Denbighshire Leisure Ltd is celebrating after an Eisteddfod win for their employee will see her represent Wales in the Common Wealth Games this Summer.

Leah Thomas, Welsh Language Communications and Media officer, won first place in the Urdd Eisteddfod as part of Aelwyd Dyffryn Clwyd choir.

The choir, established in 2019, sang ‘Un Ydym Ni’ (‘We Are One’) at the Urdd Eisteddfod last Saturday and will now be representing Wales at the Commonwealth games this July in Birmingham.

This win held an extra special meaning for the group, with the performance dedicated to former choir member Gruff, who passed away in 2020. Conductress Ceri Roberts, who broke down in tears following the performance, said that this was the best the choir had ever sung this song and that this performance was for him.

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, said: “We’re really proud of Leah, and her choir from Denbigh, to have won 1st place at the Eisteddfod as well as representing Wales in the Commonwealth Games. The Welsh Language is very important to Denbighshire Leisure Ltd and having Leah’s role in the company is imperative to ensure all of our marketing, signage and communication meets the needs of our local communities. Congratulations Leah, the performance was exceptional and we know you’ll do Wales proud at the Commonwealth Games, we can’t wait to see you and your choir at the games!”

Ysgol y Llys Headmaster, Dyfan Mael Phillips, also wrote an exclusive poem for them following their spectacular performance.

If you would like to watch Aelwyd Dyffryn Clwyd perform their award winning rendition of ‘Un Ydym Ni’, click on the link below: https://youtu.be/4cC4UfbwGYY

The Rhyl Air Show is back this summer with a spectacular line up, including world-class acts across both days of the August Bank Holiday.

For the first time in Rhyl Air Show’s history, The Red Arrows and The Typhoon have confirmed aerial displays for both 27th and 28th August.

The award winning air show is fast becoming North Wales’s biggest FREE seafront event and the 2022 show will feature spectacular aerial displays and land-based attractions and entertainment.

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, said: “Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, in partnership with Denbighshire County Council, is thrilled to be bringing back the now ‘UK renowned’ Rhyl Air Show. The Rhyl Air show is considered one of the most spectacular events across the North Wales coast. Rhyl Town Centre and Events Arena are always buzzing with excitement, and to have both the Red Arrows and Typhoon over both days, is just amazing! We can’t wait to welcome visitors and locals to Rhyl and the Denbighshire coast to enjoy this award winning show

The Air Show will take place over the Bank Holiday in August, with more details to follow about the event in due course. More information can be found on the official webpage denbighshireleisure.co.uk/RhylAirShow and Denbighshire Leisure Ltd Facebook page.

Graham Boase, Denbighshire’s Chief Executive, said: “This major event provides a significant boost to the economy of Rhyl and wider communities each time it’s staged and the line up for this year is truly amazing. Denbighshire Leisure Ltd has a strong track record of hosting such prestigious events and we are delighted to be working in partnership with them to deliver what will be major crowd-puller in the events calendar. It’s popularity has grown over the years and the Air Show is rightly renowned across the whole of the UK as being one of the leading events of its kind. Visitors to the Air Show will not be disappointed”.

The Lancaster, Grob Tutor Display Team  and two Spitfires have also been confirmed for both days, ensuring double the excitement across the whole weekend.

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, is one of the world’s premier aerobatic display teams. Representing the speed, agility and precision of the Royal Air Force, the team is the public face of the service. Flying distinctive Hawk fast-jets, the team is made up of pilots, engineers and essential support staff with frontline, operational experience. Often with their trademark Diamond Nine shape, and combination of close formations and precision flying, the Red Arrows have been displaying since 1965.

A Typhoon display is a culmination of months of hard work, detailed preparation and concerted effort by the team behind the display. Whilst it is the pilot who displays the aircraft, he cannot even begin to do his role without the unfaltering commitment and backing of the dedicated group of professionals that make up the Typhoon Display Team. This year’s team from 29 Squadron comprises of specialists from every aircraft trade who, along with support and management teams, work together to bring you the dazzling spectacle that is the Typhoon Display. The team look forward to the unique challenges that a display season brings and the opportunity to showcase the Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft to the general public.

The mission of the RAF BBMF is to maintain the priceless artefacts of our national heritage in airworthy condition in order to commemorate those who have fallen in the service of this country. The RAF BBMF also serves to promote the modern day Air Force and to inspire the future generations. The Flight operates six Spitfires, two Hurricanes, a Lancaster and the aircraft are flown by regular RAF Aircrew.

