Christmas arrives early for Llangollen and Corwen Railway

* Christmas on Llangollen railway last year.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway has unveiled its plans for an "even bigger, brighter and more magical" festive season, with more trains, more experiences, and even more opportunities for families to create Christmas memories. 

Following the phenomenal success of last year’s season, when every single Santa Special sold out, the railway has decided to launch tickets a full nine months before Christmas. 

The first Christmas services will be on Saturday, November 28 – with services up to Christmas Eve. Tickets will also be available from Friday for its popular Sion Corn Welsh Language Christmas Experiences and its hugely popular Mince Pie Specials, which will be extended right into 2027.

 

Tickets are now available here: https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/santa-specials1

The decision comes after huge demand from visitors from across the UK who told the railway they wanted the chance to secure their festive trip well in advance. 

For the first time ever, families can also add optional ticket refund protection when booking, allowing them to recover 100% of the ticket price if plans change, offering extra peace of mind when booking early.

 

Even better news for families is that prices have been frozen for 2026, ensuring this much-loved experience remains accessible while continuing to deliver the high-quality festive magic that visitors have come to expect.

 

The railway’s famous Santa Specials will once again take passengers on a magical winter journey through the breathtaking Dee Valley. Festively decorated carriages, cheerful elves, and a special visit from Santa himself will create a truly unforgettable experience for children and adults alike.

 

At the start of the journey, adults will receive a warming mulled wine and festive mince pie at Llangollen, while children will enjoy special festive treats before boarding their Christmas adventure.

 

Santa will travel on board the train before settling into his grotto at Lapland in Carrog, where families can enjoy a special meet and greet, take photographs, and share a magical festive moment together. Each child will also receive a high-quality age-appropriate present.

 

Visitors will also be able to enjoy high quality festive food at Lapland, with a range of options available to pre-order online from September, helping families plan their perfect Christmas day out in advance.

 

With additional seating available and more services planned than ever before, even more families will be able to enjoy this wonderful Christmas tradition.

 

Anita Piatowska of the Llangollen and Corwen Railway said: “Our Christmas trains have become one of the most magical festive experiences anywhere in the UK and every year we welcome families who return to create new memories together. 

"Last year our Santa Specials completely sold out, which shows just how much people love the experience. By putting tickets on sale a full nine months before Christmas, we’re giving families the chance to secure their seats early and avoid missing out.

 

“We’ve frozen our prices for 2026, expanded the number of services and listened carefully to feedback from visitors and volunteers. With the return of high-quality age-appropriate presents, more trains and even more festive atmosphere, we believe this will be our most exciting Christmas season yet.” 

Tickets for the Santa Specials are on sale now, with the railway encouraging visitors to book early before the most popular dates sell out.

 

Tickets for additional festive services including Sion Corn Welsh Language Trains and Mince Pie Specials will be released this Friday. 

Tickets are available here: https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/santa-specials1

 

 

Results showcased of a burning ambition to brighten the town

* Some of the people who organised and worked on the project with the benches in the background.

A group of dedicated community artists have had a burning ambition to use their intricate new skill to brighten up the town.

And the results of their efforts over the past few months were showcased to an appreciative audience at the Town Hall this evening (Tuesday).  

Thanks to a funding contribution from the Commuted Sums scheme, Llangollen Town Council has partnered with The Little Learning Company to run a community art project to create imagery on a number of benches using pyrography, which is the art of burning a design into the surface of the wood using a specialist tool.  

With guidance from expert tutor, Dr Victoria Ward, a dozen members of the community were enlisted to carry out the fascinating process and, since January, have burnt a variety of iconic images into 12 benches which will be placed at prime locations across the town.  

Their beautiful work celebrates the local landscape, wildlife, landmarks, history and heritage and include depictions of St Collen's Church, the International Pavilion, a steam train at Llangollen Station, Plas Newydd, Pontysyllte Aqueduct, Llangollen Wharf, the Chainbridge and Llangollen town bridge.

Others celebrate the library and Town Hall, music, theatre, dance, cinema and performance as well as reading and poetry. 

It is hoped that QR codes can be added to each bench so that people can map out a course to walk around town to admire them.

They were admired by an audience of people representing the various locations shown who were asked whether they would like to see the project extended and whether more benches are needed in the area and, if so, where they might be best placed. 

A Commuted Sum is a payment by developers to a local authority when it is not appropriate to provide the required outdoor open space during a development. 

The funds are held specifically for the enhancement of open spaces and play areas, and are often used for the same town or community council from where they came.

The Town Mayor, Cllr Aled Morris, said: "I think everyone who sees them is blown away by the way the benches have turned out - the artwork is absolutely outstanding - and I'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved in the project."   

Michelle Wright from the Little learning Company said: “The opportunity to be part of a community-based project, leaving a lasting legacy around the town and passing on a new heritage skill to members of the community was an opportunity not to be missed.”

