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A talented young Welsh composer says it means the world to him to have his specially commissioned work provide a stunning fanfare to this year’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod along with musical legend Sir Karl Jenkins.

In its far-reaching new initiative, Harmony Without Borders, the Eisteddfod invited early-career composers born, living or studying in Wales to apply for a £6,000 paid commission, made possible thanks to significant support from the Arts Council of Wales, to create a six-minute bilingual work for choir and orchestra.

The piece, still under its working title of Greeting the Dawn, will receive its world premiere on Tuesday July 7 as part of the festival’s flagship opening concert, Uniting Nations: One World, a centrepiece of the 2026 artistic programme.

This special evening, featuring Sir Karl Jenkins conducting his own powerful work, One World, opens the festival with a message of unity, renewal and global collaboration.

The young composer selected by a panel of musical experts including Brian Hughes, Anthony Gabrielle and Tori Longdon, is 29-year-old Sam Buttler, originally from Cardiff, who has already made a significant impact on the world of music during his relatively short career. In 2024 he was the recipient of the 2024 Paul Mealor Award for Young Composers from the Welsh Music Guild.

He took part in the 2025 Composers Academy at the Cheltenham Festival, writing a new work for George Parris and The Carice Singers. He was also a member of the 2024 JAM on the Marsh Composer’s Residency, writing an opera based on the films of Derek Jarman with a libretto by Grahame Davies.

In 2024 he released his debut EP with Ensemble Matters, To the Waters and the Wild… for Pierrot Ensemble and in 2023 he was selected as part of the Peter Reynolds Composers Studio at the Vale of Glamorgan Festival, writing two new works for cello octet and violin and piano.

Sam was chosen as one of the six composers for Tŷ Cerdd’s CoDI Lead scheme, working closely with a quartet of musicians from Paraorchestra on a new work, Chariots, Death, Jewels, and the Moon, premiered in 2022. The same year he had his work Stones Have Memory Here featured as the BBC NOW Composition: Wales.

He is a keen music educator, having taught at secondary and higher education levels for the past seven years in composition and academic music. He has been a Graduate Teaching Assistant at King’s College, London since 2021 and specialises in helping people with composition and integrating it into their learning, as well as getting students to be confident in their music creation.

Sam started in music when he was just four years old, first playing the recorder then swapping to the oboe. He played in county orchestras and wind bands all the way through school and became a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales and the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Wales. He went on study music at St Peter’s College, Oxford, where he was also a choral scholar and from where he graduated in 2017. He completed his Master’s in Composition at Royal Holloway and is currently in the final stages of his PhD in Music Composition at King’s College, London.

Speaking of how much it means to him that his newly-penned work will be premiered at such on auspicious occasion, a delighted Sam said: “It means the world. I’ve never had an opportunity on this scale and to not only open the festival, but to have my music alongside Sir Karl Jenkins’s – another Welsh oboist and composer – is something I don’t think I could have ever imagined.

“It means so much that my music will open the Eisteddfod, as so often the ‘new music’ is not given such a prominent spot. I can’t thank everyone involved enough.”

He added: “I’m still slightly in shock. Wales has such an incredible musical culture, and especially some brilliant composers. It’s easy to feel like no-one is hearing your musical voice, so to be selected from such a strong field is amazing.

“The spirit of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod also really appealed to me. Music has the power to bring people together and can be a real force for good.”

A global search has been launched to find a new international singing star. The prestigious Pendine International Voice of the Future competition will be one of the main highlights of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod which gets underway on Tuesday, July 7.

The aim of the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition which started in 2013 is to advance the careers of the world’s most gifted young singers.

The competition is once again being sponsored by the arts-loving care organisation, Pendine Park via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust, which was established to support cultural and community initiatives across Wales.

The winner will be presented with the Pendine Trophy – a solid silver salver – and the £3,000 prize while the runner up will get a cheque for £1,000.

The competition has been given a major boost after Pendine pledged to continue to back it for the next five years.

Applications to compete are now being accepted. The closing date is March 12 and more details of how to enter can be found at https://eisteddfodcompetitions.co.uk

Thanking Mario and his wife, Gill, for their support, the Eisteddfod’s Artistic Director Dave Danford said it was a wonderful start to the new year and a great boost to ongoing preparations for this year’s festival.

