Llangollen lads cycling to Thailand cross from Germany into Austria

* The intrepid trio at the mighty River Danube.

The three Llangollen area lads cycling to Thailand crossed from Germany into Austria during the fourth week of their epic journey,

Dyfan Hughes, 17, James Thomas, 18, and Louis Dennis, 18, had never ridden a bike further than the shop near their homes when they set out a few weeks go on their 18-month quest to reach Asia.

Once there they aim to meet up with their friend Harrison who moved to Thailand six months ago after his dad died from a heart attack and to raise money for heart research. 

On day 28 of the trip they recorded on one of their short films how they had encountered heavy rain for the first time as they headed along he banks of the River Danube - and were lucky enough to have some tasty bread donated by a local family as they stopped off in a town.

The crossing into Austria came on day 30 and there was a mention of how a woman from Wales they happened to meet paid for their breakfasts. 

A couple of days later they were telling how they had been interviewed on radio in Welsh - but there's no explanation of how this came about. There was some bike trouble for Louis but that was soon fixed at a local cycle shop.

On day 33 they noted they were well on track to reach Vienna by the weekend. 

* To follow the journey on their social media and make a donation if you wish go to: https://linktr.ee/westheads

Tidy Town Team's founder celebrates his 80th birthday in style

* David Davies and his wife Yvonne are toasted by family and friends at the birthday lunch.

One of Llangollen's best-known figures celebrated his 80th birthday with a party for family and friends at The Hand Hotel yesterday (Saturday).

David Davies, founder and coordinator of the Tidy Town Team and who is also closely associated with the Probus Club and Methodist Church, hosted the special event which included a lavish lunch and enjoyable quiz which included questions about his own life interspersed with those about national and international events of the same periods.

Members of his family travelled from Canada and the Britain to be at the celebration.

* The host thanks everyone for helping him mark his milestone birthday.

Llangollen panto to hold meet and greet this Sunday

Llangollen's pantomime group has announced it will be raising funds for Wales Air Ambulance and the town's Silver Band with its 2026 production of Dick Whittington.

A spokesperson said: "We have a meet and greet, from 2-4pm, this Sunday September 7 at St Collen's Community Hall in Llangollen.

"We had a fantastic response with sold-out shows which generated the incredible amount of £2,500 for two local charities from our last show, Beauty and the Beast.

"Please come along on Sunday if you would like to get involved in our amazing production of Dick Whittington.

"At the meet and greet Dave, our director, will be introducing all the fantastic characters that are in the show. We need adults and children for all the parts.

"So if you are interested in having a part in the show or want to get involved in behind-the-scenes roles, staging, props, costumes, set building, etc, there will be lots of opportunities to chat and to get to know everyone involved."

Congestion caused by roadworks with no work going on

 

* Traffic congestion on Regent Street caused by the roadworks outside the fish and chip shop.

llanblogger has been trying to find out why two set of traffic lights on a trunk road through Llangollen, which have been causing major traffic congestion throughout the day, have been installed around roadworks left unattended for hours.

A utility company, believed to be Wales & West, set up the excavation, which consists of a small trench extending into the carriageway from the pavement, outside the chip shop on Regent Street (A5) yesterday (Thursday).

But after some initial work on it then and earlier today (Friday) the roadworks were left unattended from mid-afternoon.

But because sets of temporary traffic lights have been installed either side of the roadworks there has been considerable congestion in both directions - especially severe as it's another busy weekend on the regular tourist route.

Earlier this afternoon llanblogger sent an email to Wales & West, to verify they are their roadworks and to question the timing of the work. Apart from an automatic acknowledgement of the email there has so far been no response. 

* The unattended roadworks on the A5.

Eisteddfod celebrates major grant to facelift the Pavilion

* Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Grant Calton, left, and John Gambles have thanked Arts Council of Wales for sharing their vision of an all-year round arts hub in the town.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is celebrating success after being awarded a major grant from Arts Council of Wales to deliver a transformative upgrade to the Pavilion at the site.

After careful consideration, the Arts Council of Wales has confirmed a grant of up to £166,500 as a contribution towards upgrading the Pavilion’s sound and lighting systems. 

This investment will make a significant contribution to the Eisteddfod's drive to transform the building into a modern, energy-efficient, year-round arts venue at the heart of the community.

