Plas Newydd comes alive with sights and sounds of Wassail

The gardens at Plas Newydd were transformed last Sunday afternoon as people gathered for the very first Plas Newydd Wassail. 

This old tradition of ‘waking the orchard’ celebrates nature, renewal and community, and the Plas Newydd Wassail incorporated elements of Calennig (Welsh New Year) customs as well. 

Celebrants, many wearing nature-themed costumes, watched dancing from Tegeingl Tanglers Border Morris side outside the cafe. 

A torchlit procession filled the darkening grounds with a joyful din as everyone made as much noise as possible to ‘drive the evil spirits out’ of the orchard. 

Crackling braziers and twinkling fairy lights created a magical atmosphere as people gathered around the Old Man and the Old Woman, the brightly-lit guardian trees. 

Llangollen Food Share provided apple-themed refreshments as the beautiful sounds of acapella group, Oswestry in Harmony, floated on the evening air. 

Children placed decorated apples (Perllan) at the feet of the Old Man and Woman, Rebekah provided some informative background and geed-up the crowd, with the help of the Town Crier, followed by head gardener Lysette reading a poem celebrating the orchard’s trees. 

Organiser Max made an address to the Old Man and Woman before cider was poured on their roots and toast lodged in their branches to symbolise healthy growth and abundance. 

Every cry of ‘WASSAIL!’ was met with a hearty ‘DRINK-HAIL!’ from the gathered crowd. 

Around a hundred people attended, most from Llangollen, but some from much further away. The rain held off until the main celebrations were over, then made for an appropriately life-giving finale. 

A spokesperson for the organisers said: "A wonderful winter afternoon and a superb atmosphere was enjoyed by all who attended. Thanks to the organisers, Max and Gail, all the volunteers and contributors, and everyone who helped make the Wassail such a sparkling success. Same time next year?"

Deadline coming up for Eisteddfod dance competition entries

* Choir of the World winners for 2025, World Nachda Punjab Youth Club 2. 

With just six weeks remaining, dancers are being urged to submit their entries for the Solo and Duet/Trio Dance Competitions at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod 2026. 

The closing date for applications is Sunday February 22 and strong interest is already being shown from dancers across the UK and overseas.   

The competitions will take place on Saturday July 11 2026 as part of the world-famous Llangollen Eisteddfod, which runs from Tuesday 7 to Sunday 12 July.

The 2026 festival will deliver a true dance extravaganza, underlining the Eisteddfod’s growing commitment to showcasing dance alongside its internationally renowned music and cultural programme. 

  

A standout highlight for 2026 is the dramatic expansion of competitive dance opportunities, with categories increasing from just five in 2025 to fourteen distinct classes. 

This unprecedented growth opens the door to soloists, ensembles and cultural dance groups from across the globe, offering a platform for an extraordinary breadth of styles. 

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

  

Dancers can enter as solo performers or in duet and trio groups, with performances lasting up to three minutes. A wide range of styles is welcomed, including ballet, contemporary, jazz, commercial, street and ballroom. Competitions are open to dancers of all ages, with age groupings used where necessary to support scheduling. 

Performers may use either pre-recorded backing tracks or provide their own piano accompaniment. International medals will be awarded to the top three competitors in each category, alongside the prestige of performing on one of the world’s most respected international stages. 

  

Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “The Llangollen Eisteddfod has always been about bringing people together through music and performance, and dance plays a vital role in that vision. 

"The expansion of our dance competitions for 2026 is incredibly exciting and reflects strong feedback from our loyal audiences. It also reflects our ambition to welcome more styles, more cultures and more performers to Llangollen. We are very much looking forward to seeing the creativity and passion dancers will bring to the stage.” 

  

Dancers wishing to take part are encouraged not to delay, as entry numbers are limited. Full details on how to enter can be found at eisteddfodcompetitions.co.uk/solo-and-duet-trio-dance. Successful applicants will be notified by Thursday March 5. 

  

The excitement doesn’t end with the competitions. Evening concerts throughout the week are selling fast, with audiences eager to secure seats for a spectacular line-up in the Royal International Pavilion. 

Highlights include Uniting Nations: One World on Tuesday July 7, a powerful celebration of peace and global unity conducted by Sir Karl Jenkins; Global Rhythms: Made in Wales on Wednesday July 8, showcasing vibrant Welsh creativity alongside world music influences; a mesmerising performance by the Orchestral Qawwali Project on Thursday July 9; a World Exclusive concert with global music icon Emeli Sandé and The Absolute Orchestra on Friday July 10; and An Evening with Michael Ball on Saturday, July 11 featuring one of Britain’s leading musical theatre performers. 

