the town square at a time when little else if flowering."

* Town councillor Lee Todd helps clean up afterwards.

Railway to launch its 2025 Santa Special this Saturday

 

* Mrs Christmas Julie Jones with Father Christmas on the footplate of the 7754 steam locomotive.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway will officially launch its 2025 Santa Specials this Saturday, November 29 with a festive celebration featuring live music, special guests and a ceremonial ribbon cutting on Platform 1 at Llangollen Station.

Festivities begin at 9.30am when the Llangollen Silver Band will perform before marching down the platform to the steam engine, which will already be positioned at the bottom of the platform ready for the ceremony. Their arrival will set the festive tone as the first Santa Special prepares for departure.

At 9.45am, the band will be met at the locomotive by members of the steam crew, Father Christmas along with Hazel Birkenhead and Carolyn Thomas MS, who will both perform the official ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of this year’s Santa Specials, formally launching the 2025 festive season on the Llangollen and Corwen Railway.

 The official photograph will feature:

• Hazel Birkenhead
• Carolyn Thomas MS
• Steam Crew: Malcolm Lees, Rich Smith and Harvey Baldwin
• Bill Buck (representing Father Christmas)

* Filling up the Santa Special with water.

This year’s Santa Specials are already proving hugely popular, with many services close to selling out. 

Families will enjoy a steam-hauled journey through the stunning Dee Valley, a visit from Father Christmas, a gift for every child and the unmistakable festive atmosphere created by our dedicated volunteers. This event launches a full festive programme, which also includes the much-loved Siôn Corn Specials and the famous Mince Pie Specials, running between Christmas and New Year.

David Hennigan, Trust Manager of the Llangollen and Corwen Railway, said: “The launch of the Santa Specials is one of the highlights of our year. It brings together our volunteers, our communities and families who return year after year to share in the magic. 

"We are especially proud to have Hazel Birkenhead with us. Hazel is one of our outstanding volunteers and, despite being over 80, still cooks breakfast for our teams every weekend. She represents the heart of this railway. This event is largely run by our amazing volunteers, whose dedication makes everything possible. 

"Tickets for this year’s Santa Specials are already almost sold out, which shows just how loved this experience has become. We can’t wait to welcome passengers and begin another unforgettable Christmas season.”

Carolyn Thomas MS, who will help cut the ribbon, added: “I have been a supporter of the Llangollen and Corwen Railway all my life. I brought my children here when they were young, and now I am bringing my grandchildren. It is a wonderful asset for our community and a magical place at Christmas. I am delighted to help launch this year’s Santa Specials.”

* Tickets can be purchased at:
https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/santa-special/

The Llangollen and Corwen Railway looks forward to welcoming families for another magical Christmas aboard the Santa Specials and throughout the festive season.

Thailand-bound lads reach their wintering spot

* Louis declared the trip has been the best three months of his life. 

The past three months he's spent riding through Europe on the way to distant Thailand have been the best of his life, according to 18-year-old Louis Dennis.

He made the declaration as he and his mates Dyfan Hughes and James Thomas, also both 18, reached the town of Batumi on the Black Sea coast of Georgia where the trio - known as the Westheads - will spend the winter before pressing on towards the Far East early in the new year's better weather.

The lads, all from the Llangollen area, have set themselves an 18-month challenge to reach Asia where they're planning to meet their friend Harrison who moved there after his dad died from a heart attack.

Along the way they're aiming to raise £10,000 for the National Heart Foundation, more than half of which has already been pledged by hundreds of well-wishers back home who are closely following their progress.

As they headed out of Turkey towards Georgia they had to negotiate a large number of tunnels on the coastal route, some of which they risked dicing with heavy traffic but others they judged far too dangerous and jumped into taxis instead.

As they were having their bikes loaded into one of these the driver got a little "ruthless" and caused damage to a couple of their bikes, which required yet another visit to a cycle repair shop.

It was as they reached Batumi that Louis jubilantly told the video diary: "These three months have been the best of my life!"

* To follow the journey on their social media and make a donation if you wish, go to: https://linktr.ee/westheads