Following the continuing uncertainty around hosting large scale events in regard to covid-19 regulations, Denbighshire Leisure Ltd have come to the difficult decision not to go ahead with the Rhyl Air Show in August 2021 as planned.

The Denbighshire Leisure Events team had hoped to make this year’s show bigger and better than ever, but will now be focusing their energies into delivery a ‘comeback spectacular’ in 2022. 

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd said “It is with much regret that we announce the cancellation of this year’s Rhyl Airshow.  Our entire team is devastated that the Airshow will not be going ahead.  We appreciate how disappointing this will be for visitors, residents and business, who we are sure will have been looking forward to this year’s show, but public safety has to remain our top priority.  Despite the frustration of the current circumstances, our commitment to helping Rhyl grow its tourism economy remains a priority.  We have some exciting new offers about to open over the coming weeks, that we have no doubt will help make Rhyl one of the premier Welsh destinations to visit this year.”

The Rhyl Airshow which would have been in its 12th year, has previously won “Best Crowd Puller Award” at the North Wales Tourism Awards.

Jamie added: “We are opening new developments in Rhyl this summer, in an expansion of our Food and Beverage portfolio; The Terrace at 1891, The Shack, and at our SC2 waterpark which opens this May half term holiday, we have a new ice cream factory, a new Costa Coffee offer and a refurbished outdoor splash area which is now available to book as a separate ticket.  Also coming soon, will be our Ninja TAG arena, which is undergoing some really exciting new developments, which will be unveiled ready for the summer holidays; so watch this space.  Cancellation of the Airshow is of course a huge disappointment, but we are still looking forward to an extremely busy and exciting summer ahead.  Rhyl is fast becoming a major crowd puller and the destination of choice, as it has so much offer its visitors now.”

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire County Council and Lead Member for the Economy, said: “It is with much regret that we announce the cancellation of this year’s Rhyl Air Show.  This has been a difficult decision for Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, and we appreciate the disappointment it will cause.  But the safety of our residents and visitors is of paramount importance to Denbighshire County Council.  Although the Airshow will not be going ahead this year, we are pleased to see the new developments announced recently by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, and are sure they will be an added draw in bringing visitors to the area this summer.  We believe that even without the Airshow, Rhyl’s growth as a tourism destination will continue throughout 2021.  We would like to thank residents, visitors and local businesses for their understanding and we look forward to the return of the Airshow in 2022.”

Corwen Leisure Centre has been formally renamed as Canolfan Hamdden Huw Jones, in honour of much-loved Councillor, Huw ‘Chick’ Jones.

A short renaming ceremony took place outside the Centre, attended by a small number of representatives of Denbighshire County Council, Denbighshire Leisure Ltd and members of Huw’s family.

The family have been delighted with the many positive comments they have received about the change of name.

The ceremony, taken place on Tuesday, 19th May, was by invitation only, and all Covid guidance was adhered to in full.

Like many organisations, the company has had to face a number of difficult challenges over the course of the last 12 months, with Covid-19 putting paid to some plans and ideas.  However this did not stop the team thinking outside the box, remaining positive, achieving new goals and the opening a host of new and upgraded facilities.

Despite the difficulties, the company launched a brand new eatery on the Prestatyn coast during last summer’s lockdown. The Beach Hut at Nova Prestatyn has been incredibly successful and received fantastic 5* reviews, during the summer season, and recently the Company has announced further new Food and Beverage outlets due to open along the Rhyl waterfront -The Terrace at 1891, The Shack and Rhyl Pavilion Costa

Denbighshire Leisure Ltd is renowned for its high standards and during the year, there have been exciting developments at a number of leisure centres across the county.  Denbigh Leisure Centre’s fitness suite was fully refurbished and Llangollen Leisure Centre received a new 3G pitch and their fitness studio was upgraded to improve group exercise class facilities.

Corwen Leisure Centre, renamed Canfolfan Hamdden Huw Jones in honour of beloved councillor Huw ‘Chick’ Jones, is due to reopen soon, having received an extensive refurbishment, thanks to investment from Denbighshire County Council.  This has included a new pool hall, spectator area, and wetside changing, an overhaul of the upstairs fitness suite, and a brand new studio.

