Former Eisteddfod competitor returns as Minister for Culture

* Culture and Sport Minister Heledd Fychan chats with Eisteddfod Friends chair Paul Spencer about his group's valuable fundraising for the festival over many years.

* The Minister meets volunteers in the floral tent.

A former competitor at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod returned to the this year’s festival but this time as the Welsh Minister for Culture and Sport.

 

On her visit, during which she was given a guided tour of the busy Eisteddfod field by its chairman John Gambles, Heledd Fychan MS stressed how important the annual festival is in providing cultural activities which help overcome division in society.

 

She also praised the Eisteddfod for the strong emphasis it places on multilingualism and the promotion of the Welsh language through its signage, publications and advertising. 

 

The Minister, originally from Ynys Môn, revealed that over 20 years ago she competed with her choir, Côr Glanaethwy, quite a few times, winning on a number of occasions. Her young son has been following in her footsteps competing with his own cluster choir from the Bangor area.

 

She said: “I remember my choir had some successes here over the years and actually, a few years ago, when my son was here with the school choir he loved it, so it’s great to be back.

 

“This is my first time visiting the Eisteddfod as a government minister and I have really enjoyed meeting the volunteers working around the field.”

 

She added: “Obviously, the history of the Eisteddfod is a really interesting one as it’s about peace and bringing cultures together and celebrating them.

 

“I think it's really pertinent today when we so much division in our society that the Eisteddfod actually serves to remind us all of what unites and the part culture can play in this.

“It’s also important to be reminded that we have two national languages and that people coming to the Eisteddfod can experience the Welsh language as well and see the similarities between some languages.”

 

During her tour the Minister met people in their various work areas, including artistic director Dave Danford, backstage volunteers Mark Jones (stage manager) and John Gibbens then Michelle Davies of the floral team on their stall where she received a welcome spray of cold water on her neck to help keep her cool in the day's blazing sun.

 

Ms Fychan looked in on the heritage tent to receive a full briefing from Chris Adams on how the Eisteddfod’s records right back to its 1947 origins are being carefully preserved.

 

It was then over the official gift shop and the adjacent visitor centre where she chatted to Ian Lebbon, chair of the Eisteddfod’s marketing committee and also chair of Denbighshire Destination Forum Partnership.

 

Later, she visited the competitors’ reception centre to be greeted by Alison Da Silva and then the Friends of the Eisteddfod tent where she spoke to the group’s chair Paul Spencer about the valuable financial contribution it has made to the festival over many years.

Tough uphill ride means hospital trip for a Westhead

* Louis needed a trip to hospital after struggling uphill in the Chinese mountains.

One of the three Westheads cycling to Thailand for charity ended up in hospital on the latest leg of their mammoth journey.

Mates Dyfan Hughes, 18, from Llangollen, Louis Dennis, 19, from Garth, and James Thomas,19, from Wrexham are making their 1,000 journey in aid of the British Heart Foundation in memory of Tony Edge, the father of their friend Harrison who died following a heart attack in 2024.

As they were heading into China Louis had a brush with a car which left his bike in ruins. He got back on the road thanks to contributions from supporters back home which enabled him to buy a replacement machine.

After treatment to a fractured wrist and some recuperation he was able to rejoin his two friends in the saddle.

But a fresh problem arose as the trio were heading out of the 30 degree heat of the desert into the much cooler - at times downright cold - weather of the mountains.

After tackling a five-kilometre tunnel - all uphill - the lads were finding it hard to breath. They eventually got a lift in a police vehicle and found themselves a bed for the night.

But at 2.30 next morning Louis felt a sudden pain in his chest, which necessitated a trip to the local hospital accompanied by Dyfan.

In their daily video log, in which he can be seen fitted with tubing on his face, he says: "I had really low oxygen because of going up and down all day in the freezing cold. The doctor advised me to drop down to the next town and my lungs will feel better then."

One thing that's going right for them is that donations continue to flow in online for the British Heart Foundation for which they have so far raised over £50,000. And at one point in their latest update they thank one of the donors, local firm Ifor Williams Trailers, for their contribution.

* llanblogger is 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 

Take a deadly trip down the Nile with Twenty Club

As it celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2026, Llangollen Twenty Club is inviting new and returning members to get involved in its latest production of Agatha Christie's classic mystery, Murder on the Nile.

A club spokesperson said: "Whether you've trodden the boards for years or are a relative novice, we'd love to meet you.

"The play is set aboard a luxurious paddle steamer cruising down the Nile and this classic mystery is packed with romance, jealousy, betrayal, and, of course, murder. 

