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When folk rock singer/songwriter, KT Tunstall, steps onto the stage at Llangollen’s International Eisteddfod with a full orchestra behind her, it will be a far cry from her previous visit to the festival. 

For when the Brit award winner visited in the 1990s she drove down from Edinburgh in a van to sell goods from her friend’s ‘hippie shop’ on the Eisteddfod field.

On July 10, she will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of her first and multi-million selling album, Eye to the Telescope, with a 2025 tour that includes a very special, one off concert in the pavilion. 

The tracks including Other Side of the World and Suddenly I See  have been set to a completely new orchestral score thanks to a link up with the Eisteddfod’s artistic director, Dave Danford who will conduct The Absolute Orchestra. 

“He contacted me to explain the idea and I had to say yes,” she said. I’m so excited.” 

“This will be the only chance people will have to see my music set to an orchestra. The album, with celebrates its 20th anniversary this year is very stripped back music with four to five musicians. To have an orchestra with me will be mind blowing. 

“It is also out of my comfort zone as I am a bit of a control freak over my music so I have had to to learn to let go the reins.

“I have been to the Eisteddfod before.  It was 1996/7 and my friend had a hippie shop in Edinburgh. She also attended festivals and I agreed to come down to the Llangollen for her. 

“I drove down in a van and spent the week at the Eisteddfod selling things like candles and incense. I loved it. I didn’t leave the van very often but I got to see the performers from all over the world walking around the site in their colourful costumes.” 

“I love Wales i used to come with my family every year to Llanfairfechan and I used to have a Welsh bassist who taught me some Welsh.” 

KT Tunstall’s big break came when she was 29 and appeared on Jools Holland. 

“I started in the folk music scene and Bob Dylan is my hero.” 

She has collaborated with other singers over the years including releasing the album, Face to Face with 70’s rock star, Suzi Quatro in 2023. 

“She is amazing. I have always been a fan and met her at an Elvis tribute show in Hyde Park. She said we should do something together but it wasn’t until the beginning of the end of lockdown that we had the time. When we made the album we would sit chatting for hours on end. I love the way our voices work together the result is so much bigger than the sum of the parts.” 

The run of concerts this year include one at London’s Royal Albert Hall on KT Tunstall’s 50th birthday. 

“I was thinking about getting a few friends round with a six pack and instead I will be celebrating with 5,000 people.” 

 “I have to pinch myself sometimes when I think it is the 20th anniversary of the album and am incredibly grateful for all that I have done. But I am also looking forward and very excited about the future.” 

This article was written by Sue Austin and was first published in the Shropshire Star.

The quartet went on to be a huge global success selling 30 million albums worldwide across 35 countries.

In July Il Divo will take to the stage at the Llangollen Eisteddfod – 30 years after another classical star Pavarotti made his second appearance at the international music festival.

Tenors, Urs Bühler of Switzerland, Sébastien Izambard  of France and David Miller  of America, and new member, baritone Steven LaBrie of America, are looking forward to embracing the history of the Eisteddfod when they perform in an evening concert on July 11.

Steven joined Il Divo following the tragic death of Carlos Marin from Covid in 2021.

David said that Carlos’ passing affected the group so much they did not know whether they could carry on.

“We didn’t know each other before Il Divo was created – it was like an arranged marriage. But that helped us to bond and Carlos’ passing was such a shock we though it was the end of the band.

“We were four voices and carrying on as a trio just would not have worked.”

The three decided to go on a tribute tour and Steven, who had worked with David in the past, was asked to join the tour.

Last year Il Divo  released its 10th full-length album XX  to mark its 20th anniversary.

The eclectic mix of tracks was, Urs said, chosen by the quartet members themselves.

“We had a brain storming session when we were touring – we were in Belfast. We listened to tracks we like and decided yes or no.”

This year’s European tour includes three concerts in the UK and one in Dublin.

“We always enjoy coming back to the UK – we have a sense of coming home, David said.

“Everyone is so supportive of us in the UK.”

The widow of superstar tenor Luciano Pavarotti is making an emotional visit to Llangollen International Eisteddfod which inspired his stellar career.

During her trip she will also be marking several major milestones, the 70th anniversary of his first experience of the festival, the 30th anniversary of his triumphant return in 1995 and what would have been his 90th birthday on October 12 this year.

Pavarotti was just 19 and a trainee teacher when he came to the Llangollen Eisteddfod in 1955 with his father, Fernando, as part of Chorus Rossini, from their home city of Modena.

They left as the overall winning choir and Pavarotti went home determined to make music his career and later said that winning at Llangollen was the spark that ignited his dream.