Within the Arts sector, Rhyl Pavilion Theatre took on the exciting challenge of hosting the filming of a National Online Pantomime, streamed across the UK, and the theatre also underwent an extensive £400,000 refurbishment during the closure period, in partnership with Denbighshire Council.  The Company’s small Community Arts team embraced the challenge of supporting their various community groups through the pandemic by introducing online activities and social media based communications in order to help members stay active and positive.

The Active Communities team went above and beyond during the pandemic, making safe visits to many vulnerable residents shielding across the county, as well as providing activities and challenges for school groups.

During the Covid-19 closures, the company’s attractions on Rhyl promenade took centre stage by being lit up in blue for the NHS, in rainbow colours to support frontline workers and was also lit in blue in tribute to local teenager Ethan Ross, and to mark the launch of #MoveAMarathonForEthan, an event to honour his memory.

A new website was created and launched during the pandemic, including two brand new microsites, which give Denbighshire Leisure Ltd customers the best virtual experience possible, and included an array of social media and digital campaigns to keep people engaged during lockdown.

A local business partnership was formed with McLords, to create a Denbighshire Leisure Ltd branded sanitiser product for the leisure industry. Another partnership with local Ten Top Tourism attraction The Welsh Mountain Zoo, saw SC2 and Ninja TAG join in with the fundraising efforts to keep the zoo open after it suffered losses due to the pandemic.

Managing Director, Jamie Groves, said: “Despite most of our facilities being closed longer than they were open last year, I am really proud of everything our team has achieved. It’s been a difficult year in many respects, but we have tried not to let the situation hold us back.  This is just the start for our Company and we are continuing to look beyond the pandemic to the very exciting future we know is ahead of us.  We already have some fantastic projects launching Rhyl this summer and have many others in the pipeline.”

Note to editors: For more information and high resolution images, please contact Angie Platt, Head of Marketing, Brand and PR for Denbighshire Leisure Ltd on angie.platt@denbighshireleisure.co.uk.

Megan McKenna, star of reality TV show ‘The Only Way Is Essex’, has been confirmed as the support act for Tom Jones when he performs at Rhyl Events Arena in September.

National Treasure and Welsh icon Sir Tom Jones will play an exclusive outdoor concert at the Events Arena in Rhyl on Wednesday 1st September 2021. The show is an additional date for North Wales, alongside several rescheduled shows across the UK.

Megan McKenna first appeared on reality TV show ‘The Only Way Is Essex’, followed by Celebrity Big Brother and ‘Ex on the Beach’. Megan has moved away from reality TV to  pursue a country and western singing career, taking her across the world on tour with her hit ‘High Heeled Shoes’.

Pablo Janczur, Director of the Cardiff-based concert promoter Orchard Live said: “When we brought Tom to Colwyn Bay in 2015 everyone had such a good time, we just knew we had to bring him back to North Wales. Such an iconic artist coming to town means only one thing – a night to remember!”

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, said: “We’re thrilled Megan will be the support act for Tom Jones in September. It is fantastic to see such high profile performers coming to Rhyl. Denbighshire Leisure Ltd is incredibly proud to be working with world-class talent like Tom Jones, and now adding Megan to the bill as well, this will be an amazing night of music for the people of Rhyl. We are very much looking forward to the performance in September. This is yet another example of Rhyl becoming the destination of choice for investors and performers.

Note to editors: For more information, please contact Angie Platt, Head of Marketing, Brand and PR at Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, on angie.platt@denbighshireleisure.co.uk.

National treasure and Welsh icon Sir Tom Jones will play an exclusive outdoor concert at The Events Arena in Rhyl on Wednesday 1st September 2021. The show is an additional date for North Wales alongside several rescheduled shows across the UK.

Tickets go on general sale on Friday 16th April at 10am and are available from ticketmaster.co.uk or rhylpavilion.co.uk.

With a career spanning over five decades, Tom is a tour de force in music, winning the admiration of critics for his live performances and a career that has seen him record over 40 albums! In that time, he has amassed more than 100 million record sales, scored 36 UK top 40 hits and seen him knighted for his services to music.

Having just completed another series as a coach on The Voice alongside Anne Marie, Olly Murs and will.i.am. Sir Tom is now gearing up to release his much-anticipated new album Surrounded By Time on 23rd April.

