Railway's first 2025 Santa Special gets a fanfare send-off

* Railway Trust Manager David Hennigan announces the launch of the Santa Specials as Carolyn Thomas MS cuts the ribbon on the service helped by volunteer Hazel Birkenhead and watched by the steam crew of Malcolm Lees, Rich Smith and Harvey Baldwin and Llangollen Stationmaster Peter Dickinson.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway's 2025 Santa Specials officially got underway this morning (Saturday).

The event on Platform 1 saw with a festive celebration featuring live music, special guests and a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Festivities got a fanfare launch from Llangollen Silver Band who performed before marching down the platform to the waiting inaugural steam engine.

The band was met at the locomotive by Shea Ferron singing a swinging Santa Claus is Coming to Town and members of the steam crew along with Hazel Birkenhead and Carolyn Thomas MS, who both performed the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.

* Shea Ferron sings a seasonal song on the platform.

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. 

* Passengers for the first Santa Special of the year crowd the platform.

"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 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.”

Llangollen to come alive today with its Christmas Festival

Llangollen will come alive with festive cheer today as the town hosts its popular Christmas Festival.

And organisers say it will be a magical day filled with stalls, music, a parade, children’s activities, and the spectacular Christmas light switch-on and fireworks finale. 

The festivities begin at 10am on Centenary Square, where visitors can browse Christmas stalls, enjoy live entertainment, and soak up the seasonal atmosphere. 

Families can look forward to a range of fun activities throughout the day, including Siôn Corn’s (Santa’s) Grotto, children’s play and circus skills, and plenty of festive treats.

 

One of the highlights of the day will be the Christmas parade at 1pm, bringing colour, costume, and community spirit to the streets of Llangollen. 

The celebrations will continue into the evening with the Christmas light switch-on at 5pm, followed by a fireworks display to round off the day in spectacular style.

 

Adding extra excitement is the grand raffle, offering a chance to win a selection of fabulous prizes generously donated by local businesses and supporters. 

The top prizes include £200 in shopping vouchers and a child’s mountain bike, alongside luxury hampers, dining experiences, unique local crafts, and festive treats. Raffle tickets will be available throughout the day, with proceeds helping to support the Air Ambulance, community projects and future festival events.

 

A spokesperson for the Christmas Festival team said: “The Christmas Festival is one of the highlights of the year for the town. It’s a chance for everyone to come together, celebrate community spirit, and welcome the festive season in true Llangollen style. There’ll be something for everyone – from little ones meeting Santa to families enjoying the lights and fireworks.

 

"With local traders, crafts, performances, and festive food on offer, the day promises to be a joyful celebration for residents and visitors alike."

 

* For the latest updates and announcements, follow the Llangollen Christmas Festival on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/1BLbdUXfYP/ and check out the raffle prizes here https://wrexhameventsguide.co.uk/llangollen-christmas-festival/

New Dot unveils free film for kids in its Christmas programme

New Dot Cinema has rolled out its Christmas programme and it has a special treat for families in the area. 

On Sunday, December 21st they will be showing Arthur Christmas, the much-loved animated film.

Tickets will be free for children and tickets for accompanying adults will cost just £2. Each child will also receive a free drink and snack. 

The cinema has been able to do this thanks to a generous grant from The Welsh Churches Fund.

 "We're delighted and very grateful to have been awarded the grant. It's not only allowed us to give free tickets for children, it has also enabled us to work with @Llangollen Foodshare to offer the families they support free adult tickets", says New Dot committee member Heulwen Wright. 

"We’re delighted to be working with Foodshare to offer families tickets to see a film at a time when there are so many other financial pressures on families. The team at New Dot love cinema and we know the joys of seeing films on the big screen with family or friends. 

"Thanks to the Welsh Churches Fund, we are able to put on a film for families to enjoy in the run up to Christmas. It also means we'll be able to show another film during the Easter holidays."

Doors open at 3.15pm and the film starts at 4pm. Tickets can be purchased through the New Dot Cinema website www.newdotcinema.org or cash at Laura's Tea Rooms on Oak Street.

Pray for the people hit by fire says Bill Kong from his hometown

A Llangollen man staying with his family in Hong Kong has sent home a heartfelt message after watching fire sweep through a massive block killing 128: "Please pray for the people here".

