MUSIC, COMEDY AND MORE AS LLANGOLLEN FRINGE FESTIVAL KICKS OFF JULY 11

Llangollen is preparing to host a nine-day celebration of international arts and culture.

The 28th edition of the Llangollen Fringe Festival will run from July 11 to 20, promising a packed programme of music, comedy, dance, theatre, spoken word and workshops.

Paul Keddie, chairman of the Llangollen Fringe, said: "Fringe means surprises.

"From discovering incredible local talent to being swept up in unexpected moments of fun, there’s always something around the corner."

This year’s festival opens on World Fringe Day, July 11, aligning with more than 300 fringe festivals worldwide in a shared celebration of creativity and artistic freedom.

Mr Keddie said: "This year, we’re especially thrilled that World Fringe Day marks our opening night."

Comedian Alasdair Beckett-King will launch the festival on July 11 with a stand-up performance at the Town Hall, joined by fellow comics Charmian Hughes, Elaine Robertson, and Paul 'Silky' White.

Alasdair Beckett-King will kick off the festival   (Image: Edward Moore)

On July 12, Bill Ryder-Jones, former guitarist of The Coral, will perform a cinematic indie rock set at St Collen’s Church.

The same evening will see the London Afrobeat Collective bring their high-energy fusion of Afrobeat, funk, and jazz to the Town Hall.

The following night, experimental Welsh folk artist Cerys Hafana will perform at St Collen’s Church, while West African balafon virtuoso N’Famady Kouyaté will take the stage at the Town Hall.

Joel Sanders, the Angry Boater featured on Channel 4’s Narrow Escapes, will perform on July 14, reflecting on his journey from Las Vegas comedy to life on the canals.

The Tubs, whose debut album Dead Meat was praised by Iggy Pop on BBC 6Music, will perform on July 15 at the town hall with their blend of indie rock, jangle pop, and post-punk.

Scottish folk band Breabach will mark their 20th anniversary on July 16 with a performance at the Town Hall featuring pipes, fiddle, Gaelic song, and step dance.

Welsh Music Prize winners Adwaith will headline on July 17, followed by a folk and bluegrass double bill on July 18 featuring Filkin’s Drift and Cardiff’s Taff Rapids.

Afriquoi will bring their afro-electronic dance sound to the Town Hall the same night.

On July 19, Gambian kora master Jali Bakary Konteh will perform at St Collen’s Church, while Mr Scruff & MC Kwasi will close out the evening at the Town Hall.

Festival passes are available for £120, offering access to all main events and a saving of more than £85 compared to individual tickets.

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The festival also includes a full schedule of workshops, from poetry and folk songwriting to breakdance, circus skills, eco-poetry, and DJ sessions.

Llangollen Fringe will once again host its popular Music Around Town events on July 13 and 19, featuring free live performances at venues including Gales Wine Bar, Prince of Wales, and the Bridge End Hotel.

Artists set to appear include Tara Bandito, Eadyth, Baby Brave, Megan Lee, Sasz, and Igloo Hearts.

2025-07-10T14:38:09Z