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Multi-platinum-selling artist Tom Grennan will bring his electrifying live show to North Wales next summer as part of a run of headline dates.

The chart-topping BRIT and Ivor Novello-nominated star will head to TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion on Sunday July 5.

Friends of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod can access pre-sale tickets from 10 am on Tuesday October 28 via llangollen.net and tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday October 31.

Today’s announcement follows a period of immense success for Tom Grennan who celebrated landing his third consecutive UK No. 1 album in August with the release of Everywhere I Went Led Me To Where I Didn’t Want To Be. His unstoppable ascent has seen him sell more than 120,000 tickets in the last 12 months including his recent sold-out Grennan ’25 arena tour.

Grennan burst onto the music scene in 2016 as the guest vocalist on the Chase & Status track All Goes Wrong, before stepping into the spotlight with his gold-certified debut album Lighting Matches, in 2018. Since then, he’s delivered a string of fan favourites, including Little Bit of Love, By Your Side, Lionheart, Found What I’ve Been Looking For, Let’s Go Home Together (with Ella Henderson), and How Does It Feel.

His breakthrough came in 2021 with Evering Road — a UK Number One album packed with platinum hits and Top 10 singles – which he followed up with 2023’s chart-topping What Ifs & Maybes.

With more than 1.5 million album sales, 2.5 billion streams, an MTV Award for Best UK Act, and a sold-out 25,000-capacity headline show at Gunnersbury Park, Grennan’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Last year, his festive single It Can’t Be Christmas became a seasonal hit, reaching Number 3 in the UK charts.

Tom Grennan joins 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.

Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod said: “Our line-up for next summer just keeps getting better and better! We’re so excited to welcome Tom Grennan to the iconic Llangollen Pavilion as part of his tour. There’s nowhere quite like Llangollen surrounded by mountains, music, and magic – this is going to be an unforgettable night! Tickets will fly for this one!”

In a world-exclusive, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is set to shine in 2026 with a one-night-only orchestral spectacular, starring global music icon Emeli Sandé.

On Friday July 10, the powerhouse performer will take centre stage in a bespoke concert created exclusively for the historic festival. Making her highly anticipated Llangollen debut, the multi-award-winning artist will reimagine her greatest hits and fan favourites in brand-new symphonic arrangements, performed live with The Absolute Orchestra.

The Scottish superstar is the first headline act announced for next summer’s festival, leading a fully seated, specially curated show that continues Llangollen’s tradition of world-class artistic innovation. It follows the success of 2025’s orchestral collaboration between KT Tunstall and the Absolute Orchestra — a standout moment of the summer that sparked a new Eisteddfod tradition of bold, genre-defying symphonic performances. Further announcements will follow soon.

Friends of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod can access pre-sale tickets from 10am tomorrow via llangollen.net and tickets go on sale at 9am on Saturday.

Speaking about heading to Llangollen, Emeli said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be performing at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for the very first time next summer. It’s such a unique and powerful celebration of music.

“I can’t wait to perform with the incredibly talented musicians of The Absolute Orchestra, which makes the occasion even more special!”

Emeli Sandé burst onto the music scene in 2012 with her debut album Our Version of Events, which featured timeless hits such as Next to Me, Read All About It (Part III), and Clown. The record became the UK’s biggest-selling album of the year, earning critical acclaim and praise from legendary artists such as Madonna and Alicia Keys.

Since then, Sandé has continued to evolve artistically, with her acclaimed albums Let’s Say For Instance (2022) and How Were We to Know (2023) highlighting her emotional depth and musical versatility.

Raised in rural Aberdeenshire by a Zambian father and working-class Cumbrian mother, Sandé grew from a shy teenager into one of the UK’s most influential and celebrated voices. Her emotionally charged performances and soaring vocals have earned her multiple BRIT Awards, an Ivor Novello Award, and an MBE for services to music — securing her place among Britain’s most decorated musical talents.

