Eisteddfod launches search for world's best young singers

* Soprano Shimona Rose, from Singapore, being presented with the Pendine Trophy by Mario Kreft MBE, from sponsors Pendine Park.

A global search has been launched to find a new international singing star.

The prestigious Pendine International Voice of the Future competition will be one of the main highlights of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod which gets underway on Tuesday, July 7.

The aim of the competition, which started in 2013, is to advance the careers of the world’s most gifted young singers.

The competition is once again being sponsored by the arts-loving care organisation, Pendine Park via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust, which was established to support cultural and community initiatives across Wales.

The winner will be presented with the Pendine Trophy – a solid silver salver - and the £3,000 prize while the runner up will get a cheque for £1,000.

The competition has been given a major boost after Pendine pledged to continue to back it for the next five years.

Applications to compete are now being accepted. The closing date is March 12 and more details of how to enter can be found at https://eisteddfodcompetitions.co.uk

Thanking Mario and his wife, Gill, for their support, the Eisteddfod’s Artistic Director Dave Danford said it was a wonderful start to the new year and a great boost to ongoing preparations for this year’s festival.

Talented singers from all over the world who have triumphed in previous competitions have hailed it as an invaluable stepping stone in helping them achieve their musical dreams.

Among them are two past winners, Shimona Rose, of Singapore, and South Walian Eirlys Myfanwy Davies, who will both be returning as stars of this year’s festival in the long-awaited staging of Uniting Nations: One World concert on the opening night.

Shimona and Eirlys will take on the solo performances in One World, composed and conducted by Sir Karl Jenkins.

Also taking part will be a  massed choir of more than 100 singers from WorldChoir and NEW Voices along with the Llangollen International Orchestra.

Dave Danford said: “The outstanding success stories of Shimona and Eirlys epitomise what a difference entering the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition can make to fledgling careers.”

“It has rightly earned a global reputation as one of the most prestigious competitions in classical music.

“Not only do entrants get the chance to perform before a packed audience at one of Europe’s biggest folk festivals, but for many it has proved a launch pad to a successful professional career in opera or classical music.

“The £3,000 first prize is a tremendous help to any young singer starting out. It goes a long way towards financing them through music college, post-graduate training or just furthering their careers.

“We are very excited about what this year’s competition will bring in terms of as yet undiscovered talents.

“We know from past experience that there are some brilliant singers out there just waiting for a chance to step in the spotlight and show the world what they can do – we encourage them to come forward and enter the 2026 competition.

“Whether competitors are from just down the road right here in Wales, or from Europe, Asia or the Americas, we welcome applications from any musicians who dream of the chance of making music their lifetime career.”

Mario Kreft said: “This competition chimes perfectly with our ethos at Pendine Park where we’re celebrating our 40^th anniversary.

“The arts in general and music in particular provide the golden thread running through everything we do to enrich the lives of our residents and staff alike and it can play an incredibly important role in social care more widely.”

Each entrant is required to include an audio or video recording and proof of age with their application.

Competitors must be aged 18 or older on the first day of the competition. They are required to perform a contrasting programme of up to seven minutes in length for their preliminary rounds, and up to ten minutes for the final.

The programmes should include works from oratorio, opera, lieder, or song, and be sung in their original language.

The competitors will have to navigate the preliminary round and a semi-final, with just two singers expected to be selected for the final big-night sing-off which will be the finale of the Eisteddfod week on Sunday, July 12.

Following the closing date on March 12 a selection panel will consider the entries and choose about 25 singers who will be invited to go on to take part in this year's competition.

Other highlights of this year’s Eisteddfod include appearances by Michael Ball, Emeli Sandé and the Orchestral Qawwali Project.

* For details on how to enter the competition go to https://eisteddfodcompetitions.co.uk and for the full eisteddfod programme and how to buy tickets visit https://llangollen.net

NRW goes ahead with order for new Glyndŵr National Park

Following a review of the evidence and the findings from the 2025 statutory consultation, the Natural Resources Wales (NRW) Board has agreed to make the Glyndŵr National Park Designation Order.

This is despite a number of councils in the area the proposed park would cover, which includes Llangollen, refusing to back the proposal.

Denbighshire, Wrexham and Powys have formally rejected the plan while Flintshire has raised its concerns.

The Welsh Government will further consider the proposal for a new National Park based on the existing Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape (formerly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) following a Public Notice period and on receipt of information and evidence, including consultation responses.

The Welsh Government commissioned Natural Resources Wales, in its role as a statutory advisor, to apply tests relating to the natural beauty and opportunities for open air recreation for people to understand and enjoy this special area in the potential designation of a National Park.

This included assessing the geographical features in the area, evaluating its suitability against the legal definitions of a National Park, determining the boundaries of the new Park, and making a recommendation to Ministers.