"We are looking for a diverse cast of talented actors to bring this iconic story to life. With a wonderful range of characters, it's an ideal opportunity for anyone looking to be involved with The 20 Club, whether returning, or being welcomed for the first time.

"Some familiarity with the play and characters may be helpful, and audition pieces are available on request." 

Audition dates are tonight Tuesday July 14 and/or Tuesday July 21 at 7.30pm and the venue is Garth & Trevor Community Centre, Heol Penderyst, Trevor, Llangollen LL20 7UD.

Performance dates are Wednesday to Saturday November 11-14

Rehearsals start the first week of September and are then every Tuesday and Thursday evening at a venue yet to be finalised but will be Llangollen.

At £10 a year, membership of The Twenty Club is required for anybody cast and to be paid on or before the first rehearsal.

* For the more details of the auditions and the club, email: contact@twentyclub.co.uk or text text 07970 000542,  

Man, 46, dies following incident at Llangollen bridge, say police

North Wales Police have this afternoon given details of the incident which closed Llangollen bridge for a short period last Friday evening.

In an official statement they say: "At 8.16pm on Friday 11th July, police officers responded to the bridge on Castle Street, Llangollen following witnesses reporting seeing a man jump from the bridge. Following searches conducted in the river, a 46-year-old man was located and conveyed to hospital in Wrexham, where he later sadly passed away.

"The man's family and the Coroner have been informed, and the circumstances are still being investigated. Our thoughts are with the individual's family and friends at this time, and I would like to thank officers, our emergency service partners, and the assisting public for their response to this incident.

"As a policing team, we are aware of safety concerns locally regarding diving off the bridge, and whilst this is not a criminal offence, we will continue to work with Denbighshire County Council, Llangollen Town Council, and other partners to highlight the dangers to the general public, and officers will continue to advise and warn individuals intending to jump from the bridge of the dangers of doing so."

Railway and Eisteddfod partnership hailed a resounding success

*Llangollen Railway Station welcomed dozens of young people on Children's Day. 

Llangollen and Corwen Railway has hailed its partnership with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod as a resounding success after hundreds of performers and visitors travelled through the Dee Valley as part of the new World Voices on the Railway initiative.

Throughout Eisteddfod week, choirs, dance groups and musicians from around the world travelled on heritage trains between Llangollen and Corwen, recreating the tradition that saw international competitors arrive in the town by rail during the early years of the Eisteddfod. 

Stations at Llangollen and Corwen became stages in their own right, with impromptu performances delighting passengers and visitors welcoming the world's performers as they travelled through the valley.

The week began in memorable style with internationally acclaimed composer Sir Karl Jenkins and Lady Carol Jenkins travelling on the railway, before performers from Ukraine, India, Zimbabwe, Belgium, Indonesia, Norway, the Philippines, the United States and many more countries brought music, dance and friendship to the line.

* Dame Darcey Bussell taught the team at Llangollen Railway Station some steps.

Children's Day was another major highlight, with schools enjoying the unique partnership between the Railway and the Eisteddfod, meeting international performers and experiencing first-hand the spirit of international friendship that has defined the festival for generations.

Another unforgettable moment came when one of the world's most celebrated dancers, Dame Darcey Bussell, visited the railway. She met volunteers at Llangollen Station before travelling by steam to Berwyn Station, where she was welcomed by Station Master Peter Dickinson and his team. Dame Darcey described Berwyn as "…the most beautiful railway station in the United Kingdom."

The partnership reached an emotional conclusion on the final day of the Eisteddfod when the Llangollen and Corwen Railway sponsored the prestigious Male Voice Choir Competition. Corwen Station Master Wayne Ronneback and his wife Sue presented the trophy to the winning choir, Chantage from London.

The couple received spontaneous applause from the Pavilion when it was announced that, between them, they have given more than 60 years of voluntary service to the railway. 

Wayne serves as Station Master at Corwen, while Sue coordinates the rostering of the railway's team of more than 600 volunteers.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway Trust Manager David Hennigan, who is also a Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: "This partnership has exceeded every expectation. We have brought back the tradition of performers travelling to the Eisteddfod by train, creating something completely unique for visitors, schools and competitors alike.

* Kiny Cultura dancers from Indonesia travelled to Glyndyfrdwy to perform. 

"From Sir Karl Jenkins opening the week, to Dame Darcey Bussell's visit, Children's Day and the wonderful international performances, the Railway became an extension of the Eisteddfod itself. With next year marking the Eisteddfod's 80th anniversary, we're already looking forward to making World Voices on the Railway even bigger."

