Posts Categorized: Featured

There are some evenings at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod that perfectly capture the spirit of the festival. Global Rhythms: Made in Wales was undoubtedly one of them, bringing together outstanding Welsh talent, global influences and an atmosphere that transformed the Pavilion into one enormous celebration.

The evening opened with Band Pres Llareggub, who describe themselves as a “Bronx hip hop-inspired, New Orleans-tinged North Walian brass band with attitude”. It is a bold claim, but one they more than lived up to. Their infectious blend of driving brass, hip hop grooves and New Orleans flair had the audience moving from the opening number, while their outstanding musicianship was evident throughout a set that was both polished and exhilarating.

A few songs in, the band peeled off their trademark jackets to reveal matching “STRAIGHT OUTTA LLAREGGUB” T-shirts. It was a moment that perfectly summed up their irreverent sense of fun and drew a huge cheer from the audience, but the gimmick never overshadowed the quality of the performance. Every player impressed, delivering a tight, energetic set that combined technical excellence with infectious enthusiasm.

They were joined by Sage Todz, whose distinctive flow and commanding stage presence added another exciting dimension to the performance. The collaboration between brass and hip hop felt fresh, inventive and completely natural, showcasing the confidence and creativity of Wales’s contemporary music scene.

Earlier in the evening, the Young Choir of the World Final once again showcased the extraordinary standard of young singers from across the globe. Warm congratulations go to Côr Iau ABC, whose outstanding performances earned them the coveted Young Choir of the World title.

The trophy was presented by Dr Rhys Davies. Dr Davies and his wife have generously donated the prize money for the Young Choir of the World Awards in memory of their son, Owen Davies, adding a deeply personal and poignant note to one of the festival’s most prestigious competitions. Their generosity continues to support and celebrate outstanding young choral talent from around the world.

By the time headliner N’famady Kouyaté stepped onto the stage, the Pavilion was already buzzing, but he took the atmosphere to another level. Opening with the title track from his latest EP, “Aros I Fi Yna”, Kouyaté first strapped on an electric guitar, immediately demonstrating that he is far more than a virtuoso balafon player. Later in the set, he switched seamlessly to the balafon, the traditional West African wooden xylophone that lies at the heart of his musical heritage.

Originally from Guinea and now based in Cardiff, Kouyaté is a gifted multi-instrumentalist whose music draws on his family’s griot tradition while embracing jazz, indie, pop and funk influences. His growing reputation has seen him emerge as one of Wales’s brightest musical talents, winning the prestigious Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition before earning a coveted Pyramid Stage slot. It is easy to understand why. Throughout a set featuring “Nadjeli”, “When I See You”, “Ti a Fi”, “Demousolini”, “Balafô Douma” and “Tama”, he demonstrated remarkable versatility, with the shimmering sound of the balafon intertwining effortlessly with guitars, percussion and soaring vocals.

There was a particularly poignant moment during “Balafô Douma”, a song that celebrates the instrument that has shaped his musical journey since childhood. Taught to play the balafon by his parents, Kouyaté performed with the pride of someone carrying a cherished family tradition onto the international stage. It was a performance rooted in heritage, yet entirely contemporary in its sound and outlook.

What stood out most, however, was the sheer joy of the performance. Kouyaté’s infectious smile and boundless energy radiated across the Pavilion, encouraging the audience to clap, dance and sing along. Before long, dozens of competitors from around the world had gathered in front of the stage, transforming the Pavilion into one huge party. It was impossible not to be swept along by the optimism that runs through his music, a reminder that the finest performances do more than entertain; they bring people together.

Global Rhythms: Made in Wales was more than a concert.

It was a celebration of a modern, confident Wales that embraces its own traditions while welcoming influences from around the world. From the swagger and precision of Band Pres Llareggub, to the lyrical brilliance of Sage Todz and the irresistible rhythms of N’famady Kouyaté, this was an evening that left the audience smiling long after the final notes had faded.

Hundreds of youngsters from schools across North Wales and Cheshire packed into the Pavilion at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod to hear the traditional Peace Message delivered during the annual children’s day matinee.

With roots that go back to the Urdd in 1922, long before it was aired at the Eisteddfod first in 1949, a fresh message is composed each year and acted out by children.