The Grob 115E, known as the Tutor T Mark 1 in RAF service, was built and equipped especially for the RAF in Mattsies, Germany between 1999 and 2002.  Originally equipping No 1 Elementary Flying Training School it replaced the Bulldog T1 in service with the RAF’s University Air Squadrons and Air Experience Flight

Ella Henderson is today announced as a special guest to Tom Grennan at Rhyl Events Arena on July 10, 2022.

The popular singer and song-writer who started her successful career on X Factor is supporting the release of her 2nd album, ‘Everything I Didn’t Say’, following the extraordinary breakthrough success of her Platinum-selling, UK No. 1 debut album, ‘Chapter One’.

Rhyl train station was made famous by Ella Henderson back in 2019 when BBC Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw gave Rhyl its own national anthem ‘This is Rhyl’ after a BBC Radio 1 listener texted in to say that her song ‘This is Real’ in collaboration with Jax Jones, that was played frequently on the radio at the time,  sounded like ‘This is Rhyl’ and should be played to all passengers arriving into Rhyl at the station.

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd said: “We’ve got a fantastic summer lined up with Orchard Live this year, with a variety of talented performers, it really is a summer not to be missed. It’s great to see that the investments in the attractions along the Rhyl coastline, are now pulling in acts from all over the country, and putting Denbighshire on the entertainment map. This is another example of Rhyl becoming the destination of choice for investors and promoters”

The show at Rhyl Events Arena follows the highly successful concert with Tom Jones and is again delivered by award-winning promoters Orchard Live.

Pablo Janczur from Orchard Live said, ‘We’re really excited about returning to Rhyl after such an amazing and successful night with Sir Tom Jones back in September, we are thrilled to be coming back to Rhyl this summer!’’

Ella Henderson and Tom Grennan join the series of high profile artists coming to the Events Arena in July, kicking things off on Friday 8th July with legendary Manchester band James supported by The Lightning Seeds and the Ks, followed by Jack Savoretti supported by Beverley Knight on Saturday, July 9th.

Tickets are on sale now via Rhyl Pavilion Box Office and Gigantic.com

Amazing weather over the weekend saw hundreds of holiday makers and locals enjoying Beach Hut, Nova in what can only be described as ‘the start of a Summer to remember’.

In Rhyl, work is well underway to reopen 1891 bar, restaurant and Terrace at Easter, Rhyl Pavilion hosting a range of shows throughout the year, the ZipWorld sponsored SkyFlyer planned to fly next to the Rhyl Pavilion and SC2 is gearing up to reopen the Splash Pad, including their annual Beach Parties.

If you’re looking for exceptional fish and chips, The Shack on Rhyl Promenade is back this season with fresh fish and chips, snacks and drinks for walkers and beach goers. The Rhyl Events Arena is also playing host to a number of acts this Summer, with Tom Grennan, James and Jack Savoretti playing huge gigs on the sea front.

In Prestatyn, the delicious Summer menu is back at Beach Hut, with Mojitos bar reopening at the Beach Hut in Prestatyn, with two family fun beach days already planned for the start of Summer. The brand new adventure play area in Nova opened this weekend, including a spectacular pirate theme and brand new ice cream factory serving delicious treats.

There are a range of other activities being planned for the Summer, with locals being spoilt for choice for places to kick back after a long week, or make memories during the holidays at one of Denbighshire Leisure’s attractions, bars, restaurants and fitness experiences.

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, said: “It’s been fantastic to see so many people enjoying themselves this weekend. It’s great to get back a bit of normality and we cannot wait to welcome everyone back our attractions now the weather is warming up. This will definitely be a Summer to remember on the Denbighshire Coast, watch this space!”

A brand new pirate theme children’s adventure play area is opening at Nova Prestatyn this weekend.

The spectacular play area is bigger, taller and is packed with more than the previous play structure at Nova, and includes a new ice-cream factory and adventure play café to relax and refuel after playing.

The pirate theme adventure play includes two slides, features climbing, soft play, lots of fun obstacles and a dedicated toddler play area, catering for all children up to 1.48m tall.

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, said: “Nova is fast becoming the top destination of choice on the North Wales coast for people to train, eat and now they can play too! This new adventure play area is about creating an exceptional unrivalled play experience. This is another example of Denbighshire Leisure’s ongoing commitment to providing top class attractions.

“Now the whole family can enjoy Nova, with training in our state of the art Club Nova, including members bar with health drinks and snacks, take a swim in our 25m pool, enjoy a relaxing meal with the family in Beach Hut, or kick back after a hard week with one of our delicious cocktails in Mojitos. Now the kids can also enjoy Nova, with the adventure play café and Ice Cream factory, this is no ordinary play centre.