Well-known local resident Bill Kong was such a big supporter of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod that he actually moved to the town with his wife Selana and son Daniel a few years ago.

He and Selana are currently staying in Hong Kong due to family commitments and watched the horrifying fire drama unfold just across the city earlier this week.

At least 128 people are now known to have died in the massive blaze.

Seventy-nine people were injured and 16 bodies remain inside the buildings. Dozens of people are still missing.

Fire alarms in all eight blocks were not working effectively, the fire service discovered.

The cause of the deadly fire has not yet been established but the security chief said material placed outside the windows caused it to spread rapidly.

When llanblogger contacted him to ask if he and the family were safe earlier today Bill replied: "We are fine, thanks for asking but unfortunately an old friend's family live in the block. They all got out but their dog is still inside.

"They cannot go home and are staying with relatives. We don't know the state of their home. We just keep praying.

"Now the flames are almost out it's all about the basic needs of the residents and their total loss of everything. A massive rebuilding starts now.

"Please ask people in Llangollen to pray for Hong Kong."

MS calls for urgent review of Maelor parking problem

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is calling for an urgent review of the "growing" parking problems at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Rowlands, who constantly raises this matter on behalf of his constituents, called for a statement on this issue from the Welsh Government.

 

He said: “I'm calling for an urgent statement from the Welsh Government regarding the serious and growing problems with parking at hospitals in North Wales and especially at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

 

“Constituents, patients, visitors and even hospital staff are telling me the same story: parking at the Maelor has become a daily nightmare.

 

“People arriving for appointments are stressed, anxious and often late because they cannot find a safe or available place to park. Staff working those long and difficult shifts face the same challenges.

 

“This is not a minor inconvenience; it is a barrier to care, a risk to patient well-being, and a strain on an already pressurised workforce.

 

“We need a statement from the Welsh Government outlining how they're going to tackle this situation. We need a commitment to a full review of parking capacity and management at the Maelor, and a timetable for delivering practical solutions, whether that includes a multistorey car park, park-and-ride options, or better use of existing land or other options that may be available to the Government.”

 

He called for a statement regarding this issue from Jane Hutt, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip.

 

Jane Hutt said it was the responsibility of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, working with their local hospital management teams.

 

Mr Rowlands added: “I really am disappointed but not surprised with the response from the Welsh Government as quite clearly the health board need support to fix these long-running parking issues at the hospital and as usual the Welsh Government buries it head in the sand.

 

“I have raised my concerns with the Health Board and I am still waiting to have a meeting to discuss the matter but it would have been a positive step if the Welsh Government had been willing to get involved.

 

“Parking has been a major and challenging issue at the Wrexham hospital and also at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor and Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan for many years as the demand quite clearly outweighs the number of spaces.

 

“I have highlighted the problems in the Senedd several times yet the health board continue seem unable to find solutions and they do not appear to get any help or support from the Welsh Labour Government.”

Wrexham City of Culture campaign hosts local creative workshops

The organisation leading the campaign for Wrexham’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2029 is planning a programme of innovative creative engagement workshops across the county borough and some close to Llangollen.

As part of its Wrecsam2029 bid, Wrexham Community & Culture Trust (WCCT) has appointed the artist-led Wrexham-based Dirty Protest Theatre to deliver the programme which will bring together a wide cross-section of Wrexham’s communities, offering playful, imaginative and accessible opportunities for residents to explore creative expression, celebrate the county’s cultural identity, and help shape a shared vision for Wrexham’s cultural future. 

Drawing on performance, sound, movement, craft, storytelling and multilingual creative practice, the sessions, between now and next February, will be inclusive, intergenerational and responsive, designed in collaboration with Wrexham-based artists, cultural organisations and community hubs. 

Natasha Borton, local artist and Catherine Paskell, Artistic Director, Dirty Protest Theatre, said: "Wrexham has always been a county of makers, movers and dreamers, and we’re proud to build on the creative events that have put local, national and international arts at the heart of our community.

"Working with Wrecsam2029, we’re stepping in with curiosity, play and a fierce belief in the imagination of the people who live here. Alongside a troupe of brilliant local artists who breathe and inspire culture across the county, we’re creating joyful spaces where ideas spark and the future of Wrexham is shaped by the voices that know it best.” 

