November 13, 2026 - 230 views
A much-loved Christmas tradition is returning to Betws-y-Coed this December, with local performers hoping to raise thousands of pounds for children and families supported by Tŷ Gobaith.
The Betws-y-Coed Pantomime Group is preparing to stage its own production of The Golden Goose at the village Memorial Hall on December 11 and 12, marking a welcome return after taking a break during 2025.
The group, made up of local volunteers, has raised an impressive £40,000 for the hospices over the past decade, with support from the Hobart Charitable Trust, which matches the money raised through ticket sales and donations.
This year's production promises plenty of traditional pantomime entertainment, with comedy, romance, arguments and the arrival of police officers Hanky and Panky.
The cast and crew have been rehearsing since April, with three performances planned across the weekend.
Liz Harrison-Watson, who helps coordinate the productions and has appeared in previous shows, said the group was delighted to be returning, with some new faces joining the cast and crew.
She said the pantomime had always been a real community effort, bringing people together while raising money for a cause that was particularly close to their hearts.
Tŷ Gobaith, just outside Conwy, provides specialist care for babies, children and young people with life-threatening conditions. Its services extend well beyond medical care, offering respite stays, family support, counselling, therapies and help at the end of a child's life.
For families, Christmas can be an especially important time. It is an opportunity to spend precious time together, create memories and enjoy some of the traditions that other families might take for granted.
But for parents caring for a seriously ill child, the demands of round-the-clock care can make even the simplest family celebrations challenging.
The hospice provides specialist nursing support and respite care, giving families the opportunity to spend time together, take a much-needed break from caring responsibilities and make special memories with their children and siblings.
Tŷ Gobaith also provides accommodation for parents and families, allowing them to stay close to their child while receiving support.
Fundraiser Becky Moreland said the hospice was extremely grateful to the pantomime group for its continued support, describing the production as a wonderful example of the community coming together.
She also thanked the Hobart Charitable Trust for its match-funding and local Scouts who help with bucket collections during the performances.
Tickets for The Golden Goose cost £4 for children, £10 for adults or £25 for a family of four.
They are available from Spar in Betws-y-Coed, Caffi Doti in Trefriw and the Health and Food Shop in Llanrwst.
The group is hoping for full houses across all three performances, with every ticket and donation helping to support children and families across North Wales.