Talented singers from all over the world who have triumphed in previous competitions have hailed it as an invaluable stepping stone in helping them achieve their musical dreams.

Among them are two past winners, Shimona Rose, of Singapore, and South Walian Eirlys Myfanwy Davies, who will both be returning as stars of this year’s festival in the long-awaited staging of Uniting Nations: One World concert on the opening night

Shimona and Eirlys will take on the solo performances in One World, composed and conducted by Sir Karl Jenkins.

Also taking part will be a  massed choir of more than 100 singers from WorldChoir and NEW Voices along with the Llangollen International Orchestra.

Dave Danford said: “The outstanding success stories of Shimona and Eirlys epitomise what a difference entering the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition can make to fledgling careers.”

“It has rightly earned a global reputation as one of the most prestigious competitions in classical music.

“Not only do entrants get the chance to perform before a packed audience at one of Europe’s biggest folk festivals, but for many it has proved a launch pad to a successful professional career in opera or classical music.

“The £3,000 first prize is a tremendous help to any young singer starting out. It goes a long way towards financing them through music college, post-graduate training or just furthering their careers.

“We are very excited about what this year’s competition will bring in terms of as yet undiscovered talents.

“We know from past experience that there are some brilliant singers out there just waiting for a chance to step in the spotlight and show the world what they can do – we encourage them to come forward and enter the 2026 competition.

“Whether competitors are from just down the road right here in Wales, or from Europe, Asia or the Americas, we welcome applications from any musicians who dream of the chance of making music their lifetime career.”

Mario Kreft said: “This competition chimes perfectly with our ethos at Pendine Park where we’re celebrating our 40^th anniversary.

“The arts in general and music in particular provide the golden thread running through everything we do to enrich the lives of our residents and staff alike and it can play an incredibly important role in social care more widely.”

Each entrant is required to include an audio or video recording and proof of age with their application.

Competitors must be aged 18 or older on the first day of the competition. They are required to perform a contrasting programme of up to seven minutes in length for their preliminary rounds, and up to ten minutes for the final.

The programmes should include works from oratorio, opera, lieder, or song, and be sung in their original language.

The competitors will have to navigate the preliminary round and a semi-final, with just two singers expected to be selected for the final big-night sing-off which will be the finale of the Eisteddfod week on Sunday, July 12.

Following the closing date on March 12 a selection panel will consider the entries and choose about 25 singers who will be invited to go on to take part in this year’s competition.

Other highlights of this year’s Eisteddfod include appearances by Michael Ball, Emeli Sandé and the Orchestral Qawwali Project.

For details on how to enter the competition go to https://eisteddfodcompetitions.co.uk and for the full eisteddfod programme and how to buy tickets visit https://llangollen.net

With just six weeks remaining, dancers are being urged to submit their entries for the Solo and Duet/Trio Dance Competitions at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod 2026. The closing date for applications is Sunday 22 February 2026, and strong interest is already being shown from dancers across the UK and overseas.

The competitions will take place on Saturday 11 July 2026 as part of the world-famous Llangollen Eisteddfod, which runs from Tuesday 7 to Sunday 12 July 2026 in Llangollen, Northeast Wales. The 2026 festival will deliver a true dance extravaganza, underlining the Eisteddfod’s growing commitment to showcasing dance alongside its internationally renowned music and cultural programme.

A standout highlight for 2026 is the dramatic expansion of competitive dance opportunities, with categories increasing from just five in 2025 to fourteen distinct classes. This unprecedented growth opens the door to soloists, ensembles and cultural dance groups from across the globe, offering a platform for an extraordinary breadth of styles. From the elegance and precision of ballet and contemporary performance to the colour, rhythm and vitality of folk and traditional dance, the Eisteddfod stage will host more variety and energy than ever before.

Dancers can enter as solo performers or in duet and trio groups, with performances lasting up to three minutes. A wide range of styles is welcomed, including ballet, contemporary, jazz, commercial, street and ballroom. Competitions are open to dancers of all ages, with age groupings used where necessary to support scheduling. Performers may use either pre-recorded backing tracks or provide their own piano accompaniment. International medals will be awarded to the top three competitors in each category, alongside the prestige of performing on one of the world’s most respected international stages.

Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said, “The Llangollen Eisteddfod has always been about bringing people together through music and performance, and dance plays a vital role in that vision. The expansion of our dance competitions for 2026 is incredibly exciting and reflects strong feedback from our loyal audiences. It also reflects our ambition to welcome more styles, more cultures and more performers to Llangollen. We are very much looking forward to seeing the creativity and passion dancers will bring to the stage.”

Dancers wishing to take part are encouraged not to delay, as entry numbers are limited. Full details on how to enter can be found at eisteddfodcompetitions.co.uk/solo-and-duet-trio-dance. Successful applicants will be notified by Thursday 5 March 2026.

The excitement doesn’t end with the competitions. Evening concerts throughout the week are selling fast, with audiences eager to secure seats for a spectacular line-up in the Royal International Pavilion. Highlights include Uniting Nations: One World on Tuesday 7 July, a powerful celebration of peace and global unity conducted by Sir Karl Jenkins; Global Rhythms: Made in Wales on Wednesday 8 July, showcasing vibrant Welsh creativity alongside world music influences; a mesmerising performance by the Orchestral Qawwali Project on Thursday 9 July; a World Exclusive concert with global music icon Emeli Sandé and The Absolute Orchestra on Friday 20 July; and An Evening with Michael Ball on Saturday, 11 July featuring one of Britain’s leading musical theatre performers. The week concludes on Sunday 12 July with the final of Choir of the World, a thrilling showcase of the world’s finest choral talent.

Tickets are available from Llangollen.net, and people are being encouraged to book soon as demand is high and several concerts are close to selling out.

A landmark week of music, dance and international harmony – 7–12 July 2026

Orchestral Qawwali Project Royal Albert Hall London 27 May 2024 Photo By Annabel Moeller

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has unveiled its full programme for 2026, promising a defining week of global music-making, world-class performers and vibrant international competition in the heart of North East Wales.

Headlining the announcement is the long-awaited staging of Uniting Nations: One World on Tuesday July 7 2026. The major concert featuring Sir Karl Jenkins – cancelled at the last moment in 2025 due to an extraordinary medical incident – will now be presented for the very first time in Llangollen.

In response to phenomenal public demand, the concert has been expanded and enhanced for 2026. Audiences will finally experience One World, composed and conducted by Sir Karl, performed by a massed choir of more than 100 singers from WorldChoir and NEW Voices, the Llangollen International Orchestra, and soloists Simona Rose and Eirlys Myfanwy Davies.

This new, elevated edition also includes a fresh staging of the Peace Child Musical in partnership with Peace Child International, further reinforcing the festival’s commitment to global understanding and youth empowerment. The evening will open with a newly commissioned work by an emerging composer, written especially for Llangollen 2026. There will be a call for budding new composers soon.

On Wednesday July 8, the festival ignites with Global Rhythms: Made in Wales, a celebration of Welsh creativity and multicultural collaboration. Performers include Guinean-Welsh multi-instrumentalist N’famady Kouyaté, brass sensations Band Pres Llareggub with special guest Sage Todz, the final of the Children’s Choir of the World competition, and the Eisteddfod’s iconic Celebration of Nations, a vibrant display of flags, colour and unity.

On Thursday July 9, audiences will experience the spellbinding Orchestral Qawwali Project, led by critically acclaimed composer, Rushil Ranjan. The Project features the soaring vocals of Abi Sampa in an effortless combination with rich orchestral arrangements and powerful chants. The duo seamlessly blends Western Classical, choral, Indian Classical and Sufi music. Since their formation, they’ve risen to prominence selling out concert venues around the world, including the Royal Albert Hall. They have also amassed millions of online listeners.

The Weekend features two major headline events already generating huge excitement:

•      Emeli Sandé with The Absolute Orchestra on Friday July 10, delivering a world-exclusive orchestral reimagining of her greatest hits.

•      An Evening with Michael Ball on Saturday July 11, showcasing his unmistakable blend of musical theatre favourites and timeless classics, preceded by the International Voice of Musical Theatre final.

The festival concludes on Sunday July 12 with the internationally celebrated Choir of the World competition, where leading choirs compete for the prestigious Pavarotti Trophy. The evening also features the Pendine International Voice of the Future final, spotlighting exceptional emerging vocal talent.