It always contains a powerful message aimed at uniting children from across the world, and empowering them to call for a fairer world, equality and peace.

This year it was the turn of 50 pupils from Ysgol Pen Barras in Ruthin using not only the spoken word but also songs and poems, in both Welsh and English, reflecting the Eisteddfod’s strong emphasis on bilingualism.

The 2026 message, which was to be delivered twice more, on the afternoon of children’s day and also on the Saturday of the Eisteddfod, aims to draw attention to the importance of minority languages, encouraging people from all over the world to play their part in protecting and keeping these languages alive.

The Pen Barras children, decked out in their smart light-blue tee-shirts with a rainbow and peace dove motif, first asked how many languages are spoken around the world?

And, after some suggestions in the hundreds and the thousands, they revealed that the total number is actually 7,000, which was confirmed by a Professor from their ranks in a luxuriant curly wig.

More seriously, they also told of how some of these languages are facing extinction before the end of the century due to globalisation, migration and climate change.

During the course of the message there was a haunting Welsh poem before it ended with a powerful direct appeal to the audience, which said: “For world peace, we must respect and celebrate our differences. And the truth is, peace speaks every single language.”

Elen Roberts, who co-ordinates the Peace Message for the Eisteddfod’s music committee, said:

“It is important that the message is delivered as it’s an integral part of the whole festival and really why the Eisteddfod exists.

“It’s been in existence since 1922, since before the Eisteddfod started after the end of the Second World War at a time when all everyone was striving for was peace.

“It’s also a nice thing to be doing, getting schools from different areas to deliver it. We don’t just pick on the schools local to Llangollen. Last year we had a school from Mold and this year’s message has been delivered by the school from Ruthin, who gave us a lovely interpretation of it.”

50 children from two Dee Valley community schools relived a local tradition when they arrived by train for a sunny day out at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Youngsters from the Corwen and Carrog areas traditionally came by train from their local stations to the Eisteddfod’s children’ day each year but Dr Beeching ended the fun when he axed the Ruabon  to Barmouth line in the early 1960s.

But thanks to the route’s revival as a thriving heritage line the Eisteddfod was able to team up with Llangollen & Corwen Railway to bring the annual outing back to life in 2019.

This year’s band of happy railway children, who travelled aboard a vintage diesel train, came from Ysgol Corwen and Ysgol Carrog.

After boarding at Corwen Station they lapped up every mile of the trip to Llangollen where they arrived just after 9am, waving at the windows of the carriages.

On the platform they were officially greeted by people from the Eisteddfod and the railway and there was time for pictures – and even a couple of songs from the children – before they were shepherded from the station to the Eisteddfod field for an action-packed day.

The Eisteddfod’s Ian Lebbon, who organises these sentimental journeys, said:

“We see them as extremely important to the people in the communities at the other end of the heritage line, where the railway is part of their everyday lives.

“The railway, of course, is one of the three great highways of the valley, along with the River Dee and the A5 road. Many of these children will never have travelled by train before, especially one as magnificent as the heritage one they came on today.

“It’s also good for them to be able to see and enjoy the Eisteddfod. Many of them will be coming to the festival for the first time and we hope they will become regular visitors.”

Becky Mollison-white, assistant headteacher at Ysgol Carrog, said: “It was an amazing experience for the children from the two schools and they were all very excited about it.

“Corwen and Carrog both have stations on the heritage line and the children were very happy about getting the opportunity to travel on it.”

Helping to guide the children to the field was a group of young people from Ysgol Dinas Bran in Llangollen and Ysgol Morgan Llwyd in Wrexham who work at the Eisteddfod each year as Welcome Hosts, which Ian Lebbon says he sees as a wonderful opportunity to boost their future career prospects.

There are concerts that entertain, there are concerts that inspire, and then there are concerts that become moments in history. Sir Karl Jenkins’ long-awaited Uniting Nations: One World opening concert at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod was undoubtedly the latter.

Following the heartbreaking postponement of last year’s performance, there was an unmistakable sense of anticipation inside a busy Pavilion as audiences finally witnessed the concert they had waited more than a year to experience. Thanks to the generous support of Arts Council of Wales and the James Pantyfedwen Foundation, that wait proved more than worthwhile.

The evening began with the world premiere of Greeting the Dawn, a newly commissioned bilingual work by emerging Welsh composer Sam Buttler. Warmly received by the audience, the stirring new composition earned Sam rapturous applause and marked a fitting opening to another Eisteddfod celebrating new musical talent.

Following the premiere, Artistic Director Dave Danford formally declared the 2026 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod open, welcoming audiences from near and far to a festival built on music, peace and international friendship.

The opening half also featured a moving performance of Peace Child: The Musical, conducted by Anthony Gabriele. Placing young people at the heart of a story about peace, understanding and hope, the production was brought vividly to life by an outstanding cast, including Shea Ferron, a member of Johns’ Boys, a long-standing Eisteddfod volunteer and one of the festival’s own – whose performance was warmly received by the audience.

Following the interval, Sir Karl Jenkins, this year’s President of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, stepped onto the podium to conduct One World. Greeted with warm and heartfelt applause, he led an international massed chorus comprising WorldChoir and NEW Voices, accompanied by the Llangollen International Orchestra, in a performance that was both musically thrilling and deeply moving.

At its heart, One World explores conflict, climate change, political division, truth, human rights and ultimately hope, taking the audience on a remarkable emotional journey from darkness to light.

The outstanding soloists brought Jenkins’ powerful score vividly to life. Soprano Shimona Rose and mezzo-soprano Eirlys Myfanwy Davies delivered performances of exceptional beauty and sensitivity, while baritone Njabulo Madlala sang with warmth, authority and conviction. Celebrated session player and multi-instrumentalist Zands Duggan, who frequently performs and records alongside Sir Karl Jenkins, was outstanding on percussion, providing colour, drama and energy throughout the performance.

From the dramatic opening depiction of creation in In the Beginning to the rhythmic drive of Let’s Go!, the multilingual optimism of Unus Mundus, the haunting beauty of Ad Pacem and the deeply reflective Tikkun Olam, Sir Karl’s music demonstrated why he remains one of the world’s most celebrated living composers.

The final movements offered a powerful sense of optimism. Sakura – Spring Has Come symbolised renewal before The Golden Age Begins Anew brought the work to a triumphant conclusion, leaving audiences with an enduring message that peace, equality and hope remain ideals worth striving for.

However, one of the evening’s most unforgettable moments came at the close of the concert.

Following an extended standing ovation, the audience was treated to a moving encore of Benedictus, the hauntingly beautiful penultimate movement from Sir Karl Jenkins’ much-loved anti-war masterpiece, The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace. Its soaring opening melody filled the Pavilion, played by the outstanding Cellist Beatrice Newman, and the audience responded with prolonged, rapturous applause, bringing an emotional and fitting conclusion to an unforgettable opening night.

For many in the audience, the evening was about much more than music. It was a celebration of resilience following last year’s postponement, a tribute to everyone who worked tirelessly to bring the concert back, and a reminder of the founding ideals of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod – that music has the power to unite people across cultures, nations and generations. The festival also expressed its sincere gratitude to Arts Council of Wales and the James Pantyfedwen Foundation, whose generous support made the return of this landmark concert possible.

As Sir Karl Jenkins begins his year as President of the Eisteddfod, Uniting Nations: One World will surely be remembered as one of the defining opening concerts in the festival’s history. In a world too often divided, Llangollen once again demonstrated that music remains one of humanity’s most powerful languages of peace, hope and international friendship.

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod continues throughout the week with a packed programme of competitions, concerts and cultural celebrations. Highlights include Global Rhythms: Made in Wales, the Orchestral Qawwali Project, Emeli Sandé with the Absolute Orchestra, An Evening with Michael Ball, the colourful Parade of Nations, and the prestigious Choir of the World competition, alongside hundreds of performances from visiting groups representing countries from across the globe.

 Visitors, competitors and music lovers from around the world can now experience the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod like never before with the launch of the festival’s brand-new official mobile app. Available now on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, the free app has been designed to put everything visitors need in one convenient place, making it easier than ever to plan a visit, follow the competitions and stay connected throughout the festival.

Whether attending for a day, supporting family and friends, volunteering or enjoying the full week of music and culture, the app offers instant access to everything happening across the Eisteddfod site. Users can browse the full programme of concerts and events, view competition schedules, receive live competition results as they happen, access tickets, explore the interactive festival map and receive instant notifications with the latest festival news and updates.

