Railway promises three days of steam, diesel and entertainment

Llangollen and Corwen Railway is preparing to host its flagship Branch Line Gala from this Friday to Sunday, promising three days of steam, diesel and entertainment in the heart of the Dee Valley. 

Iain Ross, Branch Line Gala Organiser, said: “This year’s event is shaping up to be something really special. It really showcases our amazing railway, right up the line, with activity at every station and a fantastic atmosphere throughout. 

"This three-day spectacular is delivered by our incredible volunteers, who work tirelessly to bring the railway to life. There really is something for everyone, whether you’re an enthusiast or just looking for a great day out. Across the weekend there will be plenty of food and drink available, and our Station Master’s marquee at Llangollen will be at the heart of the action, creating a real festival feel.”

Here are five reasons why you should not miss it, says the railway..

1. A Rare and Exciting Line-Up of Locomotives

This year’s Gala features an outstanding mix of visiting engines and home fleet favourites.

Highlights include:

• GWR Small Prairie No. 4555, returning to the line for the first time in over 60 years
• GWR No. 1369, the sole surviving example of its class
• Class 14 D9525, appearing during its final running weekend at Llangollen

Alongside these are home fleet favourites No. 3802 and No. 7754, offering a varied and authentic heritage experience.

2. Intensive Timetable Across the Full Line

For three days, the railway will operate an intensive timetable, giving visitors the chance to travel behind multiple locomotives, experience different combinations of stock and traction, and explore the full line from Llangollen to Corwen.

This is a rare opportunity to see the railway operating at full capacity.

3. Footplate Rides and Unique Experiences

The Gala will see the return of footplate rides, offering a rare chance to step aboard a working locomotive and experience life on the railway first-hand.

These experiences are extremely limited and highly sought after, making them a must for enthusiasts looking for something truly special.

4. Entertainment, Food and a Festival Atmosphere

The Branch Line Gala is more than just trains, with a packed programme of entertainment across the weekend, as recently highlighted in regional coverage. Visitors can enjoy live music and evening performances, including a special Saturday evening concert starting at 6pm, featuring international folk musician Chris Greve, joined by award-winning Richard Powell and the ever-popular Singing Farmer, John Hughes. Together they will bring a lively mix of folk, fiddle and entertainment to the Dee Valley.

Across all three days there will be a wide range of food and drink available, alongside the lively Station Master’s marquee at Llangollen, creating a real festival atmosphere. Craft stalls and attractions will also be in place, adding to the experience. Gala ticket holders are also invited to a special Friday evening reception, offering the opportunity to mingle with volunteers, soak up the atmosphere and be part of the railway community that makes the event possible.

Stations across the line will be fully open, each offering something unique, from traditional tearooms to museums and guided tours, ensuring there is something to enjoy at every stop.

5. A Full Day Out in the Stunning Dee Valley

Set against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK, the Gala offers spectacular scenery, historic stations including Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy and Carrog and opportunities to explore, walk and relax.

It is the perfect combination of heritage, scenery and experience.

Tickets and Pricing

Tickets are available for flexible options across the three-day event.

• Adult Day Ticket: £36
• Child Day Ticket: £6
• Two-Day Ticket: £65 (Adult) / £10 (Child)
• Three-Day Ticket: £86 (Adult) / £15 (Child)

Additional experiences:

• Dogs, bikes and kayaks: £3

Footplate passes are available in limited numbers and are expected to sell out.

Eisteddfod Friends coffee morning is today

 

Next steps planned for Our Llangollen - Our Future

 

Thailand-bound trio outline what lies ahead for them

* What lies ahead for the Westheads.

A challenging route taking in China and Mongolia now lies ahead of the three lads from the local area cycling to Thailand to raise money for charity.

As they rested up in Uzbekistan after a gruelling trip through the desert this week they reflected on what still lies ahead of them on their mammoth journey and how much they've raised for the British Heart Foundation.

Dyfan Hughes, 18, from Llangollen, Louis Dennis, 19, from Garth, and James Thomas,19, from Wrexham aim to pedal the 10,000 miles to the Far East in memory of Tony Edge, the father of a friend who died following a heart attack in 2024.

* The lads have so far raised £27,000 for heart research.

Over the past week or the intrepid trio, calling themselves the Westheads, have put in some hard pedalling in the deserts of Kakakhstan and Uzbekistan, managing to notch up an average 110 kms a day despite the intense heat but brightened by a  passing car stopping to hand them free bread and an ice-cream seller donating iced treats to then all.

Taking a well-earned break in the city of Nukus, they reflected on raising £27,000 of their £50,000 charity since they left Llangollen eight months ago and outlined the next steps along the long, long trail.

* A passing motorist donates some bread in the middle of the desert.

A they've planned it, ahead of them lie the legendary cities of Samarkand and Tashkent before they cross the border into China.

They then face the extreme test of the Gobi Desert in Mongolia before reaching that country's capital of Ulaanbaatar and heading back into China where they aim to take a good look at one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Great Wall and also Beijing.

The hill country of neighbouring Vietnam next awaits them before they eventually reach their final destination of Thailand.

* llanblogger will be recording their adventures along the way. To follow the journey on their social media and make a donation if you wish, go to: https://linktr.ee/westheads

Get your slice of funding available to local organisations

Your local organisation could get a share of over £3,500 currently available in Llangollen.

Under the Commuted Sums programme, funding totalling £101,064.42 is on offer to support local projects across Denbighshire, and applications are now open to help improve open spaces and play areas in the county.

And £3,600 is earmarked for the Llangollen Town Council area.

A range of organisations can apply for funding, including:

• City, town and community councils
• Community and voluntary groups
• Charities
• Public sector organisations
• Amateur sports clubs
• Denbighshire County Council

Samantha Mullan, Community Development Officer for Denbighshire County Council, said: “Commuted sums funding helps us improve and protect open spaces and play areas across Denbighshire. It supports safe, welcoming places for communities to enjoy. I’d encourage eligible groups to apply and make a real difference locally.”

* The funding closes for applications on April 20. Further information and application forms is available online here: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/commutedsums.

llanblogger wishes you all a Happy Easter

 

Evening of Welsh music and song to support Eisteddfod

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is to host a special fundraising concert  celebrating the richness and spirit of Welsh musical tradition on Friday May 8.

The evening will feature acclaimed male voice choir Meibion Marchan, renowned for their powerful sound and deeply expressive performances. 

They will be joined by an outstanding line-up of soloists, including celebrated harpist Angharad Huw, soprano Branwen Medi Jones and internationally respected tenor Rhys Meirion who will also guide the evening as compère.

The concert will take place at Llangollen Pavilion and proceeds will directly support the work of the Eisteddfod helping to sustain its mission of bringing together performers from across the world in a spirit of peace, friendship and cultural exchange. 

Eisteddfod Artistic Director Dave Danford said: “This concert is a celebration of the extraordinary musical talent we have here in Wales, and a reminder of the deep cultural roots that underpin the Eisteddfod. We are incredibly grateful to these artists for supporting the festival in this way, and we look forward to welcoming audiences for what promises to be a truly special evening.”

* Tickets are now available via Llangollen.net