Please don't park at youth centre, says county council

An urgent appeal has gone out for people not to park at Llangollen Youth Centre.

It comes from Denbighshire County Council which says on that the car park of the building on Willow Street should be kept clear for the improvement work going on there.

The Facebook post says: "We are currently undergoing external improvement works at Llangollen Youth Centre (Willow Street, Llangollen LL20 8HH). 

"To ensure these works can proceed safely and without disruption, can we kindly ask visitors and residents not to park in the Youth Centre car park. 

"The Youth Club car park is private property and not for public use. While we understand it has been used regularly by residents, we now require the space to be clear.

"Work has begun on site, and we require the car park to be clear of vehicles as soon as possible to allow contractors full access.

"Thank you for your understanding and for helping us improve this community space."

Yee-haw! RAFA to host Country-themed fundraiser

A fundraising event with a distinctly Country theme will take place at the RAFA Club in Llangollen on Saturday March 14.

Boot, Scoot & Bid will feature line dancing, a Shania Twain tribute act, a Country disco and an auction.

Entry is free, but all attendees are encouraged to bid on the auction to raise money for Derwen Charity, which supports young people with SEND who attend Derwen College in Gobowen, near Oswestry. Doors open at 6pm.

 

If you would like to donate an auction prize to support the fundraising efforts, get in touch with Serena Young (serena.young@derwen.ac.uk) or Bryony Wesson (bryony.wesson@derwen.ac.uk) at Derwen College.

 

Health board staying in Special Measures 'is no surprise' says MS

* Darren Millar MS.

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives and Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has expressed his "deep concern" at last week's announcement that Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which covers Llangollen, is to remain in Special Measures, but said it comes as no surprise.  

The troubled health board was first placed in Special Measures back in 2015 due to serious concerns about governance, leadership, and the quality of care. 

It remained in this position for over five years before moving to Targeted Intervention in November 2020, shortly before a Senedd election. 

It was subsequently placed back into Special Measures in February 2023 and has now spent longer in Special Measures than any other organisation in the history of the NHS.     

Commenting on last week's announcement, Mr Millar, who days earlier called for an independent body to make decisions about special measures and intervention in the Welsh NHS, rather than politicians, said: "Last week's announcement that the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board will remain in Special Measures will come as no surprise to the people of North Wales.
 
"They know from their own personal experiences, and those of loved ones and friends, that the health board is failing on many levels and has been for years. 

"It was first placed in Special Measures, and therefore under direct control of the Welsh Government, back in 2015 and this latest announcement has confirmed that the situation is no better all these years on.     

"Patients, families and frontline staff deserve so much more than promises and reports. We are demanding action and improvement. 

"Only days before this announcement, it was reported in the press that an elderly patient died in an Emergency Department corridor in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd -  on her own and in view of other patients. The situation is simply barbaric.

"As I recently stated, with Welsh Government Ministers responsible for making decisions about intervention arrangements, politics often comes first. I want patients to be put first instead.  

"An independent decision making process is needed to remove the politics, deliver rapid improvement, and give patients the service and care that is currently lacking."

Mr Millar added: "We have wonderful staff working in our NHS here in North Wales, but like the patients they serve, they are being let down.   

"Special measures are meant to be a wake-up call for improvements, not a permanent state."  

Pavilion packed for International Women's Day celebration

* A crowded Pavilion for the International Women's Day celebration.

Hundreds turned up to enjoy a free community celebration for International Women's Day held at the Llangollen Pavilion yesterday (Sunday). 

The day's events were organised by the Floral Team of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Team secretary Diana Ballard said: "Entry as free with no booking required. Everyone was welcome to inspiring talks, live entertainment, browse local crafts, artisans and exhibitors. 

"There was also a photo competition, entitled This Is My Joy, in which we encouraged women of all ages to take part. Prizes were awarded on the day."

* All pictures by Jeanette Robinson

* Soprano Clare Harrison entertains.

* Heather Aspinwall speaks about the Welsh Women's Peace Petition.

* Llangollen Museum's Gillian Smith gives her talk on The Hidden History of the Women of Llangollen.

* A colourful floral display.

* A dance group go through their paces.

Free celebration of International Women's Day at the Pavilion today

 

A free community celebration for International Women's Day will take place at Llangollen Pavilion today (Sunday March 8) from 10am-4pm. 

The day's events he have been organised by the Floral Team of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Team secretary Diana Ballard said: "Entry will be free with no booking required. Everyone is welcome to inspiring talks, live entertainment, browse local crafts, artisans and exhibitors. 

"There will also be a photo competition, entitled This Is My Joy, in which we encourage women of all ages to take part. Prizes awarded on the day."

* Details about how to apply for the competition are below:

Programme

* For more details go to the event's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1438735061110500/