18 Jun 2013
Denbighshire: The 'County of Culture'
Situated near the border of England and Wales, Denbighshire in North Wales Borderlands is bursting with things to see and do. The historic town of Denbigh is host to a raft of cultural and historical activities, delicious food and drink, and quality accommodation.
This summer will also see the National Eisteddfod of Wales take place in Denbigh from 2 - 10 August 2013.
Before this though, the annual Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod on Tuesday 9 - Sunday 14 July will see singers and dancers from around the world descend upon Llangollen to take part in over 20 high quality competitions. This will be followed each evening by concerts where the best and most colourful competitors share the stage with professional artists.
More than 5,000 singers, dancers and instrumentalists from around 50 countries will perform to audiences of more than 50,000 over the six days of the event, and we are inviting you along to experience this colourful festival in the heart of adventure, North Wales Borderlands.
Away from the festival, against the backdrop of the Outstanding Natural Beauty of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, groups, couples and families can experience further history and heritage in the local area.
There's lots to see and do with theatre, arts and crafts and its own World Heritage Site on your doorstep in Denbighshire; the County of Culture.
We invite you to explore...
The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod
Taking place from Tuesday 9 - 14 July, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod will showcase a galaxy of star-studded evening concerts including performances from:
- The BBC National Orchestra of Wales
- A night of Latin dance from James and Ola Jordan, stars of Strictly Come Dancing, and the Buena Vista Social Club
- A star-studded performance from VERDI 200, celebrating 200 years of Giuseppe Verdi with a truly international performance of his Requiem featuring English soprano Claire Rutter, Bulgarian mezzo-soprano Mirouslava Yordanova, Welsh opera star Gwyn Hughes Jones (tenor) and Kiwi Jonathan Lemalu (bass)
- The Llangollen International Orchestra and the Mass International Choir will also be performing
For more information, visit www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk.
A Midsummer Night's Dream at Denbigh Castle
What more perfect way to spend a summer's night but with laughter, music and magic in one of Shakespeare's best loved plays, set against the backdrop of one of Wales' most beautiful venues.
Accessible to all - the theatre company, 'Taking Flight' offers a fresh, dynamic approach to the Shakespeare play at stunning Denbigh Castle.
Date: Friday 12 July 2013
Time: 7.30pm
For more information: http://www.visitdenbigh.co.uk/castleheritagedays.html
'A world of heritage' - 11 miles of Wold Heritage site canals
People have enjoyed horse-drawn boat trips from the canal wharf in Llangollen for over 100 years.
Attractions such as the Horseshoe Falls, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, and the Chirk Aqueduct and the Ceiriog Valley make up the 11 mile stretch of this World Heritage Site situated in Denbighshire.
The first stones were laid in July 1795 and it was completed in 1805 using local materials. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is the largest in Britain and is fed by water from the Horseshoe Falls near Llangollen. The water runs through an iron trough that measures 11ft 10ins wide and 5ft 3ins deep.
You can cross over the bridge in a canal boat, but remember a camera as the views are stunning!
http://www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk/
Ruthin Craft Centre
With three galleries showing the best in national
and international contemporary applied art,
on-site makers studios, café and retail gallery,
Ruthin Craft Centre is well worth a visit.
On display up until 14 July, Gordon Baldwin: Objects for a Landscape is an exhibition of work by one of the world's most distinguished ceramic artists.
http://www.ruthincraftcentre.org.uk/
And the rest....
Not forgetting local fresh Welsh produce from Denbigh Chocolate Shop, Bodelwyddan Castle, The SugarPlum Tearoom and much more...
Where to stay...
Guildhall Tavern & Restaurant, Denbigh
Set in the heart of North Wales close to the Clwydian Range - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in the historic town of Denbigh, the Guildhall Tavern is centrally located for exploring all the attractions of picturesque Denbighshire.
www.guildhalltavernhotel.co.uk/
Geufron Hall Boo-tique Bed and Breakfast, Llangollen, Denbighshire
Geufron Hall Boo-tique Bed and Breakfast is a luxury AA 4*-rated B&B located high above the town of Llangollen, nestled at the foot of Dinas Bran Castle in a beautiful rural location. With stunning views of the Vale of Llangollen, there is also easy access to a wide range of cultural activities.
Bach y Graig B&B, Tremeirchion
Bach y Graig B&B is a historic four star 16th Century farmhouse accommodation set in 200 acres of fertile farmland with private fishing rights on the River Clwyd.
Built in 1567, it is the first brick built building in Wales, with the original datestone still there today. There is also spacious character Grade 5 farmhouses with log fires, inglenook and four poster beds available.
http://www.bachygraig.co.uk/index.html
North Wales Borderlands Cultural Escapes
To arrange a visit, or for more information contact our press office on nwborderlands@webershandwick.com or call 0161 238 9400