When he came back as a global icon for a sell-out concert in 1995, he said: “I always say that to the journalists when they ask me what is a day more memorable in my life, and I always say that it is when I won this competition because it was with all my friends.”

Nicoletta Mantovani is journeying from her home in Italy to hand over the coveted Pendine Trophy to the winner of the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition, the final of which is on the closing Sunday evening of the 2025 festival.

Sharing the presentation will her be Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, owners of the arts-loving Pendine Park care organisation which is once again sponsoring the award, and another megastar of the opera world, Sir Bryn Terfel.

And in another coup for the Eisteddfod, the previous evening Nicoletta will have been on the world-famous Pavilion stage to hand the Pavarotti Trophy, named in honour of her late husband, to the winners of the Choir of the World Competition alongside festival chair John Gambles.

Nicoletta Mantovani said: “I am deeply honoured and excited to be coming to the Llangollen International Eisteddfod to make both these amazing prize presentations. That is because this festival was the beginning of everything for Luciano and to mark both these anniversaries is very important,” said Nicoletta who founded and became president of the Pavarotti Foundation following his death.

The foundation organises tribute concerts with opera stars such as Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo, hosts exhibitions reflecting Pavarotti’s life and work and also arranges performances by young opera singers discovered or promoted by the Foundation.

Nicoletta explained: “Luciano had two dreams. The first was to bring opera to everyone and the second was to bring new people into the world of opera who could become the singers of the future, which both of these Eisteddfod competitions fulfil.

“Coming to Llangollen will be very emotional for me because without his first appearance there in 1955 he told me his career would not have been possible.

“In 1995 Luciano wanted to go back there to celebrate the 40th anniversary of that win and to inspire others about opera because it was such a special place.”

John Gambles, Chairman of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod said, “We are delighted to welcome Nicoletta Mantovani, the widow of the great Luciano Pavarotti, to Llangollen this summer.

“Her presence to present both the Pavarotti Trophy and the Pendine Trophy, alongside global stars like Sir Bryn Terfel and our partners at Pendine Park, will make this year’s Eisteddfod a truly memorable occasion.

Pendine is sponsoring the International Voice of the Future via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT) which supports cultural and community initiatives across Wales.

The competition will take place during the festival’s closing concert on Sunday, July 13, when Sir Bryn Terfel  will be performing songs from his latest album, Sea Songs, along with acclaimed folk group Fisherman’s Friends.

Mario Kreft said: “Gill and I were privileged to be on the Maes outside the pavilion watching on a big screen for Pavarotti’s brilliant performance in 1995 when he even performed a couple of arias outside.

“Pendine is also celebrating a big birthday this year – our 40th anniversary – and we’re absolutely thrilled that Nicoletta Mantovani was particularly keen to present the Pendine Trophy during what I am sure will be a memorable and emotional visit for so many reasons.

“Luciano Pavarotti will always be remembered as one of the finest and most beloved tenors of all time – and it’s wonderful to think that Llangollen Eisteddfod is where his remarkable journey to greatness began.

“The fact that Nicoletta Mantovani will be presenting the prizes will surely be a huge inspiration to the current crop of talented young singers who are aiming launch their own fledgling careers.

“It was lovely to learn that the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition chimes with Pavarotti’s desire to encourage and foster the singing stars of the future, ensuring that his legacy lives on.

Today heralds a landmark moment in contemporary classical music as DECCA Records unveils the 25th Anniversary Edition of The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, the enduring and powerful work by Sir Karl Jenkins.

The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace was commissioned by the Royal Armouries to mark the transition from one millennium to another. It reflects on the passing of ‘the most war-torn and destructive century in human history’ and looks forward in hope to a more peaceful future.

The 25th anniversary edition, released today, includes a cover redesign; a history of the commission by Guy Wilson, Master of the Armouries; updated biographies for contributors; and new notes from Julian Lloyd Webber reflecting on the debut performance, plus a note from Sir Karl himself.

Sir Karl Jenkins said, “I’m delighted that this piece has found resonance globally with so many of you over the years. I regret to say that there has been no let-up in war and conflict since I dedicated the piece to the victims of Kosovo, but we continue to make music in remembrance of those who have fallen and in the hope that humanity can find a way to heal”.

To purchase a copy of 25th Anniversary Edition of The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace go to https://karljenkins.decca.com/

Tickets are available for Uniting Nations: One World featuring Sir Karl Jenkins from https://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/events/wednesday-9th-july-2025-uniting-nations-one-world/

The Llangollen Pavilion is set to host a weekend of excitement and community celebration with two major events; the Llangollen Garden Railway Festival on Saturday, June 7, and Llanfest 2025 on Sunday, June 8.

