Four huge names took to the stage at Llangollen Pavilion this summer, drawing thousands of fans. Despite changeable weather, the atmosphere inside stayed electric throughout the eight-night run.
Astley Opens, Gray Brings His Whole Career
Rick Astley opened the series with a triumphant show. He powered through hits including “Cry For Help” and “Whenever You Need Somebody”. Notably, he even took to the drums for a cover of AC/DC’s “Highway To Hell”. Consequently, the crowd sang along to a triumphant “Never Going To Give You Up” to close the night.
A capacity crowd welcomed David Gray for a powerful stop on his Past & Present World Tour. Between songs, he thanked fans with a warm “diolch Llangollen”. Indeed, this was a nod to his years living in Wales. The set spanned his whole career, moving from “The One I Love” through to a full-venue singalong of “Babylon”. Also, special guests, The Divine Comedy, opened with their trademark wit, proving the perfect warm-up for what followed.
Ocean and Grennan Bring the House Down
GRAMMY-winning star Billy Ocean brought a night of nostalgia and feel-good anthems to the iconic venue. He opened with “One World”, then moved through classics such as “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car”. The sold-out crowd erupted during the 1970s hit “Red Light Spells Danger”. Then, Ocean closed with “Caribbean Queen”. Earlier, former Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow had delighted fans with familiar favourites.
Tom Grennan closed the series with a hit-packed headline show. He powered through “Higher”, “All These Nights” and “Boys Don’t Cry” to an electric crowd. He praised the town between songs, telling fans: “What a beautiful place you’ve got here.” Then, he closed with an emotional rendition of “Little Bit Of Love”.
A Dream Come True for One Young Fan
Eight-year-old Izzy Busby, from Wrexham, met her hero Tom Grennan backstage before the show. This came just days before she underwent life-changing surgery. Izzy has lived with scoliosis linked to a heart condition since she was six. Also, she had previously missed a chance to see Grennan perform in Manchester. Meeting him at Llangollen, therefore, meant a great deal to her family.
Brooke Combe and Fiona Lee also opened the evening with soulful, warmly received support sets. Together, the eight-night run cemented Llangollen Pavilion’s reputation as one of Wales’s most memorable summer music destinations.
Legacy Stars and New Acts
Alongside the headline acts, the wider bill added plenty of variety across the eight nights. Rising DJ Katie Owen kept early crowds entertained before Billy Ocean’s set, while Lottery Winners and 80s-inspired pop band Deco warmed up the audience ahead of Astley’s opening night. Consequently, organisers say the depth of support acts helped keep energy high even before the headliners appeared.
The run’s photographs, courtesy of Cuffe & Taylor, captured a summer that fans are already calling one of the venue’s best in recent memory. Furthermore, the mix of legacy stars and newer acts reflects Llangollen Pavilion’s growing reputation as a serious stop on the summer touring circuit. Organisers say planning for next year’s series is already under way, with details expected in the coming months.
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