The week concludes on Sunday July 12 with the final of Choir of the World, a thrilling showcase of the world’s finest choral talent. 

  

Tickets are available from Llangollen.net, and people are being encouraged to book soon as demand is high and several concerts are close to selling out. 

Historic railbus could power new Dee Valley shuttle service

* Railbus 79962 is heading to Llangollen.

• * Fitter Chris Smith, from the Vintage Carriage Trust, with Llangollen based fitters Dan Williams and Chris Collins.

An historic railbus could be used to operate a new shuttle service through the Dee Valley.

A project to restore Railbus No. 79962, built in 1958 and one of only four surviving examples of its type in the world, is due to begin at Llangollen and Corwen Railway this February and be finished by 2028. 

The facelifted railbus then has the potential to deliver a highly environmentally sustainable Llangollen to Berwyn shuttle service that would reduce parking pressures at Horseshoe Falls and help open up the Dee Valley. 

Railbus 79962, which represents a rare and innovative chapter in Britain’s railway history, will arrive in Llangollen on loan from the Vintage Carriages Trust, one of the UK’s leading accredited railway museums. 

Lightweight, economical and seating around 56 passengers, it was designed specifically for flexible operation on quieter routes. Its low weight, efficient operation and ability to run frequent short services make it particularly well suited to modern, sustainable transport challenges.

The railway says there is strong and growing interest from the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in developing regular shuttle services to Berwyn, with the specific aim of reducing traffic congestion and parking pressure at Horseshoe Falls during busy periods. 

By providing an attractive alternative to car travel, the shuttle would help protect this sensitive landscape while making the wider Dee Valley more accessible to residents and visitors alike.

Above all, the Railbus is said to offer a more environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional train formations. Its ability to operate frequent, efficient services with lower fuel use makes it ideally suited to supporting responsible tourism and sustainable access to the Dee Valley.

Tim Pulford, Engineering Manager at Llangollen Railway, said: “This is a genuinely exciting and achievable project. A great deal of preparatory work has already been completed on Railbus 79962, including asbestos removal, floor repairs, heater overhaul and soundproofing. 

"From an engineering perspective, this is a well-understood vehicle with clear solutions to the remaining challenges. Our volunteers have already inspected it and are confident it can be restored to a high standard.

"Planning is already well advanced, with February 2026 identified for the arrival of the railbus. In addition to its environmental benefits, the project will create new volunteering, training and skills development opportunities in light traction operation, mechanical systems, and heritage restoration, supporting the railway’s long-term sustainability.

"The Railbus project reflects Llangollen Railway’s commitment to practical, partnership-led solutions that protect the environment while widening access to the Dee Valley. Further updates will be shared as the project progresses."

Ian Smith, Vice Chairman of the Vintage Carriages Trust, said: “The Vintage Carriages Trust is delighted to be working with Llangollen and Corwen Railway on this project. 

"Railbus 79962 is an important historic vehicle, and this partnership allows it to be used in a way that is both historically meaningful and environmentally responsible. Supporting sustainable access to landscapes like the Dee Valley is exactly the sort of role these vehicles can play today.”

As part of the partnership the Vintage Carriages Trust will fund the overhaul of the Railbus and provide technical advice, operational guidance and, if required, driver training. 

Two new sessions at the library to kickstart 2026

Two new sessions are coming to Llangollen Library to help kickstart your new year with new opportunities. 

* Men Moving Forward: Llangollen and Dee Valley

 

A welcoming, informal session for men to come together, socialise, and develop skills to support their employability journey. A relaxed, supportive environment over a chat and a brew. 

 

Open to men living in Denbighshire, aged 16+, who are on a pathway to work, education, or training.

 

When: Wednesday 14th January, 11am – 1pm

 

For more information: 

SDCP – 01490 266 004

Working Denbighshire – 01745 331 438

* New for 2026 is Job Club & Wellbeing Session at Llangollen Library

 

Kickstart your wellbeing journey in 2026 with a creative and relaxing experience!

 

Create your own needle-felted owl using wool from local farms and explore a variety of other wool-based crafts you never knew were possible. Plus, learn all about the fascinating wider uses of fleece!

 

No experience needed – just come along and enjoy learning from an expert at The Little Learning Company.

