Famous houses get lit up for Christmas and a good cause

* The lit-up houses along Green Lane.

Residents of a high-profile block of houses in Llangollen have had a bright idea to raise money for a cancer charity.

They've decked out their Victorian terrace which overlooks Llangollen railway station with a colourful array of Christmas lights with the aim of filling a £500 sackful of seasonal cheer for Prostate Cancer UK by January 5 next year.

Garry Perriton said: "We've thought about Green Lane Christmas lights for a number of years and this year we've finally got around to doing it.

"Llangollen railway station and our houses above feature in many images taken by tourists and the media.

"The idea was to come together and deliver a Christmas display to add to Llangollen's fantastic Christmas festival and lights."

He added: "Whilst we 'switch on' for Christmas we also decided to raise awareness and vital funds for Prostate cancer UK. We hope to raise funds for prostate this year and look at fundraising for other more local and global charities in the future. 

"Prostate Cancer UK is a cause that is close to our hearts. Prostate cancer affects so many lives, and by donating, people are helping to fund vital research and support services that make a real difference.

"We have produced a flyer explaining what we are doing which we will display in shops and bars around the town."

* Here's the fundraising link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/greenlane-1

Coffee morning will help Christian Aid's Christmas appeal

Llangollen Churches Together (Cytûn) are holding a fundraising coffee morning for Christian Aid's No Crib For a Bed Christmas appeal tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Memorial Hall in Market Street, from 10am until 12 noon. 

The appeal aims to provide shelter and food for families torn apart by war. Details of how to donate can be found on the Christian Aid website. 

Oak Street Gallery announces its final show

                 

* By John Peacock.

Oak Street Gallery in Llangollen has announced a new exhibition for Christmas 2025. 

Karl said: "We feature a wonderful selection of paintings, prints, ceramics, jewellery, and stitched textiles from our roster of gallery artists. We are also delighted to be exhibiting the expressionistic and compelling work of Gill and Ian Edwards from Glyn Ceiriog."

But he added: "Sadly, this Christmas exhibition will be the Gallery’s final show, as we will be closing in mid-January 2026. 

"Since opening in June 2019, The Oak Street Gallery has taken pride in presenting artists whose authentic work stems from a genuine impulse to create. 

"It has been my privilege and pleasure to know them and to exhibit their work. We are deeply thankful to Carys Haf Roberts, one of our artists and our gallery manager, who helped create an atmosphere in the gallery that we truly cherished.

"We are grateful for the support and enthusiasm we have received from the residents of Llangollen and from the many tourists who stopped in to buy or view our work, or simply to come in and have a chat. 

"The Oak Street Gallery will remain open on Thursdays and Saturdays, with extended hours during the Holiday season." 

www.facebook.com/12OakStreetGallery

* By Ian Edwards.

* By Karl Young.

* Work by Gill Edwards in the show.

Results from the Christmas Festival Fun Trail

 

Results from the Fun Trail run at yesterday's Christmas Festival are: 

Fireworks spectacular brings Christmas Festival to an end

 

A spectacular firework display, sponsored by the Wild Pheasant Hotel & Spa, brought to an end Llangollen's successful 2025 Christmas Festival, now being run by volunteers from the Fringe with the help of members of the Tidy Town Team.

The town's Christmas lights, provided by the Town Council, were switched on by the Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Aled Morris, and his fiance Sarah Griffiths (pictured below).

Town fills with festive fun as hundreds enjoy the Christmas Festival

* Sion Corn arrives to man his grotto at the Town Hall to be greeted by the Mayoress, Mayoress and town crier, Chem ... and (below) meeting some young fans.

Hundreds packed the town centre for some festive fun at today's 2025 Llangollen Christmas Festival.

New organisers from the Fringe, who have now taken over from the old committee headed by town crier Chem, ensured that the good work continued as the area around Castle Street and Centenary square were buzzing with seasonal with stalls, live music, children’s activities and the spectacular Christmas light switch-on and fireworks finale as darkness fell. 

A major highlight of the day was the traditional parade which glittered with colour, costumes and community spirit.

Action kicked off around the square from early on where people could browse Christmas stalls, enjoy live entertainment, and soak up the seasonal atmosphere. 

Families could choose from 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. 

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.

 

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/

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

 

                                                 The big parade

Live entertainment in Centenary Square

Stalls in Market Street

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.”