Railway launches footplate pass experience

* Travelling on a train's footplate is on my people's bucket list.

Following the outstanding success of the footplate passes during this year’s Branch Line Gala, Llangollen and Corwen Railway has launched a brand-new series of Footplate Pass experiences on both steam and diesel locomotives, now integrated into the regular timetable. 

The first opportunity for visitors to enjoy this unique experience will take place on Sunday 3 May, marking the beginning of an exciting new programme that places passengers right at the heart of railway operations.

 

Feedback from those who took part during the gala has been overwhelmingly positive, with organisers describing the response as “incredible” and confirming they have been inundated with requests to bring the experience back.

 

These exclusive experiences allow participants to travel on the footplate itself, alongside the team, for a full line journey between Llangollen and Corwen. Along the way, passengers will enjoy a truly spectacular route through some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes – passing landmarks such as Berwyn Tunnel, Horseshoe Falls, and Llantysilio Hall, as the railway hugs the banks of the River Dee for much of the journey.

* Railway volunteers Paul and Dave roll out the red carpet for the new footplate pass experience.

 

Matthew Carty, Head of the Railway’s Footplate Department, said: "This is a truly exhilarating way to experience the railway – right at the heart of the action. Being up on the footplate alongside the team, you’re completely immersed in the sights, sounds and sheer power of the locomotive as it works along the line. You feel the heat, hear every beat of the engine and see the railway from a perspective very few people ever get to enjoy.

 

“The feedback from our Branch Line Gala footplate pass holders was incredible – we’ve been inundated with requests to bring this experience back. We’re absolutely delighted to now offer it as part of our regular timetable, giving more people the chance to experience the railway in such a unique and unforgettable way while taking in some of the most stunning scenery in the country."

 

Each Footplate Pass includes:

 

• A signal box tour prior to departure
• A full footplate experience for part of the journey
• A return trip on the train in passenger accommodation
• Supervision and guidance from experienced railway volunteers

 

Passengers must complete a medical questionnaire in advance to ensure suitability for the experience.

 

Pricing:

 

• Steam Footplate Pass: £130
• Diesel Footplate Pass: £130
•  

Confirmed Dates

 

Steam Footplate Passes: https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/special-events-in-2026/steam-engine-footplate-ex

 

• Sunday 3 May (first available date)
• Sunday 17 May
• Sunday 7 June
• Sunday 14 June
• Sunday 28 June

(All steam departures: Llangollen – Corwen 10:00 / Corwen – Llangollen 11:05)

 

Diesel Footplate Passes: https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/special-events-in-2026/diesel-engine-footplate-e

 

• Saturday 6 June
• Saturday 13 June
• Sunday 14 June
• Saturday 21 June
• Sunday 28 June

(All diesel departures: Llangollen – Corwen 11:05 / Corwen – Llangollen 12:20)

 

This new initiative not only offers an unforgettable experience for railway enthusiasts and visitors alike, but also supports the ongoing work of the railway, with proceeds being reinvested into the Footplate Department.

 

* Tickets are on sale now at Steam Experience: https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/special-events-in-2026/steam-engine-footplate-ex

Diesel Experience: https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/special-events-in-2026/diesel-engine-footplate-e and demand is anticipated to be high following the popularity of the gala experiences.

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice

Q: I’m becoming more aware of how much energy our household gadgets and appliances use, and it’s making me think about our bills. Do you have any tips to help us cut down on energy use and save some money at home?

A: It’s completely normal to worry about rising energy bills. The good news is that adopting a few simple habits into your daily routine can make a real difference. Here are some practical tips to help you take control of your energy use and save money.

In the bathroom

Reducing the length of your shower time can help. Try reducing the water temperature of your shower too, as cooler showers use less energy.

Doing your washing

Using your washing machine's 'eco' cycle takes longer, but uses less energy. For laundry that isn’t heavily soiled, use a cold cycle (20 or 30 degrees Celsius).

If possible, hanging your washing outside is an effective (and free) way to dry clothes - weather permitting! If not, using a heated clothes airer instead of a tumble dryer is a good option as they are cheaper to run.

In the kitchen

Air fryers, microwaves and slow cookers usually use less energy than an oven or hob. Putting lids on pans while you’re cooking and using the right size pan for the amount of food you are preparing will use less energy heating it.

When you boil the kettle, measure out the water you need. Boiling water in the kettle before adding to the pan will also help your food cook more quickly meaning you use less energy.

Defrost your fridge or freezer once or twice a year and don’t hold the door open for extended periods of time - this will help use less energy to stay cold.

Your heating

Check the temperature on the thermostat - between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius is fine for most people.

Check your heating times - if you have a boiler, set the temperature two or three degrees lower, (or programme it to be off) when you’re out or asleep.

Check the thermostatic radiator valves - some have numbers on them. You can set each one to the lowest number that keeps the room comfortable. Set them to 3 or 4 for rooms you want warmer and 1 or 2 for rooms you want cooler.