Joining her on stage in Llangollen will be The Absolute Orchestra, conducted and arranged by the Eisteddfod’s Artistic Director Dave Danford. Renowned for pushing creative boundaries and pioneering cross-genre collaborations with artists such as KT Tunstall and Kosheen, the orchestra will blend soul, pop, and symphonic brilliance into a truly unforgettable night of live music

Artistic Director of the festival, Dave Danford added: ““We’re thrilled that Emeli is coming to perform in Llangollen next summer. She’s a hugely popular artist, and very much at the top of her game right now. We’re particularly excited that this show will be a bespoke one-off performance with orchestra, and that we’re presenting something that can’t be found anywhere else.”

Founded in 1947, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is one of the world’s most vibrant celebrations of music, dance, and international friendship. Held annually in the heart of North East Wales, the festival welcomes thousands of performers and visitors from across the globe, uniting cultures through creativity and competition.

Following a record-breaking 2025, organisers anticipate 2026 to be the festival’s biggest and most exciting year yet. With a recent landmark expansion in dance categories and a more diverse programme than ever before, the Eisteddfod is set to reaffirm its status as one of the world’s most inclusive and dynamic international arts festivals.

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The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has announced the extension of Dave Danford’s contract as Artistic Director, as the world-renowned festival marks its 79th year in 2026.

Appointed to the role in 2023, Dave has led a creative transformation of the festival’s profile and programming — curating an eclectic mix that spans from West End theatre concerts to bespoke orchestral collaborations including the much-acclaimed KT Tunstall concert with the Absolute Orchestra this year, which he arranged, orchestrated and conducted.

Dave’s connection with the Eisteddfod stretches back to 2010 when he performed in an evening concert as a percussionist with the Cory Band, and continued in 2012, when he first collaborated with previous Music Director Eilir Owen Griffiths on the production of evening concerts. Since then, he has played an integral role in the festival’s artistic evolution in a variety of capacities and, alongside a portfolio career which has recently involved work with artists such as Dua Lipa and Reye, has led a resurgence in the festival’s profile and direction.

With the 2026 programme soon to be unveiled, Dave and the team are already looking ahead to the Eisteddfod’s 80th anniversary celebrations in 2027 — a milestone expected to honour and elevate one of Wales’ most cherished cultural institutions.

Dave Danford outside the Pavilion, home of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod of which he is now Artistic Director.

“It’s no secret that I love this place, and being here all year round to plan the festival is both a joy and a privilege,” said Dave.

“Over the last couple of years we’ve worked hard to raise the bar across every aspect of the Eisteddfod — from competitions to evening concerts — and I’m thrilled to continue that journey through to our 80th anniversary year. We have some very exciting announcements to make in the next couple of weeks about next year’s Eisteddfod, and I’m certain that 2026 is going to be a year to remember.”

Dance music pioneer Pete Tong and global music icon Billy Ocean, together with very special guest Marti Pellow, are bringing unmissable headline shows to Llangollen Pavilion next summer.

Pete and his world-renowned Ibiza Classics show – featuring The Essential Orchestra – will play TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion on Thursday June 25.

On Saturday June 27 – Billy Ocean, the chart-topping legend behind such classic hits as Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run) and Red Light Spells Danger, will headline the iconic Welsh venue with special guest and former Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow.

Tickets go on sale at 10am Friday via llangollen.net and ticketmaster.co.uk

From the sun-soaked shores of Ibiza to the world’s biggest stages, Pete Tong has redefined live dance music. Earlier this year, he celebrated the 10th anniversary of Ibiza Classics with four sold-out nights at the Royal Albert Hall alongside The Essential Orchestra and such greats as Becky Hill, Barbara Tucker, Damian Lazarus, David Morales, Paul Oakenfold, and Seth Troxler.

Throughout his remarkable 30-plus year career, Pete has championed dance music on a global scale, constantly pushing boundaries and supporting new talent. His contributions were formally recognised with the prestigious Music Industry Trusts Award (MITS) in 2021, honouring his outstanding impact on music and broadcasting.

Born in Trinidad and raised in London’s East End, Billy Ocean is one of the UK’s most enduring and successful artists. He has sold more than 30 million records worldwide, received GRAMMY and Ivor Novello Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, a MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award and an MBE for services to music.