Corwen Station Master Wayne Ronneback said, "What a week it has been. It began with Sir Karl Jenkins giving me a few conducting tips and ended with Sue and me presenting one of the Eisteddfod's most prestigious trophies.

"It has been a privilege to welcome the world to Corwen, as well as Llangollen, and I'd like to thank the Eisteddfod organisers for embracing this partnership from the very beginning. We can't wait to welcome everyone back for the Eisteddfod's 80th anniversary next year."

Throughout the week, the Railway also maintained a busy presence on the Eisteddfod field, sharing a stand with Wrexham University and the Canal and River Trust, while international flags decorated Llangollen Station and Eisteddfod programmes were sold from the Railway Ticket Office and Shop.

Following the overwhelming success of the partnership, plans are already underway to develop World Voices on the Railway for 2027, when the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod celebrates its 80th anniversary. Both organisations are committed to building on this year's success and ensuring the tradition of welcoming the world to the Dee Valley by rail continues for generations to come.

 

Eisteddfod unveils star-studded 80th anniversary concerts

* Jools Holland. 

Global music icon Jools Holland and internationally acclaimed opera stars Sir Bryn Terfel, Natalya Romaniw and Noah Stewart will headline two spectacular concerts as part of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod’s landmark 80th anniversary celebrations in 2027.

 

The first event to be unveiled for the milestone year is Llangollen 80: Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, taking place at the iconic Llangollen Pavilion on Thursday July 8. Joining Jools on the night will be special guest vocalist still to be announced 

alongside acclaimed vocalists Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka.

 

The anniversary programme will also feature the Llangollen 80: Anniversary Gala Concert on Saturday July 10, starring Sir Bryn Terfel, Natalya Romaniw and Noah Stewart alongside the Llangollen International Orchestra and massed male voice choirs in a spectacular celebration of the festival’s rich musical heritage and international legacy.

 

These concerts mark the first major programme announcement for the Eisteddfod's 80th anniversary, with further events set to be revealed in the coming months.

 

Fans can secure their tickets now by signing up to the pre-sale which goes live at 10am on Wednesday July 29.

* Sir Bryn Terfel.

 

Friends of the Eisteddfod can purchase tickets from 10am on Tuesday July 28 and all tickets go on general sale at 10am on Friday 31. All tickets are via llangollen.net

 

Musician, bandleader, broadcaster and pianist Jools Holland is one of Britain's most celebrated performers. From his early success with Squeeze to his long-running BBC series Later... with Jools Holland, his remarkable career has spanned more than four decades.

 

Joined by special guest Roachford and acclaimed vocalists Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka, Jools and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra will bring their renowned blend of rhythm & blues, boogie-woogie, jazz and rock 'n' roll to Llangollen for an unforgettable evening of musicianship, energy and timeless classics.

 

His return carries particular significance as a long-standing supporter and Vice-President of the Eisteddfod, having performed to thousands of festival-goers at Llangollen over the years.

 

The Llangollen 80: Anniversary Gala Concert will celebrate eight decades of music, friendship and international understanding with one of the most ambitious productions ever staged as part of the festival.

* Noah Stewart.

 

Three of the world's finest opera stars — Sir Bryn Terfel, Natalya Romaniw and Noah Stewart — will perform alongside the Llangollen International Orchestra and massed male voice choirs in a spectacular showcase of Welsh and international musical excellence. The specially curated programme will feature operatic favourites, great choral works and unique collaborations, reflecting both the remarkable history of the Eisteddfod and its continuing place on the world stage.

 

Together, the two concerts form part of a special programme marking the Eisteddfod's 80th anniversary and celebrating its enduring legacy of bringing people together from around the world through music, culture and friendship.

John Gambles, Chairman of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: "Our 80th anniversary is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Llangollen so special, and these two concerts perfectly reflect both our heritage and our future.

* Natalya Romaniw.

"These will be two truly special world-class events that will launch our anniversary celebrations in spectacular style, and we're delighted to welcome such outstanding artists to Llangollen as we celebrate 80 remarkable years."

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Dave Danford added: "Jools Holland has a wonderful connection with Llangollen and always creates an incredible atmosphere, while our Anniversary Gala Concert brings together some of the finest voices in opera alongside the proud Welsh choral tradition that has always been at the heart of our festival.

"We're also thrilled to welcome back Sir Bryn Terfel, whose unforgettable celebration of sea songs and Welsh heritage was one of the highlights of last year's Eisteddfod. As one of Wales' greatest musical ambassadors and a longstanding friend of Llangollen, his return makes this anniversary year even more special.”

* For more information visit llangollen.net