Now in its 78th year, the world-famous festival has long been a beacon of peace, friendship, and cultural exchange through music and dance. 

Thanks to this investment, the Pavilion will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure that enhances the experience for performers and audiences, while securing its future as a vibrant cultural space for both international visitors and local groups.

* Carolyn Thomas MS, pictured with her son Harry, says she was proud to back the bid that will make a huge difference to Llangollen.

The improvements will deliver a wide range of benefits:

• For audiences – a richer and more immersive experience with professional-quality sound and lighting.
• For performers, partners and event organisers – a technically advanced venue capable of hosting everything from local talent showcases to international touring productions.
• For the community – greater access to high-quality cultural events and a flexible space for creativity all year round.
• For the environment – reduced carbon emissions and lower running costs thanks to energy-efficient technology.

Work will begin in autumn 2025 and is scheduled for completion by January 2026. The project will be managed by the Eisteddfod’s leadership team, supported by professional contractors and volunteers.

John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said:

“This funding represents a significant step forward for the Eisteddfod and for the wider community. It will enhance the experience for performers and audiences and help to the Pavilion continue to be at the heart of Llangollen’s cultural life throughout the year. At the same time, it will assist greatly in our drive to reducing our carbon footprint. We are deeply grateful to Arts Council of Wales for their support in helping us realise this vision.”

Carolyn Thomas MS, who supported the bid, said: “I was very pleased to back this bid from the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. The Eisteddfod is one of Wales’ cultural treasures, attracting visitors and performers from across the world while bringing immense pride to our community. 

"I am delighted that Arts Council of Wales has recognised the importance of investing in the Pavilion’s future. These upgrades will not only improve the experience for all who attend but will also help ensure the Eisteddfod continues to thrive as a world-class event and as a hub for local arts all year round.”

Our Llangollen – Our Future: a public consultation event

* St Collen's Community Hall where the event will be held on September 26 and 27.

Llangollen residents, community groups, businesses and other local organisations will have the opportunity to have their voices heard on a range of local issues at a free-to-attend public consultation event taking place in the town at the end of September.

Severn Wye Energy Agency, a third sector charitable organisation, is currently delivering a new National Lottery funded community engagement and development project in Llangollen, part of a project looking at the challenges rural communities face across Wales.

The consultation event, entitled Our Llangollen – Our Future, will be held at St Collen’s Community Hall on Friday September 26, from noon-7pm, and Saturday September 27, from noon-5pm.

The event will also include numerous stands showcasing local community related organisations, as well as a number of guest speakers to talk about subjects of local interest.

Organisers promise more details will be available nearer the dates.

Mark Ellis, Place Coordinator, Llangollen Energised Communities Project, Severn Wye Energy Agency, said: “This is your opportunity to identify future projects, and potential funding, that will enhance Llangollen’s future and that of its residents." 

#OurLlangollenOurFuture and #EinLlangollenEinDyfodol'

Eisteddfod launches monthly.lottery

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has launched a brand-new Monthly Lottery, giving supporters the chance to win big prizes while helping secure the future of one of Wales’ most iconic festivals.

For just £5 a month, players will be entered into a monthly draw, with proceeds directly supporting the Eisteddfod’s work. Every ticket sold helps boost the prize pot and provides vital funds to sustain and develop the world-famous celebration of music and culture. If 200 people join, the first prize would be £100, second prize £50, and third prize £25 – and the more people who take part, the higher the prizes will be.

The first draw will take place on the first Wednesday of the following month, overseen by staff, board members, and volunteers to ensure fairness and transparency. Supporters can join easily online at international-eisteddfod.co.uk/support-us/monthly-lottery or by calling the Box Office on 01978 862000. The first draw will be done on Wednesday, October 1st.

John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said, “This is a great initiative that will really benefit the Eisteddfod. Not only does it give our supporters a fun way to get involved, but it also provides important funds that will help us continue to bring people together through music, culture, and community. You don’t need to be a volunteer to take part – anyone can join in and support us while having the chance to win some great cash prizes.”

The Llangollen Eisteddfod has been a highlight of Wales’ cultural calendar since 1947, drawing performers and visitors from across the globe. The new Monthly Lottery is the latest way supporters can play their part in safeguarding its future