Install radiator reflectors behind radiators on external walls if your house isn’t well insulated. These are easy to install even in rented homes, and will make rooms feel warmer.

You can find out more about energy saving tips here. If you're worried about paying your energy bills you can get advice on our website or contact your local Citizens Advice.

A footie match, a cute pup and bike problems for the cycling trio

* The lads loved being special guests at a local match between Buxoro and Nasaf.

Being special guests at a thrilling local football match, an encounter with a cut puppy and a barrage of bike problems have been highlights of the past week for the three Llangollen area lads cycling to Thailand for charity.

As they headed across the desert area of Uzbekistan the Westheads - Dyfan Hughes, 18, from Llangollen, Louis Dennis, 19, from Garth, and James Thomas,19, from Wrexham - stopped off for a few days' well-earned rest in the town of Bukhara.

There they met Vladimir, who plays for local soccer side Buxoro in the Superliga, and he invited them along as his guests, free of charge, to their match against Nasaf. 

There were free football shirts for the trio and the warmest of receptions from the rowdy crowd.

The lads reckoned they'd never felt so welcome and said game, which ended in a 1-1 draw, had been one of their best experiences of the trip so far.

Unfortunately, their daily video log shows that the next few days shows was a bit of a mood-breaker, with one bike problem rapidly following another.

*The cute puppy they met on the trail and named Westie.

Showing the fortitude which has characterised their marathon journey they eventually found solutions to their mechanical ills, which meant having to thumb lifts from passing motorists to the nearest bike shops.  

One thing that lifted their drooping spirits was coming across a cute abandoned puppy along the way, which they took to immediately. And after they gave it some water and a few cuddles it just wouldn't leave them alone.

Knowing that they couldn't take the dog along with them they tried to find a home for it with local families, without success. So the pooch, which they named "Westie", spent another night with them in their hotel.  

As they hit the legendary city of Samarkand, their latest video shows them making a major route change which will now take in the nearby countries of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan and another range of mountains.

The lads are making their mammoth 1,000 journey in aid of the British Heart Foundation in memory of Tony Edge, the father of a friend who died following a heart attack in 2024.

They've raised a massive £27,000-plus of their £50,000 charity target since they left Llangollen eight months ago.

* 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

Latest local roadworks alerts from the county council

 

Latest local roadworks bulletin from Denbighshire County Council is:

ABBEY ROAD, until 30/04/2026, Ailwynebu/ Resurfacing DCC HIGHWAYS, Confoi 10 mya/10 mph Convoy

A542, APPROXIMATLEY GWEN HEFR A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD, 06/05/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works RPO WILLIAMS CIVIL ENGINEERS, Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

A539, JUNCTION REGENT STREET, HILL STREET, 15/05/2026 - 22/05/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works RNR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Pengwern / Trem Yr Ysgol, Llangollen, until 30/04/2026, Gwaith Teithio Llesol / Active Travel Works PRONIN LIMITED,  Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

T JUNCTION OF BROOK STREET, PENGWERN, until 30/04/2026, Gwaith Teithio Llesol / Active Travel Works PRONIN LIMITED, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

OUTSIDE PENDYFFRYN, GRANGE ROAD, 05/05/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works PLATINUM (DCC), Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

OUTSIDE SOAR COTTAGE, SUN BANK, 11/05/2026 - 13/05/2026, Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

JUNCTION OF VICARAGE ROAD, BACHE MILL ROAD, 06/05/2026 - 07/05/2026, Adnewyddu Polyn / Renew Pole GT WILLIAMS, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Carriageway, A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD, 11/05/2026 - 15/05/2026, Clytio/ Patching DCC HIGHWAYS, Confoi 10 mya/10 mph Convoy

You can now follow llanblogger on our new WhatsApp channel

 

Llanblogger now has its own WhatsApp channel

* Follow the Llanblogger channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ehhp6hENqKMFCgd1B

Railway's real ale train gets under this Saturday

* Singer Charlie Jones will provide the entertainment aboard the real ale train.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway is preparing to launch its newly refreshed 'Ales of Wales' Dee Valley Real Ale Train this Saturday, offering visitors a unique evening of live music, local ales, great food and stunning scenery through the heart of North Wales. 

The event starts at 5pm, with the train leaving Llangollen at 6.30pm.

The popular event returns with a new format and significantly reduced ticket price, dropping from £30 to just £20 per person. 

The ticket also includes a complimentary first pint and a branded souvenir glass, offering exceptional value for what promises to be one of the standout events of the spring.

The opening night will feature a live performance from Charlie Jones, a well-known and much-loved performer in Llangollen and across the region. 

Renowned for her outstanding jazz and blues vocals, Charlie, nicknamed the Voice of Llangollen, will perform a fantastic selection of music inspired by legendary artists including Amy Winehouse, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan and Nina Simone, creating a vibrant and memorable atmosphere with her band.

Passengers will enjoy a scenic heritage rail journey through the Dee Valley, with a wide selection of Welsh ales available to purchase, including favourites from Hafod Brewery and Purple Moose Brewery.

