The Llangollen and Corwen Railway is kicking off its 2026 season with style, launching a new Photography and Videography Competition that invites entrants to capture the magic of the line and the breathtaking Dee Valley backdrop.
Photographers and filmmakers are being encouraged to showcase everything that makes the railway special.
From powerful steam and diesel locomotives to heritage DMUs, bustling platforms to peaceful rural halts. The focus is simple: celebrate the character, charm and setting of this much-loved heritage line.
Stretching through the heart of the Dee Valley, the route is famed for its picturesque stations and dramatic scenery.
Berwyn Station // Credit: Llangollen and Corwen Railway
Stops including Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy, Carrog, Corwen and Llangollen provide striking backdrops, alongside local landmarks such as Horseshoe Falls, Chain Bridge and Coed Pen y Pigyn.
Together, they offer endless opportunities to frame the atmosphere of a working heritage railway in one of Wales’ most scenic landscapes.
With the new season now underway, services like the Berwyn Explorer are expected to be a highlight for entrants, particularly at Berwyn Station, often described as one of the UK’s most attractive stations, and on board the railway’s heritage trains, where wide windows open up uninterrupted views across the valley.
Andrei Daniel // Credit: Oliver Lang
The competition is being delivered in partnership with photographer Andrei Daniel and popular local takeaway Dee Pizza, with organisers saying they are thrilled to be collaborating with one of the area’s best-known visual storytellers.
First Prize: Two Annual Passes for the Llangollen and Corwen Railway, with the winning image also being produced as a fully accredited jigsaw
Second Prize: £100 cash
Third Prize: £50 voucher at Dee Pizza
Entries close Monday 4 April, the winner being announced at the railway’s Branch Line Gala on Saturday 11 April.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on our beloved railway. I’m really excited for everyone to take part in this competition. There’s no need for professional cameras; phones are absolutely fine. It’s not about megapixels; it’s about storytelling. I can’t wait to see what everyone creates. I am pleased that this will become an annual event, helping to promote not only the railway but Llangollen as well.”
Andrei Daniel.
“We are very pleased to be working with Andrei on this competition. His videos are helping us tell the story of our railway to a wider audience this year. We are also indebted to the legions of enthusiastic photographers who share their photos with us every year. This super competition is about giving a little back to them and helping them showcase their fantastic work.”
Terry Pickhall, Press Officer for the Llangollen and Corwen Railway.