Pablo Janczur, Director of the Cardiff-based concert promoter Orchard Live said:

“When we brought Tom to Colwyn Bay in 2015 everyone had such a good time, we just knew we had to bring him back to North Wales. Such an iconic artist coming to town means only one thing – a night to remember!”

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, said:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Tom Jones to the Events Arena in Rhyl. It is fantastic to see such a high profile performer coming to Rhyl. Denbighshire Leisure Ltd is incredibly proud to be working with world-class talent like Tom Jones, and we are very much looking forward to the performance in September. This is yet another example of Rhyl becoming the destination of choice for investors and performers.”

Tickets go on sale 10am Friday 16th April via Ticketmaster.co.uk or rhylpavilion.co.uk. For accessible tickets please call 01745 33 00 00

We’re back!  With the news that restrictions are easing, we are now looking forward to reopening our facilities, and bringing you some very exciting, new developments.

Despite the difficulties of the past 12 months, Denbighshire Leisure Ltd has come back even stronger each time, and we have remained determined to bring you premium quality facilities and even more opportunities for making memories, staying fit and having fun.

From 26^th April, you can catch up with your favourite instructors, as our programme of outdoor group exercise classes begins at leisure centres.  More information to follow next week.

From 3^rd May, gyms and swimming pools will reopen including the premium and unrivalled – Club Nova, our exciting new fitness experience in Prestatyn, and Canolfan Hamdden Huw Jones in Corwen, not only a new name but a fantastic fresh look throughout.

From 17^th May, we are planning to restart our indoor group exercise programme, which will include the launch of the amazing new Xtreme Cycling classes running across X20 St Asaph and Rhyl Leisure.

We have already welcomed back a number of under 18s organised outdoor sports clubs, and are awaiting further Government guidance before extending this to the remainder of our clubs.

After the huge success last summer of the Beach Hut, Prestatyn, our stunning outdoor restaurant with the perfect holiday vibe, we can’t wait to bring you 3 brand new and exciting venues for good food and a relaxing long cold drink, #greatvibeswithDLL.  Our 1891 restaurant in Rhyl will be unveiling The Terrace @ 1891, an outdoor dining and bar experience with the same amazing food quality and excellent customer service as always – and also serving takeaway tapas and cocktails on the beach front, what could be better? 

For fish and chip connoisseurs, we are bringing you The Shack, offering gourmet takeaway fish and chips while you take a stroll on Rhyl’s Central Beach.  You will also be able to enjoy ice cold beers, speciality gins and cocktails at Mojitos bar, our new addition to the Beach Hut destination, Prestatyn.  And we haven’t forgotten SC2, where we’ve been busy creating some exciting eating experiences, including an ice cream factory, and new dining areas in the Waterpark and Ninja TAG arenas.

We can’t thank you enough for staying with us through the last few months, and now we want to bring you a summer to remember!  Follow us on our social media channels or keep an eye on our website, to keep up with all the latest news and updates.

#wearedenbighshireleisure

• Jamie Groves MD of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd

To mark the anniversary of one year as a company, Denbighshire Leisure Ltd have an exciting ‘7 days of giveaways’ on their Facebook page.

From a night at Rhyl Pavilion Theatre watching Jason Manford and a meal in 1891 before the show, to a full year’s gym membership covering all 8 of their leisure sites, including the new Club Nova and X20 St Asaph, to a VIP experience at SC2 waterpark and Ninja TAG, there are a lot of experiences up for grabs to beat the lockdown blues.

The giveaways run across seven days to mark the anniversary of the company going live. The competition is starting on May 24th and running up until Sunday 30th May on the company Facebook page.

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, said: “We want to celebrate our first year as a company with a bang! Everyone has been in lockdown for over a year and we want to give families something to look forward to now restrictions are starting to be lifted!  We have managed to achieve amazing things in our first year as a company and the best is yet to come!”