Across the week, thousands of competitors from around the globe will take to the pavilion stage for a dynamic programme of daytime competitions. Saturday marks the festival’s most ambitious slate of dance events in decades, and Sunday brings together international choirs in inspiring harmony.

Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said, “Llangollen 2026 brings together everything that makes this festival so special: world-class artists, extraordinary global talent and a spirit of friendship that transcends borders.

“We’re delighted this year to bring cutting edge music including N’famady Kouyaté, Band Pres Llareggub, Sage Todz, Emeli Sandé and the incredible Orchestral Qawwali Project, who recently sold-out prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall and Birmingham Symphony Hall. This will be another week that truly embodies the Eisteddfod’s mission to unite nations through music and dance.”

Tickets for all 2026 evening concerts and season passes will go on sale to Friends of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod from Tuesday 25 November, with general sale opening on Wednesday 26 November. They will be available from Llangollen.net, 01978 862 000 or from Llangollen Tourist Information Centre on Castle Street, Llangollen.

John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said, “The staging of One World for the first time in Llangollen is more than a rescheduled concert – it is a powerful statement about resilience, collaboration and the unifying force of music. We can’t wait to welcome Sir Karl Jenkins to the Eisteddfod stage again. The entire 2026 programme reflects that same spirit, bringing together extraordinary artists and communities from across the world for a truly unforgettable week.”

Llangollen get ready to be bowled over…

Texan pop punk legends Bowling For Soup and folk punk royalty Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls are teaming up next summer and they are heading to North Wales.

The two genre-defying musical powerhouses and long-time friends are joining forces for the first time ever for a run of dates across the country with their Bowl My Bones tour headlining TK Maxx Presents Live At Llangollen Pavilion on Friday July 3.

Friends of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod can access pre-sale tickets from 10am Tuesday via llangollen.net and tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday November 28.

One of rocks’ most unlikely friendships began years ago, sparked by Bowling For Soup frontman Jaret Reddick’s admiration for Frank Turner’s music. In more recent years the two became good friends, even hosting a weekly live stream together during the COVID pandemic. Now, after years of fan requests, the tour they’ve been hoping for is finally happening.

Frank is very much looking forward to hitting the road with his long-time friends: “I love summer, I love touring, and I really love Bowling For Soup. So let’s cut to the chase and do them all at the same time! These shows are going to be a lot of fun, I’m honoured to be part of the adventure.”

While the feeling is more than mutual from Bowling For Soup’s Jaret: “Discovering Frank Turner’s music happened at an important time in my life. I needed it, but I didn’t know how much. Now, many years later, I get to call him friend, and touring with him and The Sleeping Souls in his home country of the UK seems unreal to me. I think these are going to be special Summer nights that none of us will forget! Stoked!!!”

The announcement of the tour follows swiftly on from the news of Bowling For Soup teaming up Wales’ viral sensations Punk Rock Factory to release a brand-new version of Endless Possibility featuring alt-rock legends Wheatus, the main theme song from video game Sonic Unleashed. The song was originally written by Jaret and has become one of the most beloved songs from the Sonic The Hedgehog franchise ever, with fans continuing to post about it, stream it, and cover it more than 15 years later.

Bowling For Soup have spent the past 30 years proving they’re not just a band — they’re a guaranteed good time. Known for their infectious anthems, off-the-cuff comedy and massive singalongs, their live shows feel less like concerts and more like backyard parties with thousands of friends.

Their UK breakthrough came in 2000 with The Bitch Song, followed by the GRAMMY-nominated hit Girl All The Bad Guys Want, 1985 and High School Never Ends — tracks that helped cement their place in pop-punk history.

Frank Turner is one of the UK’s most successful and beloved artists, with a career built on relentless touring, heartfelt songwriting and a deep connection to his fans. Since going solo in 2005, Turner has released 10 studio albums and played more than 3,000 live shows with his long-time backing band The Sleeping Souls.

His 2022 album FTHC became his first UK Number 1, following four consecutive Top 3 records. His latest release, last year’s Undefeated continued that streak, debuting at Number 3 on the Official Album Chart and topping the Independent Album Chart. With more than a million records sold worldwide and a catalogue that blends punk spirit with folk storytelling, Turner has earned a reputation as one of the most compelling live performers of his generation.