* James Veal and the real ale team check out the stock.

A specially prepared cut-price menu will also be available, offering hearty favourites such as beef stew, burgers, vegan options and freshly prepared pizzas, all designed to provide great value and complement the evening’s relaxed, social atmosphere.

The event begins at Llangollen Railway Station with a lively pre-departure atmosphere before the train departs, great food and drink, and one of the most picturesque railway journeys in the UK. 

Live music starts from 8pm, and those without train tickets are also invited to come down to the Station Master’s Marquees to enjoy the beer festival atmosphere before the train arrives back in Llangollen at 9.05pm.

James Veal, Events Co-ordinator for the railway, said: “We’re really excited to relaunch the Real Ale Train as ‘Ales of Wales’. We’ve listened to feedback and worked hard to make the event more accessible, while still delivering a high-quality experience. 

"Charlie Jones is a fantastic performer and brings something really special to the event. Combined with great Welsh ales, live music and the setting of the Dee Valley, it creates a brilliant night out.

“With the reduced ticket price, the free pint, souvenir glass and a great value food offering, we think this offers outstanding value and a great social experience for visitors and locals alike. It's no wonder tickets are going like HOP cakes.

"The Ales of Wales Real Ale Train is proving to be extremely popular, with limited spaces available for the first Real Ale Train of 2026."

* Tickets can be booked online at: https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/products/real-ale-train

Operatic's Great British Bake Off deserves a Hollywood handshake

Llangollen Operatic Society's current production of The Great British Bake Off Musical deserves no less than a Hollywood handshake for its sheer tastiness.

The long hours spent in rehearsals and the effort which went into creating some of those very edible looking "prop" cakes is amazing, with not a soggy bottom in sight anywhere on the Town Hall Stage, which this joyous show will occupy from tmorrw (Wednesday) until Saturday, April 22-24 at 7.30pm with a 2pm matinee on Saturday.  

The musical version of the smash-hit TV show, created by Jake Brunger and Pippa Cleary, follows eight amateur bakers over a season as they compete for the title of Star Baker. 

The plot focuses on contestants' personal stories, including Gemma, a hesitant carer, and Ben, a widowed police officer who fall in love.

The show follows a traditional, light-hearted, and heart-warming structure, culminating in the traditional garden party final. 

The simple yet absorbing plot highlights the friendship and competition between contestants, with judges Phil Hollinghurst (based on Paul Hollywood) and Pam Lee (based on Prue Leith) providing critiques.

Some attractive songs include "The Perfect Petit Fours" and "Rise," which highlight the emotional journeys of the characters.

The whole thing concludes with a final winner being announced at a celebratory gathering. And, of course, I'm not going to reveal who that is.

Lead parts in the 19-strong cast are taken by David Lyne and his wife Louise as Phil Hollinghurst and presenter Kim. Louisa Jones is Pam Lee, the celebrity judge. and funnyman of the presentation team is Graham Bannister-Kelly as Jim.

All four are well suited to their respective roles and entirely believable. In fact, I loved Pam's iridescent jackets and Phil's rather decent Scouse accent.

The back-stories of the eight hopeful bakers are introduced with the help of some neat little musical numbers, which move along the action perfectly.

A real star-in-the-making is young Emmie Davis as Lily, the nine-year-old girl who promotes the love affair between two of the bakers, her widowed dad Ben and Gemma. 

A six-strong ensemble perfectly augment the main cast and generally dash around making sure everything runs smoothly as members of the Bake Off crew. They include Sean Ruane-Brown, Glenn Fletcher, Biba Baksh, Jan Bellis, Jeanette Robinson and Sue O'Neill.

The famous big tent has been skilfully squeezed into the compact dimensions of the Town Hall stage complete with work stations and a characteristic big pink fridge-freezer.

Those prop cakes are brilliantly done and have been prepared by a behind-the-scenes team over many weeks. The first half closes with an immaculate interpretation of Blackpool Tower.

The near-constant musical numbers, superbly backed by a six-strong orchestra, are nicely handled as is the choreography masterminded by Rob Stevens, Pamela Williams and Belinda Hill.

The bakers, played by Belinda Hill as Babs, Ross Burgon as Ben, Kevin Williams as Dezza, Carly Casterton as Francesca, Stephanie Williams as Gemma, Cadan Thomas as Hassan, Rory Henderson as Izzy and Neil Barratt as Russell, are all believably presented and make you really care which one of them is to become the eventual winner.

Tracey Kempster Jones and Caroline Anthonisz are joint producers, Chrissie Ashworth is director, Elen M Roberts is music director and staging and design duo are Mike Jones and Niamh Connaught, all of whom have done a marvellous job of mixing all these ingredients together.

Next time I watch the TV version I'll be expecting everyone to burst into song. And if they could do it as well as this lot they'd all deserve that famous handshake.

Tickets for the show, priced £18, are available at Llangollen Tourist Information Centre, Llangollen Office Shop and Fine Foods and Solitaire Jewellers, or online from: ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety

Scenes from the show: