If 2025 proved anything, it’s that Rhyl’s creative pulse is beating louder, stranger, and more brilliantly than ever.
This year I was lucky enough to attend three very different events — the Rhyller Thriller horror film festival, two editions of the North Wales Macabre Market, and the spectacular An Evening with Royalty cabaret — each one organised by small groups and individuals with big passion and even bigger imagination.
What they all share is simple: people who love something a little out of the ordinary, and who have used that passion to create events for others to enjoy. All for the good of Rhyl. All adding colour, character, and a welcome dose of weirdness to the town’s cultural calendar.
And the best part? Every one of them is coming back in 2026.
Rhyller Thriller: Rhyl’s home‑grown horror festival sharpens its machete for 2026
Fresh from the roaring success of this year’s event, Rhyl’s own horror film festival Rhyller Thriller has already announced dates for 2026 — and organisers Chad Jones, Tomos Rowlands, and Jason Neil Jones promise even more blood‑soaked brilliance.
Over just three years, the festival has grown from a niche gathering into a must‑attend celebration of horror, attracting fans from across North Wales and beyond. This year’s edition was its biggest yet.
“Rhyller Thriller 3 was an absolute blast — our best year yet!” Chad told me. “We welcomed our very first international guest, the amazing Cinzia Monreale, alongside the legendary Ian McCulloch, who proudly received our Bloody Seagull Award.”
The guest list didn’t stop there. Julian Richards, Laurence Harvey, and Mike Fielding all took part in packed Q&As at the Little Theatre, helping cement the festival’s reputation as a rising force in the UK horror scene.
But Rhyller Thriller isn’t just a weekend of films. The team has spent the year bringing age‑appropriate genre screenings into local schools, hosting a new voices in Welsh horror event with Wicked Wales and the BFI, and organising special screenings — including a showing of The Substance on Oscars night.
They also screened movies in school to get the pupils in the festive spirit before Christmas.
“We’ve truly found our home here… and we can’t wait to tackle 2026,” Chad said. “Sharpen your machetes — we’re carving out something slashtastic for next year!”
An Evening with Royalty: cabaret, drag, burlesque — and a whole lot of heart
If horror brought the thrills, this cabaret brought the glamour.
For many in Rhyl, Christmas doesn’t officially begin until The Royal Serenity steps onto a stage — singing, fire‑eating, and serving looks that could stop traffic.
After the town’s big lights switch‑on, An Evening with Royalty once again transformed Rhyl Town Hall into a glittering winter wonderland of song, sass, and show‑stopping talent.
The Royal Serenity has quickly become the reigning queen of North Wales cabaret, delivering a third sensational Christmas showcase while also championing emerging performers through the annual Cabaret Crown talent search. Recent winners, Heather Boa and Opal Rose, both took to the stage — and both proved exactly why they earned their crowns.
Opal Rose, who was performing drag in their bedroom just months ago, delivered a performance bursting with poise, humour, and razor‑sharp cultural commentary. Heather Boa, meanwhile, showed a maturing confidence and charisma that had the audience hanging on every move.
And then came the burlesque.
Lady Lyra’s aerial hoop routine was a breath-taking blend of athleticism and sensuality, while Coco Valentine — one of the finest performers I’ve ever seen — set the stage ablaze with glamour, humour, and pure star power. Her fire and martini glass acts are the kind of performances people talk about for years.
The night also featured songs from Jodie Fletcher and Sarah Price, magic and comedy from Oliver Bell, more burlesque from the Haus of Valentine, and an after‑party powered by X‑Factor’s Sami Brooke.
At the centre of it all was The Royal Serenity — a powerhouse vocalist, a generous host, and a performer who lifts others up as she shines.
In a region where diverse performers have often had to leave to find their spotlight, Serenity is helping change the story.
North Wales Macabre Market: Rhyl’s gothic gathering grows in style and spirit
If you prefer your festivities with a spooky twist, the North Wales Macabre Market has become a highlight of the year — and 2025’s Morbid Mistletoe edition was its most magical yet.
Rhyl Town Hall was transformed into a gothic seasonal bazaar, where cursed candles flickered beside sinister soaps, bewitched baubles hung next to ghostly gifts, and hundreds of visitors browsed stalls bursting with creativity.
Organised by alternative scene champions Katie Daly and Lynne Stevens, the market has built a loyal following and a cult reputation. This year’s event also raised £482 for Feline Fur Babies North Wales — a testament to the community spirit behind the spooky aesthetic.
J&S Exotics brought along Casper the albino skunk, snakes, and creepy crawlies, delighting families and adding to the wonderfully weird atmosphere.
One attendee summed it up perfectly: “Brilliant as usual. It’s absolutely wonderful that you are bringing some diversity to Rhyl and supporting local businesses.”
A thriving alternative scene — and a bright future for Rhyl
What ties these three events together is passion. None are run by big companies or national organisations. They’re powered by locals — creatives, performers, fans, and organisers who want to bring something special to Rhyl.
In 2025, they succeeded.
They brought people together. They brought visitors into the town. They brought joy, excitement, and a sense of identity. They proved that Rhyl’s cultural scene isn’t just alive — it’s thriving, bold, and proudly different.
And the best news? Every one of them is coming back in 2026.
Rhyl has always had heart. This year, it also had thrills — and next year promises even more.
Share