Together Bowling For Soup and Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls bring a shared love for turning gigs into unforgettable nights. The Bowl My Bones Tour isn’t just a double bill — it’s a full-throttle celebration of connection, community and the kind of live music that sticks with you long after the final chord.

The announcement marks the final headlining show to be revealed for TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2026, which is presented as part of an ongoing partnership with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor.

Bowling For Soup and Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls join iconic Welsh trailblazers Super Furry Animals, pop star Rick Astley, Scottish chart-toppers Deacon Blue, Britpop mastermind Alex James’ Britpop Classical, multi-platinum selling hitmaker Tom Grennan, global music icon Billy Ocean, dance music pioneer Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics and legendary singer-songwriter David Gray who will all headline the iconic Welsh venue in 2026.

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Dave Danford said: “Today’s announcement adds yet another genre to our hugely diverse line-up of shows at Llangollen Pavilion for summer 2026. We’ve really made sure there’s something for everybody next year, and if early indications are anything to go by then tickets are going to be in short supply!

“This completes our line-up for next year’s TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion series, and we can’t wait to get started in June!”

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It’s Not The End Of The World — it’s another chance to see the Furries!

Tickets flew out within hours across the country when Super Furry Animals announced their first live dates in 10 years. Now, fans of Wales’ most offbeat musical icons have another chance to catch the psychedelic legends back in action when they headline TK Maxx Presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion on Thursday July 2.

They will be joined on the night by two very special guests – the explosive five-piece punk band Panic Shack and the eccentric psychedelic six-piece Melin Melyn.

Friends of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod can access pre-sale tickets from 10am tomorrow via llangollen.net and tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday.  

Formed in Cardiff in 1995, Super Furry Animals — Huw Bunford, Cian Ciarán, Daf Ieuan, Guto Pryce and Gruff Rhys — quickly became one of the most inventive and beloved bands of the era. Their debut album Fuzzy Logic set the tone for a career defined by surreal visuals, genre-bending soundscapes and unforgettable live shows. The band frequently grabbed headlines with their unusual promotional tactics, including the famous Super Furry Animals Tank, giant inflatable bears and Yeti costumes.

Their headline date in Llangollen joins sold-out shows in Cardiff and Llandudno as part of the already sold-out Supacabra Tour — a long-awaited reunion celebrating 30 years of invention, mischief and sonic exploration, alongside the 20th-anniversary reissue of Love Kraft.

With a nine-album catalogue of vibrant hits and courageous, off-piste sonic cuts, Super Furry Animals remain devoted to their singular mission of delivering unfiltered joy to the hearts of the Furry family.

The iconic Welsh trailblazers have grown a significant and loyal following since bursting onto the music scene, proving that three decades of creativity and experimentation have only strengthened their legendary status.

Joining Super Furry Animals in Llangollen will be special guests Panic Shack, a sharp-witted five-piece punk outfit from Cardiff whose DIY spirit and electrifying live shows have made them one of Wales’ most exciting new bands. Formed in 2018 by Sarah Harvey, Meg Fretwell, Romi Lawrence, Emily Smith and Nick Williams, the group set out to prove music isn’t a members-only club. Their sound – collar-grabbing punk missives that walk the line between smoking-area banter and a restless rage for the world we live in – refuses to sit politely. With wit, grit and a fearless sense of identity, Panic Shack bring a riotous energy that’s impossible to ignore.

Opening the night will be fellow Cardiffians Melin Melyn — a genre-defying six-piece whose surreal storytelling, kaleidoscopic soundscapes, and wildly theatrical live shows weave together surf-rock, country, prog, psychedelia, and more. Their inventive approach has earned them critical acclaim and a devoted, ever-growing following.

Super Furry Animals join Rick Astley, Deacon Blue, Alex James’ Britpop Classical, Tom Grennan, Billy Ocean, Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics and David Gray among the headline announcements revealed so far for TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2026, which is presented as part of an ongoing partnership with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor.

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Dave Danford said: “As soon as we heard the Super Furry Animals were touring again next summer we were determined for a show at the Llangollen Pavilion to be included in their plans. There are very few Welsh bands this iconic, and we’re so proud to be able to offer fans who missed out on their sold-out shows in Cardiff and Llandudno a chance to see them.