Billy’s breakthrough came with Love Really Hurts Without You in 1976, followed by a string of global hits including Red Light Spells Danger, When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going, Loverboy, Suddenly, Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car, and the GRAMMY Award-winning Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run) attracting millions of streams worldwide.

With more than 15 million albums sold, multiple Number One singles, and iconic hits like Sweet Little Mystery, Goodnight Girl, Love Is All Around, and Angel Eyes, Marti Pellow is one of the UK’s most loved and versatile vocalists.

Alongside a successful solo career – spanning pop, jazz, and soul – he’s also earned acclaim on the musical theatre stage, starring in Chicago (West End and Broadway), Evita, Jekyll & Hyde, Blood Brothers, and Chess.

Billy Ocean and Pete Tong join 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’ve welcomed some legendary artists to Llangollen over the last two summers, and next year’s proving to be no exception.

“We’re particularly proud of the range of different genres this time around — there really is something for everyone at Llangollen Pavilion next summer! The Pavilion’s stunning setting, surrounded by the beautiful Welsh hills and the River Dee, makes it a truly special place to experience live music.

“The two shows we’re announcing today promise to be nothing short of spectacular: the soulful sounds of Billy Ocean with very special guest Marti Pellow, and the euphoric energy of Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics. Two incredible nights of world-class live music from some of the biggest names in the business.”

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has today unveiled its 2026 competitions syllabus, marking a landmark expansion of opportunities for performers at next summer’s world-renowned festival, which runs from Tuesday 7 to Sunday 12 July 2026.

A standout highlight is the huge increase in competitive dance categories, increasing from just 5 in 2025 to 14 distinct classes. This unprecedented expansion opens the door for soloists, ensembles, and cultural dance groups from across the globe to showcase their artistry. From the elegance of ballet and contemporary performance, to the colour and vitality of folk and traditional dances, the Eisteddfod stage will host more variety than ever before.

The changes come directly in response to feedback from performers and audiences, who expressed a strong appetite for more opportunities to celebrate the diversity of global dance traditions. At the same time, the festival will continue to honour its most cherished competitions, including Male Voice Choirs, the Choir of the World, and many other established favourites. This ensures that the heart of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod remains as strong as ever.

In 2025, the festival welcomed over 4,000 competitors from around the world, all coming together to celebrate culture, creativity, and international friendship. With the 2026 syllabus now published, organisers anticipate record-breaking interest, cementing Llangollen’s reputation as one of the world’s most inclusive and dynamic international arts festivals.

Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said, “The Eisteddfod has always been about bringing people together through music and performance, and dance has a very special role in that mission. By expanding our competition categories, we are creating space for more traditions, more performers, and more stories to be shared on our stage. We can’t wait to see the energy and creativity that dancers will bring to Llangollen in 2026.”

Fiona Brockway, a Trustee of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, and a former First Soloist with the Royal Ballet, said, “Throughout my Dance career, I have been privileged to have performed on stages across the world, witnessing the extraordinary power of dance to transcend language barriers and unite people of all cultures. That is why I am so excited that in 2026, the Llangollen Eisteddfod will significantly expand its Dance program, embracing styles from Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Heritage and Traditional Folk, to Ballroom, Hip-Hop, and Street Dance. Dancers will have the amazing opportunity to showcase their creativity and artistry, to tell their stories on a unique stage where many world famous artists have performed before them, and to receive invaluable feedback from a panel of esteemed industry professionals.

“Llangollen is a place where dancers and musicians can come together to share their culture and their love of performance with others from across the globe. It’s a celebration of connections and I can’t wait to see the incredible and inspiring talent here in 2026!”

Founded in 1947, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has grown into a global celebration of peace and friendship, drawing world-class performers and enthusiastic audiences year after year. From its roots in post-war reconciliation to its present-day commitment to cultural exchange, the festival continues to shine as a vibrant symbol of Wales’ place on the international stage.