The app also features exclusive interviews with artists and performers, behind-the-scenes content, live social media updates and a wealth of practical information to help visitors make the most of their Eisteddfod experience.

Rhys Davies, Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said,

“The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has always been about bringing people together, and our new app is another exciting step forward in making the festival more accessible than ever before.

“Whether you’re following the competitions, attending our world-class concerts, supporting friends and family, or simply exploring everything the festival has to offer, the app puts all the information you need right in your pocket. From live results and exclusive interviews to maps, tickets and instant updates, it’s the perfect companion for everyone visiting Llangollen this week.

“We want people to spend less time searching for information and more time enjoying the unique atmosphere of one of the world’s greatest cultural festivals.”

The app is free to download and is available now by searching “Llangollen” on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

The Official Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod App includes:

🎼 What’s On Guide

🏆 Live Competition Schedules and Results

🎟️ Digital Ticket Access

🗺️ Interactive Festival Map

🔔 Live Notifications and Festival Updates

🎤 Exclusive Artist Interviews

📱 Live Social Media Feed

ℹ️ Visitor Information

🎶 And much more throughout the festival

Celebrating its 79th year, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod opens on Tuesday 7 July, welcoming thousands of competitors, performers and visitors from across the globe for six days of world-class music, international competitions and cultural celebration. Highlights include Sir Karl Jenkins’ Uniting Nations: One World, Michael Ball, Emeli Sandé with the Absolute Orchestra, the prestigious Choir of the World competition, the colourful Parade of Nations, and hundreds of performances from visiting groups representing countries from around the world.

The official app is the easiest way to stay connected throughout the festival, ensuring visitors never miss a moment.

For more information about the festival, visit llangollen.net.

Residents and businesses in Llangollen are being invited to a public meeting on Tuesday, 9 June ahead of the 2026 summer season at the Llangollen Pavilion and the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. This summer, tens of thousands of visitors are expected to come to Llangollen, providing a significant boost to the local economy.

2026 marks the third year that the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Cuffe and Taylor have co-promoted concerts at the Pavilion, bringing major international artists and audiences to the town.

Representatives from the volunteer team behind the festival and co-promoters Cuffe and Taylor will attend the meeting to provide the latest information about the upcoming events programme, site arrangements, traffic management plans, noise mitigation measures, and access to the Pavilion site.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, 9 June 2026 at 6.30pm at the Llangollen Pavilion.

Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, John Gambles, said:

“In just a few weeks’ time, the doors of our iconic Pavilion will welcome tens of thousands of people for another exciting summer season of live entertainment, with TK Maxx Presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2026 and the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. This meeting will be an opportunity for Llangollen residents and businesses to get the latest information as we prepare for a fantastic summer programme. It’s important to us to keep residents informed, listen to, act on their concerns and ensure the impact on our town is positive.”

Numerous steps are being taken to maintain a safe environment for the public during event days, including traffic management measures and a one-way system in certain areas. A dedicated phone line will also be launched to allow residents to contact the Eisteddfod team with any issues during the festival.

Tickets and further information about events at the Pavilion and the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod are available from llangollen.net

One of the most colourful and much-loved traditions of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod returns on Friday 10 July, as the spectacular Parade of Nations brings thousands of visitors and performers together in a celebration of international friendship, music and culture.

The parade will take place between 4.30pm and 5.30pm, with competitors and performers from across the globe joining local groups in a vibrant procession through the heart of Llangollen. This year’s Eisteddfod will welcome participants from Burundi, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Estonia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, the Isle of Man, the Netherlands, Norway, Rwanda, Sweden, Uganda, Ukraine and the United States, alongside performers from across Wales and the rest of the UK, highlighting the festival’s unique role in bringing the world together through music and dance.

Led by the Llangollen Silver Band and selected groups from Llangollen schools, the parade will begin at the Eisteddfod field at 4.30pm, exiting onto Abbey Road opposite St John’s before making its way through the town centre.

The route follows Abbey Road before crossing the bridge into Bridge Street, turning into Chapel Street, Oak Street, Castle Street, Market Street, East Street and Parade Street before returning over the bridge and back to the Eisteddfod field.