At the end of the workshop programme, WCCT and Dirty Protest Theatre will host a public creative sharing event to showcase the ideas, artworks, performances and voices that emerge from the sessions.

Morgan Thomas, Culture Bid Coordinator for Wrecsam2029, said: “Wrexham’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2029 is rooted in the people who call this place home. These workshops ensure that the authentic, diverse voices of Wrexham are not only heard but placed at the heart of the bid and our cultural future. 

"I’m really looking forward to attending the sessions myself and seeing communities connect with such an exciting and imaginative project. A huge thank you to Dirty Protest Theatre for presenting such an inclusive, creative and inspiring vision for engaging with Wrexham’s communities.”

Workshop 1

Date: Wednesday December 3 

Venue: Homegrown, 51 Peris (the old GP Surgery), Plas Madoc, LL14 3LE

Time: Drop-in from 9am–12pm

How to Book: Turn up at Homegrown for the Craft and Brew session (no booking required)

An open opportunity for residents in Plas Madoc to have a brew and a chat about what they’d like to see from Wrecsam2029, and what culture in Wrexham means to them.

Workshop 2

Date: Friday December 12

Venue: Wrexham Miners’ Project, 3 Maesgwyn Rd, Wrexham LL11 2AP

Time: 11am–2pm, with a bilingual & touch tour of the Wrexham Rescue Station at 10am

How to Book: Open to the public. Turn up on the day.

Join local artists Andy Hickie, Sophia Leadill and Ben Wilson for a workshop celebrating

Wrexham’s creative spirit. Enjoy local music, storytelling through food, and Mari Lwyd–inspired crafts while meeting the artist team shaping conversations across the programme. A joyful, imaginative space to connect, create and help shape the narrative of Wrecsam2029. As well as being open to anyone, this session will be accessible to blind and partially sighted people, through free audio description and touch tour support.

Workshop 3

Date: Wednesday December 17

Venue: Tŷ Pawb, Market Street, Wrexham, LL13 8BY

Time: 7pm–10pm

How to Book: Open to the public.

A Christmas party like no other, hosted by local legend Shaggerada. Expect big energy, bold surprises and a festive celebration packed with music, mischief and pure Wrexham spirit. Be part of the Wrecsam2029 conversations in a night of unforgettable fun and fearless creativity led by our own Outrageous Drag Queen and guests.

Workshop 4

Date: Thursday December 18

Venue: Pontcysyllte Chapel Tea Rooms, Bryn Seion Chapel, Station Rd, Trevor, LL20 7TP

Time: 10am–12pm

How to Book: Open to the public (drop-in).

Come have a proper chat with a cracking crew of local artists as we dive into what culture means for Wrexham. Drop in, grab a brew, and get stuck into a lively conversation full of buzz, banter and bold ideas for the future. Bring your voice, your vibes and your Wrecsam spirit.

Winter Wellbeing grants on offer

As Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board support and respond to winter pressures, DVSC (Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council) have funding available for distribution to Third Sector organisations across North Wales.

Organisations who deliver relevant services and/ or activities for Denbighshire residents are eligible to apply for a grant of up to £5,000. The funding can be used for revenue and/or capital costs.

Funds will need to be spent by the end of March 2026. Joints bids with other organisations are encouraged.

Organisations can apply for a cross-county project (Conwy & Denbighshire) and can apply for up to £10,000 (£5,000) from each county.

One or more of the following criteria must be met for funding to be awarded:

Funded activity will aim to:

• Improved access to wellbeing information.
• Increased opportunities for residents to join wellbeing activities.
• Enhanced confidence in self-care.
• Timely support for financial, housing and transport issues.
• Promotion of Five Ways to Wellbeing.
• Reducing isolation through promoting relationships with family, friends, and neighbours.
• Support for employment readiness or workplace wellbeing.

* To apply for the grant, fill out DVSC’s online application (Word) go to:

 https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dvsc.co.uk%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F11%2FWinter-Wellbeing-Guidance-and-Application-Form-2025-DVSC.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

 

Please return the completed application to: sectorsupport@dvsc.co.uk by the 8^th December 2025.