The full 2026 competitions syllabus is now available to view online, with details of all classes and entry requirements. Performers and ensembles are encouraged to apply early to secure their place at what promises to be an unforgettable week of music, dance, and friendship in the heart of North East Wales.

The world-renowned Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is inviting UK-based international artists to perform at its 2026 festival, which will take place from 7–12 July.

For nearly eight decades, the Eisteddfod has stood as a beacon of peace, friendship, and cultural exchange. Since its founding in 1947, the festival has welcomed thousands of musicians, singers, and dancers from every continent – from a young Luciano Pavarotti to grassroots ensembles bringing the sounds and rhythms of their homelands to the Welsh hills.

Organisers are now issuing a rallying call to international artists living in the UK.

“Our mission has always been to bring the world to Wales and create a space where cultures connect through music and movement,” said Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. “In 2026, we’re particularly keen to showcase the incredible diversity of international artists living and working here in the UK. If you have something unique, fresh, and inspiring to share, we want to hear from you.”

The 2026 Eisteddfod promises a dazzling line-up, with performances across multiple stages. Audiences can expect everything from traditional folk and global dance to contemporary fusion, jazz, and experimental collaborations – a week-long celebration full of surprises and delights.

Who Should Apply?

The Eisteddfod is seeking applications from:

• Solo musicians and vocalists
• Choirs and vocal ensembles
• Dance groups of all styles
• Cross-cultural and experimental acts blending traditions

If your art form can move, excite, or inspire, the Eisteddfod wants to hear from you.

How to Apply:

Artists can apply by completing the official application form here: https://forms.gle/GN7uvyHtBR3AGef8A

Applications close on 31 October 2026, with successful applicants contacted before Christmas.

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is celebrating success after being awarded a major grant from Arts Council of Wales to deliver a transformative upgrade to the Pavilion at the iconic Llangollen site.

After careful consideration, the Arts Council of Wales has confirmed a grant of up to £166,500 as a contribution towards upgrading the Pavilion’s sound and lighting systems. This investment will make a significant contribution towards the Eisteddfod’s drive to transform the building into a modern, energy-efficient, year-round arts venue at the heart of the community.

Now in its 78th year, the world-famous festival has long been a beacon of peace, friendship, and cultural exchange through music and dance. Thanks to this investment, the Pavilion will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure that enhances the experience for performers and audiences, while securing its future as a vibrant cultural space for both international visitors and local groups.

The improvements will deliver a wide range of benefits:

• For audiences – a richer and more immersive experience with professional-quality sound and lighting.
• For performers, partners and event organisers – a technically advanced venue capable of hosting everything from local talent showcases to international touring productions.
• For the community – greater access to high-quality cultural events and a flexible space for creativity all year round.
• For the environment – reduced carbon emissions and lower running costs thanks to energy-efficient technology.

Work will begin in autumn 2025 and is scheduled for completion by January 2026. The project will be managed by the Eisteddfod’s leadership team, supported by professional contractors and volunteers.

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

“This funding represents a significant step forward for the Eisteddfod and for the wider community. It will enhance the experience for performers and audiences and help to the Pavilion continue to be at the heart of Llangollen’s cultural life throughout the year. At the same time, it will assist greatly in our drive to reducing our carbon footprint. We are deeply grateful to Arts Council of Wales for their support in helping us realise this vision.”

Carolyn Thomas MS, who supported the bid, said:

68 SOLD-OUT SHOWS ACROSS USA, AUSTRALIA, UK & IRELAND IN 2025 INCLUDING THE LEGENDS SET AT ELECTRIC PICNIC

The first headline show for TK Maxx Presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion is announced today as it is revealed David Gray will bring his world tour to North Wales in 2026.

Following his headline Legends set at Electric Picnic this weekend, David Gray today announces a brand-new summer run of UK & Ireland dates for 2026, including a date at Llangollen Pavilion on Friday June 26, where he will be joined on the night by special guests The Divine Comedy.