 

To book on: https://shorturl.at/mrzN9

 

When: Wednesday 14th January, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

 

This session is delivered by Barod, Working Denbighshire, supported by South Denbighshire Community Partnership (SDCP).

Transport may be available from Corwen and Pengwern via SDCP – please enquire for details.

Job Club: No need to book – just drop in for support to help you find work and much more!

 

Drosi Bikes to host 'uplifting' film evening next month

Drosi Bikes is hosting a film night in Llangollen which it says is more than just for cyclists.

Chasing The Sun is the new documentary film from 2x BAFTA-winning director Michael B.Clifford. 

It explores extraordinary personal stories of ordinary cyclists taking on iconic endurance event Chase The Sun, revealing the power of the humble bicycle to transform lives and help save the planet.

The film features contributions from broadcaster and ITV’s voice of the Tour de France Ned Boulting, author and blogger Jools Walker, Turner Prize-winning artist Sir Richard Long and 4x Mountain Bike World Champion Tracy Moseley.

According to their recent Facebook post, the showing of Chasing the Sun at Llangollen Town Hall on Tuesday February 3 is for commuters, gravel riders, parents on the school run, people who want to ride more, people who want to be inspired and people who care about their community and the planet.

Drosi describes Chasing The Sun as "an uplifting film" and the evening will include a panel discussion exploring the power of the cycle and of everyday cycling for fun, challenges, travel and well-being.

It will also feature Tracy Moseley and director Michael B Clifford as special guests.

There are limited tickets at £12 available from: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../chasing-the-sun-film...

Drosi Bikes is a community interest company, and this event is being run on a not-for-profit basis.

Any surplus from ticket sales will be reinvested directly into our local community projects, supporting access to bikes, skills, confidence and sustainable travel here in Llangollen and our wider community in North Wales.

* You can find out more about Drosi at www.drosibikes.org

Bryn Terfel launches hunt for Denbighshire’s hidden heroes

* Sir Bryn Terfel issues a rallying cry.

Opera legend Bryn Terfel has issued a rallying call for entries to find unsung social care heroes in Denbighshire.

The search is now underway for nominations for the 2026 Wales Care Awards which shine a spotlight on the remarkable staff working in care homes and home-care services across the country.

Among the accolades is the Sir Bryn Terfel Foundation Award, celebrating outstanding work in bringing the arts into social care settings.

Sir Bryn, a long-time supporters of the event, is urging colleagues, managers and families to put names forward – not only for the award carrying his name but for every category, recognising excellence across the profession.

Also up for grabs are honours for frontline care practitioners, nurses, chefs, dementia specialists and those championing fulfilled lives, alongside awards for outstanding service in the sector.

This year's glittering event will take place Holland House Hotel, Cardiff, on Friday, October 16.

The closing date for all nominations will be January 31 and more information can be found on our website: www.walescareawards.co.uk

None of the finalists will go away empty handed because, a bit like the Olympics, they will win gold, silver or bronze awards.

Sir Bryn said: “Every day, social care staff go above and beyond, often without the recognition that they richly deserve. Supporting the Wales Care Awards is my way of helping to shine a light on their incredible work.

“These people are the backbone of our communities. Families rely on their compassion and skill, and it is only right that we celebrate the difference they make to people’s lives across Wales.

“I’m especially proud that the arts have a dedicated category. Creative activities bring comfort, joy and dignity to those receiving care and it’s wonderful to honour the people who make that happen.

“I’d urge colleagues, relatives and managers to take a moment to think about someone who deserves recognition. A nomination can mean the world to those who give so much.”

The awards were founded by Mario Kreft MBE, the chair of Care Forum Wales, to recognise the “fantastic work” of front line staff and promote excellence in the social care sector.

Mr Kreft said: “The Wales Care Awards are all about saying thank you to the people who keep the social care network going. If you know somebody who consistently goes the extra mile, this is your chance to make sure they get the credit they deserve.

“Whether it’s a brilliant nurse, a dedicated chef or a anybody who never  fails to deliver, please put their names forward. The process is simple and the impact is huge.

“The awards night is a rare opportunity for staff to come together, share ideas and enjoy an evening that’s entirely about them. It’s a celebration of the sector at its very best.

“If we don’t properly value the people who care for others, we cannot hope to provide the high quality care our communities need. Raising the profile of the workforce is essential and these awards play a big part in that.

“We’re looking forward to another uplifting night where the remarkable women and men of social care can enjoy their moment in the spotlight.”

* For more details about the categories and to make a nomination for the 2026 Wales Care Awards go to  https://walescareawards.co.uk/