 “We also have two brilliant Welsh bands on the bill as support acts, so this really will be a celebration of the best indie music Wales has to offer!”

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One of the UK’s best loved pop stars Rick Astley is heading to North Wales for a joyous headline show next summer. The Never Gonna Give You Up hitmaker will headline TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion on Wednesday June 24 when he will be joined on the night by very special guests Lottery Winners.

Friends of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod can access pre-sale tickets from 10am tomorrow via llangollen.net and tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday.

Rick Astley leapt to fame in 1987 with the era-defining smash single Never Gonna Give You Up, followed by hits including Together Forever and Whenever You Need Somebody.

After stepping away from the spotlight for several years, audiences in Llangollen were treated to a special night in 2011 when he performed during the opening of that years Eisteddfod. Then in 2016, he celebrated his 50th birthday with a triumphant return to the top of the charts with his hit album 50.

And the still-boyish singer, songwriter and producer has stayed at the top of his game ever since, enjoying collaborations with the likes of Foo Fighters and Blossoms, show-stealing sets at Glastonbury and a number two chart position for 2023 album Are We There Yet? – contributing to more than 40million record sales worldwide.

Joining him in Llangollen will be indie pop band Lottery Winners. Earlier this year the band racked up their second Number 1 album with the release of fourth studio album KOKO.

And 2025 has continued at speed as not only have the band performed some of their biggest headline shows to date this year, they also spent the summer on the road supporting Robbie Williams on his UK and Europe stadium tour.

Rick Astley joins Deacon Blue, Alex James’ Britpop Classical, Tom Grennan, Billy Ocean, Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics and David Gray among the headline announcements revealed so far for TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2026, which is presented as part of an ongoing partnership with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor.

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Dave Danford said:

“We can’t wait to welcome Rick Astley back to Llangollen next summer, returning for the first time in 15 years.

“There’s something truly special about live music in our incredible setting. It’s the perfect backdrop for a night of timeless hits, and when you add a hugely popular performer with a world-class band to that mix you know you are guaranteed a brilliant night of live music, with some humour thrown in for good measure!

“Llangollen has always been a place where music connects people, and Rick’s return will be another unforgettable moment in that tradition.”

Scottish legends Deacon Blue are set to light up summer 2026 as they bring their signature sound and electrifying live tour to Llangollen.

The Real Gone Kid and Dignity hitmakers will headline TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion on Saturday July 4 as part of The Great Western Road Trip Rolls On tour.

Performing their biggest hits alongside songs from their latest album The Great Western Road, Deacon Blue will be joined on the night by very special guests Lightning Seeds.

Friends of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod can access pre-sale tickets from 10am on Tuesday via llangollen.net and tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday.

Speaking about hitting the road, frontman Ricky Ross said: “No one knows where The Great Western Road ends up, least of all us! For now the road goes on and next summer we are taking the shows to some beautiful venues. We can’t wait to see you there and we promise to make every night very special.”

Celebrating 40 years since Ross and Dougie Vipond first formed the band, Deacon Blue’s Llangollen headline show will be a career-spanning night of hits including Chocolate Girl, Wages Day and Fergus Sings The Blues — alongside highlights from The Great Western Road, their most successful studio release in more than three decades, reaching Number 3 in the UK and topping the Scottish Album Chart.

Recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios, the album reunites Ross and guitarist Gregor Philp as producers, with engineer Matt Butler, who worked on Deacon Blue’s classic debut Raintown. The record captures the band’s journey across four decades, reflecting on life, love and longevity.

With more than 7 million albums sold, two UK Number One albums, and a songbook filled with heartfelt, singalong hits, Deacon Blue remain one of the UK’s most enduring and best-loved live acts. Their headline show at Llangollen promises to be a celebration of their remarkable story – and a showcase of a band still creating, evolving, and connecting with fans new and old.

Joining them as very special guests are Liverpudlian indie icons Lightning Seeds, the masterminds behind timeless favourites Pure and Lucky You.

Bursting on to the music scene in the late ’80s with their shimmering debut Cloudcuckooland, the band quickly became one of the UK’s most cherished indie-pop acts. Led by songwriter and producer Ian Broudie, their catalogue spans era-defining hits like The Life of Riley, Sense, and Change. Renowned for melodic brilliance and feel-good live shows, Lightning Seeds continue to delight fans across generations – the perfect addition to an unmissable night at Llangollen Pavilion.