Tickets go on sale at 10am Friday via llangollen.net and ticketmaster.co.uk  

The Past & Present World Tour has already seen David sell out 68 shows across the USA, Australia, UK and Ireland in 2025, including landmark nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall, Glasgow’s SEC Armadillo, Manchester’s O2 Apollo and Dublin’s 3Arena. His Electric Picnic set marked another milestone in support of his widely praised new album Dear Life (out now via Laugh A Minute Records/Secretly Distribution).

David said: “We’ve had the most amazing tour this year, from the opening night in Boston to the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, and then on to the Royal Albert Hall in London and the 3Arena in Dublin.

“These have been some of the most memorable and magical shows of my entire career. We’ve pushed ourselves as a band but it’s been richly rewarding and SO MUCH FUN! When everyone is in such fine form it would seem wrong to stop the ball from rolling – so with that in mind I’m delighted to announce a string of further dates for the summer of 2026. Exciting times!”

David Gray’s story is unlike any other. He spent almost a decade striving to make a breakthrough, and when it happened it did so in the biggest way imaginable as White Ladder became one of the best-selling British albums of recent decades and established him as an arena-filling artist.

As the years have passed, his songcraft has only deepened — his natural ability to convey specific emotions, atmospheres, or, as heard on his acclaimed 2021 album Skellig, a sense of place, has positioned him firmly in the lineage of classic poetic singer-songwriters. While the likes of Ed Sheeran, Adele and Hozier have acknowledged his influence, Gray has continued to follow his own artistic path.

The response to Gray’s 13^th album Dear Life has been extraordinary. Produced by Ben de Vries, critics have hailed it as “a brooding triumph” (Telegraph), “his most confessional and emotive work to date” (Clash), and “a slow-burner that catches fire” (Mojo). The album has also drawn comparisons to Gray’s multi-platinum White Ladder — “the sonic DNA of White Ladder is present here” (Rolling Stone) and “his poppiest and most successful album since White Ladder” (Music OMH). His artistry as a songwriter has also been singled out — “this 13th album confirms Gray’s not lost his touch” (Guardian) and “a soulful collection of richly poetic songs about love, change and mortality” (Independent).

The headlining show is presented as part of an ongoing partnerships with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor.

Cuffe and Taylor co-founder Peter Taylor said: “We’re delighted to once again be working with the team in Llangollen. This venue is in such a beautiful part of the world, and it is a pleasure to bring artists of the highest calibre here. We’ve had two great years in Llangollen so far and what a great way to kick off our plans for 2026 than by announcing David Gray – a multi award-winning artist with his own Welsh roots.”

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Dave Danford added: “We’re thrilled to be making our first announcement for summer 2026, ahead of our third year collaborating with Cuffe and Taylor on the Live at Llangollen Pavilion series of shows. David Gray is a hugely successful and popular artist, with strong roots in Wales after growing up in Pembrokeshire, so we’re really looking forward to welcoming him to Llangollen next year!”

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has launched an International Flag Appeal to help keep the flags of many different countries flying from the town’s famous bridge all year round.

Every summer, the ancient bridge across the River Dee is lined with the flags of multiple nations, welcoming performers and visitors to one of Wales’s most celebrated cultural events. This year’s Eisteddfod saw over 4,000 competitors from across the globe bring music, dance and friendship to the Dee Valley.

Since its founding in 1947, the Eisteddfod has stood as a symbol of peace and reconciliation through music and dance. Created in the aftermath of war, it continues to unite nations, cultures and communities in a spirit of friendship that is as vital today as it was then.

At present, the international flags are only displayed during July and August due to the cost of replacements and upkeep. The Eisteddfod’s organisers say they would love to see the bridge dressed in flags from around world throughout the year as a permanent message of welcome to the world.

David Hennigan, a Board Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said:

“In a time when flags are such a hot topic of conversation across the UK, Llangollen’s story is different. In a world where flags can sometimes divide, our international flags are a symbol of unity. They represent peace, friendship and the spirit of Wales as a country of sanctuary. If people want to celebrate flags, why not fly flags for unity?”

The Eisteddfod is inviting people across Wales and beyond to support its International Flag Appeal and help keep the town’s message of welcome flying high.