Prizes include:

• Monday:  Win a VIP experience at SC2 Rhyl for the whole family! Splash into the waterpark then relax in our Rainforest Diner, all on us! *For a family of 5 maximum.
• Tuesday: Two tickets to see Jason Manford at the Rhyl Pavilion Theatre this November! With great seats and a meal for two at 1891 restaurant before, it will be the night to remember!
• Wednesday: Win a group session at Ninja TAG Rhyl, perfect for that staff night out or sports team reunion! Challenge your friends on the Ninja TAG arena and relax afterwards in the newly refurbished Ninja TAG café, with dinner on us! *Maximum 10 people.
• Thursday: Win a meal for 4 with prosecco at the Beach Hut Nova, our new sea-side eatery with panoramic views of the North Wales coast. *Maximum 4 people
• Friday: Win Afternoon Tea for two with prosecco at 1891 restaurant and bar / the Terrace at 1891. *Afternoon tea for two with a bottle of prosecco.
• Saturday: Win a children’s party for 10 people at Nova Adventure Play! Jump, slide and climb with your friends through Nova Play’s exciting play structure. The best way to celebrate the end of lockdown! *For up to 10 children.
• Sunday: Win 1 year’s ‘total gym’ membership at Denbighshire Leisure fitness! This is includes the incredible Club Nova, X20 St Asaph strength and everything in between! From classes, to swimming, to working out in our newly refurbished fitness suites, this membership will give you that boost back into fitness after the lockdown.

The competitions will be run on the Denbighshire Leisure Ltd social media pages across the seven days, for more information visit our Facebook page /DenbighshireLeisureLtd.

North Wales’ most exciting new attraction is coming to Rhyl in 2022, giving thrill seekers everywhere unparalleled views of the coast from the new ‘SkyFlyer’ 400ft in the air.

Riders will be taken into the sky on board a gondola set on a 15m platform below the ‘SkyFlyer’. This isn’t a flight for the faint hearted, with 360° views reaching from Moel Famau, to the Great Orme in Llandudno, all the way to Liverpool on a clear day.

Nearly twice as high as the Sky Tower in Rhyl, on the site of the old Sun Centre, this attraction will evoke nostalgic memories while creating new excitement for the whole coast of North Wales. With Rhyl Air Show bringing in quarter of a million people every year to Rhyl, this aeronautical experience is taking Rhyl to another level of excitement and aviation heaven.

Sean Taylor, owner and founder of Zip World, will be taking a planning application to Denbighshire County Council, with the hope of installing this thrilling experience that will take guests up 400ft (125m) from the ground, giving panoramic views of the coast for 28 miles, with the ability to fly every day and in all weathers.

Sean said: “This is a fantastic attraction for Rhyl, as well as the whole of North Wales, and will see visitors from all over the country. Similar to Velocity and Bounce Below, people will be coming to tick this off their bucket lists. The success of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd’s recent projects and investments has given us and other businesses the confidence to invest in the SkyFlyer and the Rhyl seafront. Rhyl is definitely a sleeping giant, it is on the up and we’re excited to be part of that. Rhyl has seen incredible improvements over the last few years and the quality of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd’s attractions, and facilities; and their imminently planned projects are proof that Rhyl is the place to invest.”

Per Lindstrand, Swedish aeronautical engineer, pilot, adventurer and entrepreneur, best known for his series of record-breaking trans-oceanic hot air balloon flights and attempts to be the first to fly a Rozière balloon around the Earth – all with British entrepreneur, Sir Richard Branson, owns the company creating the SkyFlyer. Lindstrand Technologies Ltd, is a manufacturing firm in Oswestry, Shropshire, on the English-Welsh border.

Per explained that the SkyFlyer is attached to a 15-metre platform, which passengers would approach via the gangway for their 15-minute flight above the Rhyl Pavilion and iconic Welsh sea front.

He said: “The SkyFlyer will be the first of it’s kind in Europe that is fully certified by EASA and the CAA as a commercial aircraft and as such enjoys the same safety as flying in a Jumbo Jet. We are extremely excited to be working with Sean on this excellent project.”

This attraction adds to the incredible improvements created on Rhyl Waterfront over the last few years, including the opening of SC2, the £15million waterpark and Ninja TAG, the adrenaline fuelled TAG arena. The Rhyl Pavilion Theatre has also been refurbished in 2021, including updates to the popular 1891 restaurant and bar. The Summer of 2021 will also see the opening of The Terrace at 1891, an outdoor dining and bar experience, adjacent to the proposed SkyFlyer site.