The Parade of Nations has become one of the defining images of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to welcome performers proudly wearing their national costumes, carrying their flags and showcasing the rich diversity of cultures represented at the festival.

John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said,

“The Parade of Nations is one of the most uplifting moments of the Eisteddfod week. It is a wonderful celebration of the friendships, cultures and traditions that make our festival so special, and it gives the people of Llangollen the opportunity to offer a warm Welsh welcome to performers who have travelled from every corner of the world.

“This year we are delighted to welcome performers representing countries including Burundi, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Estonia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, the Isle of Man, the Netherlands, Norway, Rwanda, Sweden, Uganda, Ukraine and the United States. Seeing so many nations walking side by side through the streets of Llangollen is a powerful reminder that music has the ability to unite people across borders and cultures.

“Whether you’ve been coming for years or you’re experiencing the Eisteddfod for the first time, I would encourage everyone to line the streets, enjoy the incredible atmosphere and then join us on the field afterwards for an evening of fantastic live music at our Sound-Bridge Sessions. It promises to be a memorable start to another extraordinary festival.”

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. Parking will not be permitted anywhere along the parade route throughout the day and temporary traffic management will begin from 3pm. Roads will be fully closed to vehicle movements from 4pm, before reopening on a rolling basis as the parade progresses to minimise disruption.

Following the parade, spectators can continue the celebrations by heading to the Eisteddfod field, where a special £5 admission ticket gives access to the popular Sound-Bridge Sessions on the Unity Stage. Children can attend free when accompanied by an adult, making it the perfect family evening featuring some of the festival’s outstanding young bands and artists.

The Parade of Nations is free to watch and offers a unique opportunity to experience the spirit of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod before the evening’s performances begin.

Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or visiting for the first time, come along and join the welcome as Llangollen celebrates its place as the home of international peace, friendship and music.

Parade at a Glance:

Date: Friday 10 July

Time: 4.30pm to 5.30pm

Route: Starts at the Eisteddfod field before travelling along Abbey Road, Bridge Street, Chapel Street, Oak Street, Castle Street, Market Street, East Street and Parade Street before returning to the Eisteddfod field.

Road Closures: Traffic management from 3pm. No vehicle movement on the route from 4pm. Roads will reopen on a rolling basis after the parade passes.

After the Parade: Special £5 admission to the Eisteddfod field for the Sound-Bridge Sessions on the Unity Stage. Children go free with a paying adult.

Lead Member with responsibility for Tŷ Pawb, Cllr Hugh Jones said “We are delighted to announce this new series of concerts, made possible thanks to a partnership between two of North Wales’ cultural powerhouses.

“Now in its 79th year, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has is widely regarded as one of the world’s most inspirational cultural festivals, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and performers from all over the world to our corner of North Wales each year.

“The series of concerts at Tŷ Pawb promises to bring a taster of the Eisteddfod’s carnival atmosphere to Wrexham and will be an excellent showcase of what to expect at this year’s festival. I hope everyone in Wrexham will take this opportunity to come and enjoy. Many thanks to all the performers and the Eisteddfod team for working with us to arrange the performances.”

A showcase of Welsh musical talent

Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Tŷ Pawb to bring a taste of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod to the heart of Wrexham. One of the things that makes the Eisteddfod so special is the way it brings people together through music, dance and cultural exchange, and these free performances offer a wonderful opportunity for people to experience some of that spirit ahead of this year’s festival.

“We’re particularly pleased that the programme showcases local performers alongside groups connected with the Eisteddfod, highlighting the wealth of musical talent we have here in North Wales. We hope these events will encourage both existing supporters and new audiences to discover everything that the Eisteddfod has to offer this summer.”

Full timetable

Saturday 27th June
12.30pm
The James Lambert singers Choir
This performance will be part of Tŷ Pawb’s FREE Family Fun Day

Monday 29th June
12.00pm
Ozukes U3A Ukelele group

Thursday 2nd July
12.00pm
Clywedog Steel Pans

Friday 3rd July
4pm
Cambrian Harps Have a go harp workshop *

Saturday 4th July
12.00pm
Lleisiau Clywedog

Wed 8th July
12.00pm
Karen’s Dance classes – Salsa workshop *

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is delighted to announce that internationally acclaimed Welsh composer Sir Karl Jenkins has been appointed President of the Eisteddfod for 2026.