Llangollen Garden Railway Festival – Saturday, June 7

Since its inception in 2021, the Llangollen Garden Railway Festival has become one of the UK’s premier model garden railway events. This year, over 40 of the UK’s leading retailers will showcase an array of large-scale model railway layouts, representing various periods and countries. The festival promises a day filled with intricate displays, live demonstrations, and opportunities for enthusiasts to connect and share their passion.

The festival will run from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Tickets are priced at £14, with free entry for accompanied children.

Llanfest 2025 – Sunday, June 8

Early bird tickets are available in advance for £15 from Llangollen.net using the discount code LLANFEST25; tickets will be £20 at the door.

Keith Potts, representing the Llangollen Pavilion, encapsulated the spirit of the weekend:

“This weekend at the Pavilion is all about bringing people together – whether you’re here to marvel at the intricate artistry of model railways or to party with brilliant live music. We’re proud to be hosting two events that celebrate community, creativity, and the unique spirit of Llangollen. It’s a weekend not to be missed and the perfect start to another amazing Summer in Llangollen.

About Llangollen Pavilion:

Free tickets for TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion and the Llangollen International Eisteddfod found.

Llangollen was buzzing with excitement on Bank Holiday Monday morning as hundreds of people took part in the biggest Treasure Hunt yet at the iconic Llangollen Pavilion. The event offered fans the chance to bag a pair of free tickets to concerts at TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion and the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, the hottest events in North Wales this summer.

To celebrate the 78th year of the Eisteddfod, 78 pairs of tickets were hidden around the Pavilion grounds, with eager treasure hunters scouring the area for the coveted envelopes. The Treasure Hunt, which ran from 10am until 12, saw hundreds of participants, making it a record-breaking event for the festival.

John Gambles, Chairman of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, said, “This year’s Treasure Hunt was our way of saying thank you to the local community for their incredible support. We were thrilled to see so many people taking part and sharing in the excitement. It’s a fantastic way to kick off what promises to be a summer of unforgettable music and celebration. I’m really looking forward to welcoming everyone to Llangollen this summer!”

The Treasure Hunt event, designed to continue the buzz surrounding the upcoming Live at Llangollen Pavilion and the Llangollen International Eisteddfod events, gave lucky finders access to some of the biggest shows of the summer. With global stars including Texas, Rag’n’Bone Man, The Script, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, KT Tunstall and Sir Bryn Terfel among the headline acts, this year’s lineup promises to be bigger and better than ever.

On Wednesday, 9 July, on the Globe Stage between 12 noon and 4pm, six dynamic community groups from across Wales will come together at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod to showcase their cultural vibrancy through a unique project called Community Rhythms and Roots Wales. Supported by the Arts Council of Wales, these groups will bring their multicultural and multilingual heritage to life in a celebration of Wales’ diverse communities. This initiative echoes the Eisteddfod’s long-standing tradition of uniting people through the power of the arts, building bridges in the spirit of peace and friendship.

Under the banner of Community Rhythms and Roots Wales, the groups represent a rich mosaic of cultural and linguistic backgrounds, each offering a performance that blends music, dance, and poetry. These performances will tell the stories of their communities and their roots, providing a compelling and joyous reflection of Wales’ multicultural landscape.

The project is further supported by three key partners – Literature Across Frontiers, the National Dance Company of Wales, and Community Music Wales—who will provide expertise and mentorship in storytelling and performance. Specialist community consultants, Lyndy Cooke and Richie Turner, along with project directors Garffild and Sian Eirian Lewis, will guide the groups through the creative process, ensuring their performances resonate on an international stage.

Each group will receive financial support to bring their performances to life at Llangollen in July.

Garffild Lewis, Project Director for Community Rhythms and Roots Wales, said:

“This project celebrates the strength found in diversity, bringing together Wales’ rich cultural communities. We’re excited to showcase these performances at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, where music, dance, and storytelling will unite us all in a spirit of peace and creativity, continuing the Eisteddfod’s tradition of fostering global connections.”

Dafydd Rhys, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Wales, expressed the significance of this initiative:

“We are proud to support Community Rhythms and Roots Wales at Llangollen International Eisteddfod 2025. The work is the result of a successful application to our ‘Connect and Flourish’ fund – a National Lottery funded programme that encourages collaboration between organisations, communities, individuals and creative workers.

Literature Across Frontiers, National Dance Company Wales and Community Music Wales are working together on this inspiring project to celebrate a rich texture of voices that reflect creativity, inclusion and cultural diversity and the work will mirror the values ​​of the International Eisteddfod. We are really looking forward to seeing the work amidst the colour and excitement of Llangollen.”