“We cannot wait for everyone to come and enjoy this new experience, but please bear with us as we still have some finishing touches to put together, including new furniture and theming which we hope will be in place for the summer!”

The new adventure play will open this Saturday, 2nd April, with some works continuing for the next few weeks, including new theming and furniture arriving before the summer.

To book your session please call Nova guest services on 01824 712323.

Leisure members across the company will be the first to use the new state of the art fitness app launching by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd.

Customers will be able to scan a QR code at site and gain fast track entry into the fitness suite or exercise classes.

The new app, which will work as a digital membership card, will run alongside a new front of house management system that is going live at the end of March.

The new technology will modernise the customer journey, build a more integrated experience for members and also make the online joining process paper-free.

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing this technology to our leisure and fitness sites. For the first time customers can book memberships online and amend their details instantly on the app.

“Denbighshire Leisure Ltd are proud to be at the forefront of innovative technology in the region, giving our customers an un-paralleled digital experience.”

Customers and members of Denbighshire Leisure will be contacted in due course about the roll out of the new systems.

For more information, please visit: https://www.denbighshireleisure.co.uk/digitalinnovation

Singer-songwriter supreme Rufus Wainwright has announced a show at Rhyl Pavilion Theatre this summer which is only one of four UK Dates.

The singer-songwriter who reached 12 million views on Youtube with Choir! Choir! Choir! Covering Leonard Cohen’s famous Hallelujah, will be coming to Rhyl Pavilion Theatre on 26^th June, 2022 as 1 of only 4 UK dates to celebrate his ninth studio LP and first new pop album since 2021.

Wainwright’s new album, Unfollow the Rules finds the artist at the peak of his powers, entering artistic maturity with passion, honesty, and a new-found fearlessness while remaining as creative, bold, and mischievous as ever. Produced by Mitchell Froom (Crowded House, Paul McCartney, Richard Thompson, Suzanne Vega, Randy Newman) at a variety of legendary Los Angeles studios – including Sound City Studios, United Recording, and EastWest Studios –the album serves as both bookend to Act I of an extraordinary career which, like Unfollow the Rules, began in the studios of Los Angeles, but also now as the first lines of a remarkable new chapter.

“What I would like this album to symbolize is a coming together of all the aspects of my life which have made me a seasoned artist,” says Wainwright. “My aim is to emulate the greats of yore whose second acts produced their finest work – Leonard Cohen when he made The Future, when Sinatra became Sinatra in his 40s, when Paul Simon put out Graceland. Pop music isn’t always about your waistline. Many songwriters improve with age. I’m flying the flag for staying alive!”

Tickets go on sale from 10am on Wednesday March 9^th from Rhyl Pavilion here: https://mpv.tickets.com/?agency=PAVV_MPV&orgid=55080&eventid=72498#/event/E72498   & Gigantic.com.

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd said: “We’re delighted to welcome Orchard Live back again this year with a variety high profile performers. This will be our second production with Orchard Live this year, following Imelda May’s appearance coming up in April, and before the festival of concerts in July with legendary band James, Jack Savoretti, Beverley Knight and Tom Grennan. There’s something for everyone.”

Pablo Janczur from Orchard Live said “We’re really excited to return to Rhyl this year with a whole host of concerts. We have a fantastic line up of talent this year with Denbighshire Leisure Ltd and after the fantastic reception we received from Tom Jones last year, we are excited to bring back high profile performers to the town”.

To book your tickets from 10am Wednesday 09^th March onwards, call Rhyl Pavilion Theatre Box Office on 01745 330000 or visit https://mpv.tickets.com/?agency=PAVV_MPV&orgid=55080&eventid=72498#/event/E72498

For many years the Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl has been very fortunate to have enjoyed the support and commitment of The Friends of the Pavilion Theatre, a voluntary society, comprised of people from many walks of life, brought together through a passion for theatre and the arts. 

Through their fundraising, which has included numerous social events such as coffee mornings and quizzes, the Friends have been able to support the Pavilion Theatre in many aspects of their operations – promotion, stage management, technical and catering, to name but a few. 

Over the years, the Friends have sponsored various practical purchases, such as noticeboards and wheelchairs, and also funded larger items such as intelligent lighting, and stage curtains.  The theatre has also benefitted from their contribution to redecoration projects in the auditorium and dressing rooms.  Their invaluable support has not been entirely financial, however, and on many occasions, members of the group have volunteered to provide practical assistance in areas such as selling programmes or stuffing envelopes with flyers etc.  Since their inception, the Friends have done everything they can to promote the Pavilion Theatre.