Deacon Blue join Alex James’ Britpop Classical, Tom Grennan, Billy Ocean, Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics and David Gray among the first headline announcements for TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2026, which is presented as part of an ongoing partnership with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor.

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Dave Danford said: “We’re so excited that Deacon Blue will be performing in Llangollen as part of their tour next summer; they’re undoubtedly one of the UK’s favourite live acts. Having recorded their latest release at Rockfield Studios in Wales, it’s fitting some of the songs from that album will be heard in another iconic Welsh location…the Llangollen Pavilion!”

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is delighted back Wrexham’s bid for UK City of Culture 2029. Wrexham has announced its intention to bid once again for the title of UK City of Culture 2029, following its outstanding achievement in reaching the final stages of the last competition and finishing as runner-up to Bradford, the winner for 2025.

Morgan Thomas, a Board Director at the Eisteddfod is the Culture Bid Co-ordinator. He has been updating the Eisteddfod Board on the exciting plans. John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen Eisteddfod said, “This is an exciting time for arts and culture across North East Wales, and I was delighted to attend a recent event supporting Wrexham’s bid on behalf of our Eisteddfod. If successful, Wrexham’s bid to become UK City of Culture would be a true game changer, not just for the city but for the whole region. Many of our volunteers and supporters live in and around Wrexham, so we have everything crossed that our neighbours’ ambition and creativity will be recognised. The Eisteddfod is proud to give its full backing to the bid.”

Building on the wealth of experience gained from its previous bid, the whole county of Wrexham is more determined than ever to celebrate its unique culture, heritage, and energy through a vibrant and imaginative programme for 2029. This bid is not just about culture, it’s about people. It’s the people of Wrexham who make it such a special and inspiring place, and their creativity, playfulness, warmth, and pride will be at the heart of the campaign. Together, they will build a stronger, more connected, and more dynamic Wrexham. Securing the prestigious title of UK City of Culture will create jobs, attract investment, provide new creative spaces, and shape an exciting legacy for the county. More than a single year packed full of cultural activity, winning the title will unlock projects and opportunities that will continue to benefit Wrexham’s communities for many years to come.

The UK City of Culture competition, run every four years by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), celebrates creativity, heritage, and community spirit across the UK. The successful city is awarded the title for one year, during which it delivers a programme of cultural events and culture-led regeneration that brings lasting social and economic benefits to the area. Having seen first-hand the transformative impact of competing in the contest, Wrexham’s partners, stakeholders, and communities have united once again to form a City of Culture Board, chaired by Joanna Knight OBE.

The Board operates under the newly established Wrexham Community & Culture Trust, which brings together 13 Trustees with expertise across arts and culture, sport, education, business, inclusion, and governance. Their collective stewardship will help shape an ambitious, community-driven bid. The new campaign, Wrecsam2029, will showcase Wrexham’s distinctive character, playfulness, and creativity to the world.

Joanna Knight OBE, Chair of the Board, comments “We are in it to win it and incredibly proud to announce Wrexham’s intention to bid for UK City of Culture 2029. This is a chance to build on the incredible experience, pride, and momentum generated by our previous campaign and to show the world what makes Wrexham so special. The people of Wrexham are the heartbeat of this bid – their energy, creativity, and playfulness will make our journey even more exciting and vibrant. The Board brings together a wealth of talent and enthusiasm, and together we will work to create a bid that is inclusive, ambitious, and deeply rooted in our community. Wrexham’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and collaboration – and 2029 is our moment to shine.”

Amanda Evans, Culture Bid Director, adds “Wrexham’s ambition for 2029 is an opportunity to tell our story on a national stage – a story of creativity, diversity, and pride that runs through every town, village, and community in the county. We learned so much from our last bid, and this time we’re building something even more dynamic, inclusive, and forward-looking. The excitement and commitment we’re already seeing from local people and partners shows just how ready Wrexham is to take this next step.”

To find out more about the bid and what it could mean for Wrexham and the wider region, and to sign up to the mailing list to receive the latest news and updates, visit www.wrecsam2029.wales