During the past three years, NRW has carried out detailed evaluations, data gathering, technical assessments, and engagement with communities and stakeholders, including public engagement in 2023, public consultation in 2024, and the most recent statutory consultation in 2025.

The Board’s decision has been made based on issues relating directly to the statutory tests and the criteria for designation, whilst acknowledging the range of feedback, support and concerns, including objections from local authorities as statutory consultees during consultation.

Neil Sachdev, Chair of Natural Resources Wales, said: “We have assessed the evidence and opinions as part of the consultation and applied statutory tests relating to natural beauty and geographical features of the area and opportunities for more sustainable tourism. Our Board was satisfied that the proposed Glyndŵr National Park, and its boundary, meet the statutory requirement for designation.

“We recognise the range of feedback expressed to date and want to reassure communities that all representations, including support and objections, together with evidence, will be provided to the Welsh Government at the end of the Public Notice period to assist with their final decision.”

The Public Notice period will run from January 16 until February 15, giving people a further opportunity to formally respond to the proposal.

During the Public Notice period, the Designation Order and accompanying documents will be available online and in public buildings across the region. 

At the end of this period, NRW will submit all information to the Welsh Government, which will consider NRW’s evidence alongside wider issues raised by the public and stakeholders before agreeing the next steps.

* For further information visit: Wales’s New National Park Proposal - Natural Resources Wales Citizen Space - Citizen Space

Pastor tells of his disturbing but uplifting trip to Ukraine

* Pastor Brian Smith (right) hands over the Honda to tank driver Matthew from the USA near the front line in Ukraine.

* The Llangollen trio is the main square of Kyiv. From left, Paata Samsonidze, Pastor Brian Smith and Mark Birkhill.

A minister has spoken movingly of his disturbing yet uplifting experience of taking a specialist vehicle supplied by well-wishers in Llangollen over 1,700 miles to frontline fighters in Ukraine.

Pastor Brian Smith, of City Church at Penyllan, joined two experienced travelling companions on the marathon road trip to the very battle zone of the war-torn country at the wheel of a four-wheel-drive vehicle that will help move exhausted troops back to vital rest areas behind the lines. 

The Honda CR-V has been paid for by a small army of well-wishers at Brian's church and Anna's Cafe in Oak Street, named after the Ukrainian lady who runs it.

Brian, along with Paata Samsonidze, who is Anna's husband and an old hand at ferrying supplies to the battlefield, and Mark Birkhill from Corwen, whose job is working with veterans, set off on their epic journey on December 6.

After driving down the country and crossing over to Calais through the tunnel, they headed out across France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, making few stops along the way to save time.

Brian recalls everything was going well until they hit the border between Poland and Ukraine a day or so later.

There they encountered a "particularly un-cooperative" female border guard whose queries over their paperwork meant a hold-up of over five hours.  

Eventually they arrived in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in the early hours of December 8 ready for a few days' well-earned rest at Paata's home in the town of Vasilkov not far outside the city.

There they were shocked to still see the scars of when the smart suburban residence was partially wrecked in the summer of 2024 by the blast from the overhead interception of an incoming Russian missile.

They also learned how Paata's brother's sausage factory had been damaged by a Russian attack.

Soon afterwards came the highpoint of their trip when they were at last able to hand over the Honda to an American volunteer fighter named Matthew - which they had to do at night as they were so close to the front line. 

Brian said: "Matthew's story was that, back home, he had actually been a marshall in the state of Virginia and decided to join the fight for Ukraine as a tank driver after becoming bored with his old job."   

The whole venture was 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.

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.   

Looking back on the momentous trip 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 was therefore been delighted to provide £5,000 to help buy the Honda. 

He added: "I really enjoyed making the trip but I was so upset at seeing so many things that have happened over there – the destroyed buildings and vehicles, the graveyards everywhere. You can't go too far before you come across the graves of many people who have been killed in this war.

“So many people have given their lives. People from all over the world and, especially, a lot from the EU, including some from Wales - I saw a poster honouring a volunteer soldier with a Welsh flag.

“I'm a bit of a softy and seeing so many graves made it an experience that I'll never forget.

“Members of my family didn’t want me to go because of the safety factor but I’m glad that I did because it was an awesome experience.

“Paata helped us through it more than anything. He looked after us so well throughout the trip.”

And after seeing the state of the country for himself what does he think about the chances of peace?

“I feel that almost the only way possible they are going to have peace is if Putin is in some way out of the picture.

“The Ukrainians are amazing people and they’ll tell you, ‘We ain’t giving up!’

“They are so peaceful in themselves, even though all this is going on they're so welcoming and if you want them to do something for you they do it right away.

“I was very pleased to be able to help in some small way by taking over the vehicle. It was an honour to do it. But you have to remember that I went over as part of a great team.”

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

* One of the main war graveyards, which is rapidly filling up.