Recognised as one of the world’s most performed living composers, Sir Karl’s music has touched millions of people across the globe through works including The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, Adiemus and Requiem. His appointment as President comes as the Eisteddfod prepares to welcome competitors, performers and visitors from around the world for another celebration of music, culture and international friendship.

The announcement comes in a remarkable year for Sir Karl, whose The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace was voted the most popular work in the Classic FM Hall of Fame 2026. The accolade reflects the profound connection audiences continue to feel with his music and its enduring messages of peace, hope and humanity – values that lie at the very heart of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Speaking about his appointment, Sir Karl Jenkins said,

“I’m delighted to be returning to the Llangollen Festival this year and especially honoured to do so in the role of President. Llangollen is always a very special place to be, with its unique sense of community and international spirit.

“I’m greatly looking forward to conducting my most recent choral work, One World, particularly following the postponement of last year’s performance. It’s a piece that I feel reflects the very essence of the festival, bringing together outstanding musicians from across the globe to form one powerful collective voice.”

Sir Karl’s presidential year will begin in spectacular fashion with the opening night concert, Uniting Nations: One World, on Tuesday 7 July.

A year after its unexpected postponement, one of the most anticipated concerts in the festival’s history will finally take centre stage. The postponement of the 2025 performance was a huge disappointment for everyone involved, particularly the volunteers, performers and audience members who had travelled from across the UK and around the world to be part of what promised to be a landmark evening.

Determined that the concert should have the stage it deserved, the Eisteddfod worked closely with partners to bring it back. Thanks to the support of the Arts Council of Wales, Uniting Nations: One World returns in 2026, ensuring that audiences will finally experience a concert many have been waiting a year to see.

The evening features a full performance of Sir Karl Jenkins’s One World, conducted by the composer and performed by an international massed chorus comprising WorldChoir and NEW Voices, accompanied by the Llangollen International Orchestra. Majestic, uplifting and deeply moving, the work blends Jenkins’s unmistakable musical language with themes of humanity, compassion and environmental stewardship – a message that resonates now more than ever.

The concert will also feature a complete staging of Peace Child: The Musical, an inspiring work that places young people at the heart of the story, reminding audiences of their vital role as peacemakers and global citizens.

Opening the evening will be the world premiere of Greeting the Dawn, a newly commissioned bilingual work by emerging Welsh composer Sam Buttler. Written especially for the 2026 Eisteddfod through the Harmony Without Borders initiative, the commission continues Llangollen’s proud tradition of nurturing new talent and giving fresh artistic voices an international platform.

John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said,

“We are absolutely delighted that Sir Karl Jenkins has agreed to serve as President of the Eisteddfod for 2026. Few musicians have done more to promote the values of peace, friendship and international understanding that lie at the heart of our festival.

“Sir Karl is one of Wales’s greatest cultural ambassadors and his music has inspired audiences across every continent. The fact that The Armed Man has just been voted the nation’s favourite classical work is a testament not only to his extraordinary talent, but also to the universal appeal of the messages of peace, hope and humanity that run through so much of his music.

“The postponement of One World last year was heartbreaking for everyone involved. We knew how much the concert meant to audiences, performers and volunteers alike, and we were determined to find a way to bring it back. Thanks to the support of the Arts Council of Wales, we can now finally give this extraordinary concert the audience it deserves.

“With Sir Karl as our President, the return of One World, the world premiere of a major new Welsh composition and the powerful message of Peace Child, this promises to be one of the most memorable and significant opening nights in the Eisteddfod’s history.

Celebrating its 79th year, the Llangollen International Eisteddfod returns on Tuesday 7 July with a packed programme of music, culture and competition. Highlights include Michael Ball, Emeli Sandé with the Absolute Orchestra, Uniting Nations: One World featuring Sir Karl Jenkins, and the prestigious Choir of the World competition. Alongside the evening concerts, thousands of competitors from across the globe will take part in a busy daytime schedule, with the colourful Parade of Nations returning on Friday 10 July and much more besides.

Further information about Uniting Nations: One World, including ticket details, can be found on the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod website. Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting from £33.

For more information and to book tickets, visit: llangollen.net