By Ceidiog Hughes
Talented performers from North Wales and the North West are fighting for a chance to show TV star Kerry Katona they have what it takes for a future in show business. There were so many acts turned up at Rhos’ Stiwt theatre – from Conwy to Kelsall – that organisers for The Only Way Is Wrexham, are already planning a second round of auditions.
Creator Lee Kelly, a top producer and choreographer who runs the talent show through his LHK Production company said: “We have had an amazing response, …

by Jo Gilham
Forget the post-budget blues and treat yourself to a bite-sized taste of Greek sunshine with a Skyros weekend retreat. It’s a concentrated shot of rejuvenating fun, happiness and laughter that will help you to feel ready to face the next financial year with a spring in your step and a smile on your face.
Although a Skyros weekend break might make you feel like you’ve enjoyed a relaxing holiday abroad; you won’t need your passport. In fact the Skyros weekend courses are held at The Grange, a beautiful Georgian …

By Kiki Case
This is the year of the Great British holiday, whether it’s a short break or a longer holiday you’re after. That’s what the EnjoyEngland campaign is telling us, especially with the Olympic Games and the torch relay, and the Diamond Jubilee all happening this year. Tea parties in England’s green and pleasant land, pageantry in London, rugged rocks, beach bumming – its all available a car or train ride away.
Just an hour and twenty minutes by high-speed rail from London, the Isle of Thanet is the perfect place …

By Ceidiog Hughes
It’s the most inaccessible art gallery in the UK – perched spectacularly on a craggy cliff top with breath-taking views overlooking the Irish Sea. Over Easter weekend adventurous art lovers will be beating a path to see the work of artist Philippa Jacobs at her isolated home and studio at the 19th century fog signal station at North Stack on Anglesey. Getting to the remote location, half way between the port of Holyhead and the bird sanctuary of South Stack, is not for the feint hearted though. There …

By Ceidiog Hughes
News that St Asaph has been granted city status is a major boost to tourism and culture in the area. The honour was bestowed by the Queen as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Dewi Davies, the Regional Strategy Director, of Tourism Partnership North Wales, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that St Asaph has deservedly become a city at last. St Asaph already had a great deal going for it as a place to visit but official city status has put it well and truly on the map in terms …

By Ceidiog Hughes
Strictly Come Dancing star Russell Grant has launched a search for some new divas. The popular TV personality has announced audition dates for his new showbiz spectacular in collaboration with Coleg Harlech. The production will offer potentially life changing opportunities for young people who are not in work, education or training and those who are at risk of becoming so. He’s urging people to come along and take part in the glitzy production which is set in 1960s New York and revolves around five of the most famous …

By Ceidiog Hughes
The greatest love story ever told is coming to Wrexham thanks to a global collaboration with the Royal Ballet. Their stunning production of Romeo and Juliet will be beamed live to the Odeon Cinema at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre on Thursday, March 22. The cinema is one of 600 venues worldwide that will be screening Shakespeare’s tale of tragic, star-crossed love at the Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden.
Odeon manager  Andy Elvis, says the performance by the world famous ballet will be a first for Wrexham …

By Ceidiog Hughes
A top conductor who led the Fron Choir to global fame is on a new mission. Ann Atkinson has launched an appeal for more men to join her new choir to perform  at the North Wales International Music Festival in St Asaph from September 22-29. The mixed choir is largely made up of singers who were in the choir that was formed especially for National Eisteddfod in Wrexham last year. Many of the members enjoyed the experience so much that they wanted to carry on singing with Ann …