* A spent Russian missile transformed into a memorial to Ukraine's war dead.

* A vehicle burnt out after being hit by a Russian drone on a main road into Kyiv.

* A volunteer soldier honoured with a Welsh flag.

* The trio depart from Llangollen in the early morning of December 6.

Plas Newydd comes alive with sights and sounds of Wassail

The gardens at Plas Newydd were transformed last Sunday afternoon as people gathered for the very first Plas Newydd Wassail. 

This old tradition of ‘waking the orchard’ celebrates nature, renewal and community, and the Plas Newydd Wassail incorporated elements of Calennig (Welsh New Year) customs as well. 

Celebrants, many wearing nature-themed costumes, watched dancing from Tegeingl Tanglers Border Morris side outside the cafe. 

A torchlit procession filled the darkening grounds with a joyful din as everyone made as much noise as possible to ‘drive the evil spirits out’ of the orchard. 

Crackling braziers and twinkling fairy lights created a magical atmosphere as people gathered around the Old Man and the Old Woman, the brightly-lit guardian trees. 

Llangollen Food Share provided apple-themed refreshments as the beautiful sounds of acapella group, Oswestry in Harmony, floated on the evening air. 

Children placed decorated apples (Perllan) at the feet of the Old Man and Woman, Rebekah provided some informative background and geed-up the crowd, with the help of the Town Crier, followed by head gardener Lysette reading a poem celebrating the orchard’s trees. 

Organiser Max made an address to the Old Man and Woman before cider was poured on their roots and toast lodged in their branches to symbolise healthy growth and abundance. 

Every cry of ‘WASSAIL!’ was met with a hearty ‘DRINK-HAIL!’ from the gathered crowd. 

Around a hundred people attended, most from Llangollen, but some from much further away. The rain held off until the main celebrations were over, then made for an appropriately life-giving finale. 

A spokesperson for the organisers said: "A wonderful winter afternoon and a superb atmosphere was enjoyed by all who attended. Thanks to the organisers, Max and Gail, all the volunteers and contributors, and everyone who helped make the Wassail such a sparkling success. Same time next year?"

Deadline coming up for Eisteddfod dance competition entries

* Choir of the World winners for 2025, World Nachda Punjab Youth Club 2. 

With just six weeks remaining, dancers are being urged to submit their entries for the Solo and Duet/Trio Dance Competitions at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod 2026. 

The closing date for applications is Sunday February 22 and strong interest is already being shown from dancers across the UK and overseas.   

The competitions will take place on Saturday July 11 2026 as part of the world-famous Llangollen Eisteddfod, which runs from Tuesday 7 to Sunday 12 July.

The 2026 festival will deliver a true dance extravaganza, underlining the Eisteddfod’s growing commitment to showcasing dance alongside its internationally renowned music and cultural programme. 

  

A standout highlight for 2026 is the dramatic expansion of competitive dance opportunities, with categories increasing from just five in 2025 to fourteen distinct classes. 

This unprecedented growth opens the door to soloists, ensembles and cultural dance groups from across the globe, offering a platform for an extraordinary breadth of styles. 

From the elegance and precision of ballet and contemporary performance to the colour, rhythm and vitality of folk and traditional dance, the Eisteddfod stage will host more variety and energy than ever before. 

  

Dancers can enter as solo performers or in duet and trio groups, with performances lasting up to three minutes. A wide range of styles is welcomed, including ballet, contemporary, jazz, commercial, street and ballroom. Competitions are open to dancers of all ages, with age groupings used where necessary to support scheduling. 

Performers may use either pre-recorded backing tracks or provide their own piano accompaniment. International medals will be awarded to the top three competitors in each category, alongside the prestige of performing on one of the world’s most respected international stages. 

  

Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “The Llangollen Eisteddfod has always been about bringing people together through music and performance, and dance plays a vital role in that vision. 

"The expansion of our dance competitions for 2026 is incredibly exciting and reflects strong feedback from our loyal audiences. It also reflects our ambition to welcome more styles, more cultures and more performers to Llangollen. We are very much looking forward to seeing the creativity and passion dancers will bring to the stage.” 

  

Dancers wishing to take part are encouraged not to delay, as entry numbers are limited. Full details on how to enter can be found at eisteddfodcompetitions.co.uk/solo-and-duet-trio-dance. Successful applicants will be notified by Thursday March 5. 

  

The excitement doesn’t end with the competitions. Evening concerts throughout the week are selling fast, with audiences eager to secure seats for a spectacular line-up in the Royal International Pavilion. 

Highlights include Uniting Nations: One World on Tuesday July 7, a powerful celebration of peace and global unity conducted by Sir Karl Jenkins; Global Rhythms: Made in Wales on Wednesday July 8, showcasing vibrant Welsh creativity alongside world music influences; a mesmerising performance by the Orchestral Qawwali Project on Thursday July 9; a World Exclusive concert with global music icon Emeli Sandé and The Absolute Orchestra on Friday July 10; and An Evening with Michael Ball on Saturday, July 11 featuring one of Britain’s leading musical theatre performers. 