John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, also commented:

“This is a brilliant project, so close to our heart. We’re also thrilled that the six groups will play a central role in our Parade of Nations after their performance on our field. This year, we’re welcoming over 4,000 competitors from 35 different countries to Llangollen, continuing the Eisteddfod’s tradition of uniting the world through music and culture – just as we’ve done since 1947.”

Meet the Communities:

• Balkan Roots (Cardiff & Newport): This vibrant group celebrates the diverse cultures of the ex-Yugoslav states, bringing together music, dance, and song to share the rich Balkan heritage.
• EYST Wales (Wrexham): Young performers from ethnic minority backgrounds will present a powerful dance and music performance, showcasing global diversity through national flags and traditional dances from Poland, Portugal, South Africa, and more.

• Caminhos (Cardiff & Surrounding Areas): A performance that blends chant, movement, and spoken word to tell the story of a community at peace, later torn apart by external forces. Its aim: to promote global harmony.
• TGP Teulu Dawns Cymru (Cardiff): This group of teenage asylum seekers will explore identity, heritage, and connection through Afrobeats, blending rhythmic dance and original music to express their shared experiences.

• Samarpan (Newport & Cardiff): “Nritya – A Dance for Unity & Peace” brings the profound traditions of Indian classical dance to life, celebrating cultural interconnectedness and global unity through the power of performance.

• Oasis (Cardiff & Surrounding Areas): Combining the talents of the Oasis Gambas Band and the One World Choir, this performance uses original bilingual songs, spoken word, and dance to spread messages of joy, peace, resilience, and solidarity.

78 PAIRS OF FREE TICKETS TO BE FOUND

Music fans can get their hands on the hottest tickets in town as North Wales gets ready for another incredible season of live music with TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion and the Llangollen International Eisteddfod.

Last summer more than 50,000 music lovers flocked to the town for a month of spectacular shows, and the excitement returns next month as global stars including Texas, Rag’n’Bone Man, James, The Script, Olly Murs, The Human League and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell all head to Live at Llangollen Pavilion from June 26 to July 5.

The stellar lineup continues with the Llangollen International Eisteddfod from July 8, featuring headline shows from Sir Karl Jenkins, KT Tunstall, Il Divo, Beyond Time: The Music of Hans Zimmer, Choir of the World with special guest Lucie Jones, and Bryn Terfel joined by Fisherman’s Friends and Eve Goodman. The festival also offers a full daily programme of competitions and field entertainment.

To kick off the celebrations, organisers are bringing back the hugely popular treasure hunt, giving fans another chance to bag themselves FREE tickets on Monday May 26.

To mark 78 years of the international festival 78 pairs of free tickets will be hidden at various locations around the Llangollen Pavilion grounds.

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod Dave Danford said: “Last year’s treasure hunt was such a hit – it really helped build a buzz in the town ahead of a truly incredible summer so we knew we had to bring it back. It’s a fun way to kick things off and gives fans the chance to bag tickets to some of our biggest shows. With world-class artists and the unique magic of the Llangollen Eisteddfod, this year is going to be something special. Let the hunt begin!”

The Treasure Hunt will run from 10am until 2pm on Monday May 26. 

• 78 special envelopes will be hidden around the iconic Llangollen Pavilion grounds. Each envelope contains a unique code linked to a specific headlining concert or the Family Fun Day.
• Lucky finders must bring the envelope and code to the main entrance of the Pavilion to redeem their pair of tickets.
• Limit of one pair of tickets per person. Tickets must be redeemed before the Pavilion closes at 2 pm on Monday May 26.
• All under-16s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
• Good luck and happy hunting!

7PM THURSDAY MAY 29

LLANGOLLEN PAVILION HALL

Residents and businesses in Llangollen are being invited to a public meeting ahead of this year’s TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion and Llangollen International Eisteddfod events.

This Summer, more than 50,000 people are expected to come to Llangollen providing a huge boost to the local economy.

Representatives from both the volunteer team behind the festival and co-promoters Cuffe and Taylor will lead the meeting to answer and address all questions covering subjects such as traffic management, noise alleviation measures, and access to the site.

The meeting will take place on Thursday, 29th May at 7pm at Llangollen Pavilion.

Chair of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, John Gambles said: “In just a few weeks’ time, the doors of our iconic Pavilion will welcome tens of thousands of people for our TK Maxx Presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion and the Llangollen International Eisteddfod events. This meeting will be an opportunity for Llangollen residents and businesses to get the latest information, as we gear up for a summer of fun. It’s important to us to keep residents in the loop, to ensure the impact on our town as positive.”

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