Dance extravaganza at 2026 Llangollen Eisteddfod

* Nachda Punjab Youth Club were the Eisteddfod's 2025 dance champions. 

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has today unveiled its 2026 competitions syllabus.

This marks a landmark expansion of opportunities for performers at next summer’s world-renowned festival, which runs from Tuesday-Sunday July 7-12.

A standout highlight is the huge increase in competitive dance categories, increasing from just five in 2025 to 14 distinct classes. 

This unprecedented expansion opens the door for soloists, ensembles, and cultural dance groups from across the globe to showcase their artistry. 

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

The changes come directly in response to feedback from performers and audiences who expressed a strong appetite for more opportunities to celebrate the diversity of global dance traditions. 

At the same time the festival says it will continue to honour its most cherished competitions, including male voice choirs, the Choir of the World, and many other established favourites. This ensures that the heart of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod remains as strong as ever.

* New Zealand Youth Choir, 2025 Choir of the World winners.

In 2025, the festival welcomed over 4,000 competitors from around the world, all coming together to celebrate culture, creativity, and international friendship. With the 2026 syllabus now published, organisers anticipate record-breaking interest, cementing Llangollen’s reputation as one of the world’s most inclusive and dynamic international arts festivals.

Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “The Eisteddfod has always been about bringing people together through music and performance, and dance has a very special role in that mission. By expanding our competition categories, we are creating space for more traditions, more performers, and more stories to be shared on our stage. We can’t wait to see the energy and creativity that dancers will bring to Llangollen in 2026.”

Fiona Brockway, a Trustee of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, and a former First Soloist with the Royal Ballet, said: “Throughout my dance career I have been privileged to have performed on stages across the world, witnessing the extraordinary power of dance to transcend language barriers and unite people of all cultures. 

"That is why I am so excited that in 2026, the Llangollen Eisteddfod will significantly expand its Dance program, embracing styles from Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Heritage and Traditional Folk, to Ballroom, Hip-Hop, and Street Dance. 

"Dancers will have the amazing opportunity to showcase their creativity and artistry, to tell their stories on a unique stage where many world famous artists have performed before them, and to receive invaluable feedback from a panel of esteemed industry professionals.

 “Llangollen is a place where dancers and musicians can come together to share their culture and their love of performance with others from across the globe. It’s a celebration of connections and I can’t wait to see the incredible and inspiring talent here in 2026!”

The full 2026 competitions syllabus is now available to view online with details of all classes and entry requirements. Performers and ensembles are encouraged to apply early to secure their place at what promises to be an unforgettable week of music, dance, and friendship in the heart of North East Wales.

Story says reopened Newbridge 'eased' storm travel disruption

* The headline on the story in the Advertizer.

A story in the Oswestry Border Counties Advertizer says a long-awaited road reopening in Wrexham "came just in time to ease travel disruption caused by Storm Amy".

The B5605 in Newbridge reopened last Saturday (October 4) after being closed since a landslip during Storm Christoph in 2021.

For the full story, see: Storm Amy shows the need for reopened Newbridge route | Border Counties Advertizer

* However, despite the re-opened Newbridge, there was still considerable disruption in Llangollen on Saturday due to the diversion as the pictures below show.

* Congestion in Castle Street at lunchtime on Saturday after traffic was diverted through Llangollen by the viaduct closures.

* At one point around 12.30pm on Saturday an ambulance with 'blues and twos' on had to reverse out of a congested Castle Street where it had intended to go and continue instead along the  A5 instead.

New major roadworks begin in town centre

* Sign of the times ...

Gas works at the junction of Regent Street, Hill Street and Chapel Street which are due to last until October 25 have started this morning (Monday). 

Temporary three-way traffic lights acting on both sides of the permanent lights on the A5 and on Castle Street are in place along with diversion signs.

The same stretch of Regent Street was the scene of major sewer works only in May.

* Barriers at the Regent Street end of Hill Street.

* Temporary traffic lights in place of the permanent ones at the Castle Street/Regent Street junction.  

* Sewer works at the same spot on Regent Street last May.

Operatic to stage charity afternoon tea next Saturday

Llangollen Operatic Society will be holding their annual Afternoon Tea on Saturday October 11 at St Collen's Community Hall.

An organiser said: "For a modest entrance fee, there will be a feast of home-made goodies on offer, with unlimited tea or coffee, convivial company and a chance to take a breather after perusing the food festival in the town.

"Two very worthwhile charities stand to benefit from the fundraiser, with all monies raised going directly to them.

"This year the chosen charities are North West Cancer Research and North East Wales Mountain Rescue.

"Since its inception several years ago, a very impressive £6,203 has been raised and we hope to substantially add to this sum.

"So do please pop along from 12 noon onwards where a very warm welcome awaits you! 

"Dogs are welcome with well behaved owners, and there's even a doggy treat for them!" 

RAFA bingo night raises £910 for Nightingale House

The recent bingo night at the Llangollen RAFA Club raised over £900 for Nightingale House Hospice.

One of the organisers said: "I'd like to say a huge thank you for the generous support we received at our bingo night at the RAFA Club raising a total of £910." 

Funding fair to be held at St Collen's Community Hall

 

Latest column for Denbighshire Citizens Advice

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