The week concludes on Sunday July 12 with the final of Choir of the World, a thrilling showcase of the world’s finest choral talent. 

  

Tickets are available from Llangollen.net, and people are being encouraged to book soon as demand is high and several concerts are close to selling out. 

Historic railbus could power new Dee Valley shuttle service

* Railbus 79962 is heading to Llangollen.

• * Fitter Chris Smith, from the Vintage Carriage Trust, with Llangollen based fitters Dan Williams and Chris Collins.

An historic railbus could be used to operate a new shuttle service through the Dee Valley.

A project to restore Railbus No. 79962, built in 1958 and one of only four surviving examples of its type in the world, is due to begin at Llangollen and Corwen Railway this February and be finished by 2028. 

The facelifted railbus then has the potential to deliver a highly environmentally sustainable Llangollen to Berwyn shuttle service that would reduce parking pressures at Horseshoe Falls and help open up the Dee Valley. 

Railbus 79962, which represents a rare and innovative chapter in Britain’s railway history, will arrive in Llangollen on loan from the Vintage Carriages Trust, one of the UK’s leading accredited railway museums. 

Lightweight, economical and seating around 56 passengers, it was designed specifically for flexible operation on quieter routes. Its low weight, efficient operation and ability to run frequent short services make it particularly well suited to modern, sustainable transport challenges.

The railway says there is strong and growing interest from the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in developing regular shuttle services to Berwyn, with the specific aim of reducing traffic congestion and parking pressure at Horseshoe Falls during busy periods. 

By providing an attractive alternative to car travel, the shuttle would help protect this sensitive landscape while making the wider Dee Valley more accessible to residents and visitors alike.

Above all, the Railbus is said to offer a more environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional train formations. Its ability to operate frequent, efficient services with lower fuel use makes it ideally suited to supporting responsible tourism and sustainable access to the Dee Valley.

Tim Pulford, Engineering Manager at Llangollen Railway, said: “This is a genuinely exciting and achievable project. A great deal of preparatory work has already been completed on Railbus 79962, including asbestos removal, floor repairs, heater overhaul and soundproofing. 

"From an engineering perspective, this is a well-understood vehicle with clear solutions to the remaining challenges. Our volunteers have already inspected it and are confident it can be restored to a high standard.

"Planning is already well advanced, with February 2026 identified for the arrival of the railbus. In addition to its environmental benefits, the project will create new volunteering, training and skills development opportunities in light traction operation, mechanical systems, and heritage restoration, supporting the railway’s long-term sustainability.

"The Railbus project reflects Llangollen Railway’s commitment to practical, partnership-led solutions that protect the environment while widening access to the Dee Valley. Further updates will be shared as the project progresses."

Ian Smith, Vice Chairman of the Vintage Carriages Trust, said: “The Vintage Carriages Trust is delighted to be working with Llangollen and Corwen Railway on this project. 

"Railbus 79962 is an important historic vehicle, and this partnership allows it to be used in a way that is both historically meaningful and environmentally responsible. Supporting sustainable access to landscapes like the Dee Valley is exactly the sort of role these vehicles can play today.”

As part of the partnership the Vintage Carriages Trust will fund the overhaul of the Railbus and provide technical advice, operational guidance and, if required, driver training. 

Two new sessions at the library to kickstart 2026

Two new sessions are coming to Llangollen Library to help kickstart your new year with new opportunities. 

* Men Moving Forward: Llangollen and Dee Valley

 

A welcoming, informal session for men to come together, socialise, and develop skills to support their employability journey. A relaxed, supportive environment over a chat and a brew. 

 

Open to men living in Denbighshire, aged 16+, who are on a pathway to work, education, or training.

 

When: Wednesday 14th January, 11am – 1pm

 

For more information: 

SDCP – 01490 266 004

Working Denbighshire – 01745 331 438

* New for 2026 is Job Club & Wellbeing Session at Llangollen Library

 

Kickstart your wellbeing journey in 2026 with a creative and relaxing experience!

 

Create your own needle-felted owl using wool from local farms and explore a variety of other wool-based crafts you never knew were possible. Plus, learn all about the fascinating wider uses of fleece!

 

No experience needed – just come along and enjoy learning from an expert at The Little Learning Company.

 

To book on: https://shorturl.at/mrzN9

 

When: Wednesday 14th January, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

 

This session is delivered by Barod, Working Denbighshire, supported by South Denbighshire Community Partnership (SDCP).

Transport may be available from Corwen and Pengwern via SDCP – please enquire for details.

Job Club: No need to book – just drop in for support to help you find work and much more!