Latest news with #SummertimeWeekender
Rhyl Journal
01-08-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Rhyl Air Show is confirmed as not going ahead in summer 2025
The event, organised by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL) and typically held during the August bank holiday weekend, has not taken place since 2023. It comes as DLL has announced a host of big events for the summer, including the Summertime Weekender and outdoor cinema experience - but the popular air show will not be among them. Denbighshire County Council, which owns DLL, revealed this news in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request from the Journal. The Journal asked the council to disclose whether the air show is going ahead this year, and if not, why not. In response, the council said: 'It is not taking place. DLL confirmed to the council that there wouldn't be an air show in 2025 on February 6, 2025, owing to a lack of funds. 'It is a DLL-run event, and we do not manage the event.' The Red Arrows at Rhyl Air Show in August 2023 (Image: Amy Owen) A spokesperson for DLL added: 'DLL provides major events in Rhyl that are funded by Denbighshire County Council and Rhyl Town Council. Since 2020, costs to run and host such major events have risen significantly. 'DLL has in the past, and up until recently; underwritten a large shortfall in the available funding for the air show. 'But like every other business in Rhyl, DLL does not have an endless pot of money to underwrite costs associated with running such events. 'All Rhyl businesses benefit significantly from events such as the air show, but it has historically been DLL that underwrites the costs and the shortfall. 'Added to that, an event on the scale of the air show may not have been feasible this year due to the ongoing coastal defence works, with large sections of the promenade being inaccessible. 'Instead, sensibly and responsibly, DLL has worked with Rhyl Town Council to agree an attractive events programme, which will be delivered over the summer, giving thousands of free tickets away to residents for the Summertime Weekender at Rhyl Events Arena and for a brand new outdoor cinema event which will be taking place in August, alongside the existing and hugely popular family fun days at 1891. 'DLL have also contributed to the RAF Rhyl Town Show with free use of the Rhyl Events Arena, and opened SC2 for free for hundreds of people to enjoy the waterpark and Splash Pad to celebrate the reopening.' DLL's decision to cancel the 2024 Rhyl Air Show was attributed to the Red Arrows, a regular feature at the event, being unavailable. In February 2024, Jamie Groves, DLL's managing director, said: "We have concluded that (without the Red Arrows) it would be impossible for DLL to deliver a show in keeping with the proud tradition of the Rhyl Air Show, which also meets public expectations. 'But we will come back in 2025 stronger.' The Red Arrows featured at the 2022 and 2023 Rhyl Air Shows, but did not attend the 2019 event – the last prior to the COVID-19 pandemic - as it clashed with a tour of North America. As well as the Red Arrows, the 2023 Rhyl Air Show also featured performances from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Strikemaster Pair, Calidus Autogyro, and more. Alternative events in Rhyl organised by DLL this summer include a 'Summertime Weekender' event on August 2-3, and a an 'outdoor cinema experience' on August 22-24. Both of these are free of charge and are being held at Rhyl Events Arena. DLL's SC2 water park on Rhyl's seafront also re-opened in early July, having been shut since late 2023 due to storm damage.
Rhyl Journal
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
New name of Rhyl cinema revealed as opening draws closer
As Merlin Cinemas breathes new life into the currently-closed former Vue cinema in Rhyl, they have confirmed that it will reopen under the new name of Strand Cinema, subject to completing lease arrangements with Denbighshire County Council. While work is already underway behind the scenes, the exact reopening date is still a work in progress, the company said. Plans are moving ahead, but the team is "holding off" on promising a specific opening date just yet. 'It's an exciting project, and we'd love to be open in time for the autumn slate of films,' added Geoff Greaves, managing director at Merlin Cinemas. "But it's important to us that we get this right and not rush things. "We should have a good idea of an expected opening date soon.' Strand Cinema Rhyl will operate alongside its sister cinema in Prestatyn, Scala Cinema, which is already part of the Merlin Cinemas group of independent cinemas. MORE: 6,000 free tickets snapped up for Rhyl Summertime Weekender Leader of Denbighshire County Council, Councillor Jason McLellan said, 'It's so exciting to see another business on the verge of opening on the prom in Rhyl. "Following the huge success of the opening of Queen's Market, this will be another attraction for residents and visitors alike and will be part of the catalyst for regeneration in our seaside town. "We're so pleased that Merlin Cinemas have stepped in and this further demonstrates confidence from the private sector in Rhyl's future. "When Strand Cinema opens, I urge residents to support it as well as other leisure facilities in the town – we need everyone to be backing our businesses to ensure their continued success.' Merlin Cinemas began its journey 35 years ago with a single screen in Penzance in Cornwall, and now operates over 20 cinemas across the UK. Known for saving and restoring historic and modern venues alike, Merlin is committed to keeping cinema-going affordable, accessible, and magical for local communities.
Rhyl Journal
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Rhyl Events Arena to host free ‘Summertime Weekender' event
On August 2 and 3, the venue will be full of performances and activities for all ages, for an event that has been organised by Rhyl Town Council and Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL). Tickets are now available, with gates opening at 1pm on both days. The festivities begin on Saturday, August 2 with acts including The Big Pop Party Show – featuring tributes to Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa and Meghan Trainor - Queen Rhapsody, performing Queen's hits; and classic rock anthems from tribute band Kaiser Monkey Killers. Sunday (August 3)'s line-up includes Midnight Soul Sisters, delivering soulful Motown classics; Elite Elton, performing the hits of Elton John; and Ska Britannia, known for their energetic performances and showmanship. Families can also enjoy a range of fun and free entertainment at the arena throughout the day, including face painting, balloon modelling, a caricaturist and more. A Rhyl Town Council statement read: 'Rhyl Town Council are really pleased to be joining forces with Denbighshire Leisure Limited this year, and we're thrilled with the line-up for the Summertime Weekender. 'Don't miss out. Grab your free tickets, your sunglasses and your best dancing shoes, and we'll see you there!' Jamie Groves, managing director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, said: 'We're delighted to partner with Rhyl Town Council to bring another free event to Rhyl this summer. 'We're thrilled to giveaway hundreds of free tickets to the local community to start their summer in style at the Events Arena. 'We are committed to giving the residents of Denbighshire the best summer ever, and this is just the start of the exciting events we have planned this year.' Tickets are available by calling the Rhyl Pavilion Theatre box office on 01745 330000, and are limited to four per household.