Recently, the Friends group announced their decision that the Society would come to an end in December 2021.  Whilst this is very sad news in many respects, the Pavilion Theatre team can only express their gratitude for the many years of fantastic loyalty shown by the Friends.  The team is also delighted that many of the volunteers who have been part of the Friends group have decided to remain in their roles with the Theatre, and will continue to provide that all-important support.

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd said “Denbighshire Leisure Limited and particularly our team at the Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl would like to thank all Friends members, both past and present, for the fantastic commitment and hard work they shown over the years.  There is no doubt that the Friends have played a big part in building the Pavilion’s excellent reputation within the Arts world, and their presence behind the scenes will be very much missed”.

Dave Simmons, former Friends Chairperson said “Having made the difficult decision to disband The Friends of Pavilion Theatre group, it is with pride that we are able to look back on our achievements on behalf of the theatre.  As a hugely important asset to Rhyl and the wider Arts community, we are delighted that our work with the Pavilion Theatre has helped bring enjoyment to so many people, and also to help maintain the high standards for which it has become known.”

The Pavilion Theatre has a very active volunteer community and Denbighshire Leisure Limited fully intends this to continue.  We have a number of volunteer roles available, and anyone interested in becoming involved can do so by through our volunteer page on the website denbighshireleisure.co.uk/volunteering

Denbighshire Leisure is lighting up its buildings in Ukraine’s flag colours of yellow and blue to show solidarity.

Famous landmarks in countries across the world are being lit up to show support to Ukraine following the Russian invasion.

Rhyl Pavilion theatre, 1891 restaurant and bar, the Ruthin Craft Centre, The Sky Tower in Rhyl, as well as bus stops and shelters across the coast, will be lit in yellow and blue this week.

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, said: “The thoughts of the whole company are with those affected by the situation in Ukraine. We wanted to show our support to the people of Ukraine at this unprecedented time and join together with landmarks across the world to let the people of Ukraine know that they are not alone and we are standing with them.”

Denbighshire County Council is working with partner organisations around supporting those impacted by the conflict in Ukraine. The Council has been meeting with the Welsh Local Government Association as part of a collective response in Wales to ensure a joined-up approach to the crisis.

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, and Chair of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, said: “Along with Denbighshire Leisure, the Council is sending a message of support to those in Ukraine by lighting up these buildings. The humanitarian crisis is growing with many people being impacted by the ongoing conflict, forced to leave their homes and fearing for the safety of their families. Our thoughts remain with those in Ukraine at this time and as a Council we will play a part in the response and will continue to work with the Welsh Government, the UK Government and other partners as a matter of urgency as plans develop.”

Land ahoy! Pirates are taking over Adventure Play at Nova over the next few weeks, to transform Nova Play and Café into a treasure island adventure.

Nova Play is one of the biggest adventure play centres in North Wales and it’s just about to get even better.

Roof damage by Storm Eunice caused Nova Adventure Play to close last week, so whilst the facility is closed for repair, Denbighshire Leisure Ltd has taken the opportunity to enhance the play area and café, and reopen with an exciting new look.

Following the success of Adventure Play at SC2 and the popularity of the Beach Hut at Nova last summer, the entire play area is being redesigned, in true Denbighshire Leisure style. The play structure will be doubled in size and transformed with new pirate themed decoration.

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, said: “Whilst roof repairs are undertaken, we have taken the decision to bring forward the programme we had planned to enhance the play experience at Nova. We want to make sure visitors and customers return to the quality customer experience they have come to expect from Denbighshire Leisure, and from a business perspective this now means we don’t have to close again in the future to enhance the play area. Taking this opportunity will give our customers a new experience to look forward to.

“Nova Play is the play centre of choice in the region with customers coming from miles to play in the unique play structure. Beach Hut, Nova has been a huge success since being developed; and with the launch of Club Nova, our premier fitness experience with exclusive club bar, it was only right that we invested in our play offer on site, so as to match all the quality experiences at Nova, further enhancing its reputation as the best leisure destination in North Wales.”

Works will start on 28.2.22 and are expected to take around four weeks to be completed.

Jamie added: “Whether you’re looking to relax with a cocktail at Beach hut; enjoy a delicious carvery on a Sunday; train like an Olympian in Club Nova or let the kids burn off some energy in play, there really is something for everyone at Nova.”