Chester to host International Eisteddfod Outreach Project

During the week of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, singers from across the Atlantic will be performing throughout Chester to help promote the festival’s message of peace and goodwill.

Attracting up to 4,000 performers and up to 50,000 visitors annually, the International Eisteddfod takes place every year during the first week of July.  This year, there will be an opportunity for Chester audiences to appreciate some of the exceptional talent, with several free performances scheduled at the Storyhouse and Chester Cathedral.

The first performance will be from the Calgary Girls Choir, age 16-18 years old, who are travelling over 3,500 miles to compete for the prestigious Choir of the World title in Llangollen. They plan to raise the roof at the Storyhouse on 3rd July with an uplifting choral performance from 2.30pm to 3.15pm.

Quintessential Vocal Ensemble, coincidentally from Canada too, will be performing in Chester Cathedral on Thursday 5th July, from 2.30pm, also free of charge. Celebrating 25 years as one of Canada’s most accomplished amateur choirs, the group will bring together more than 60 singers from the thriving musical city of St. John’s.

Chairman at Llangollen Eisteddfod, Rhys Davies, commented: “Following the success of last year’s ‘mini Eisteddfod’ in Chester, we’re pleased to once again bring the joy and wealth of international talent of the Eisteddfod to the city.

“As Storyhouse and Chester Cathedral welcome both Calgary Girls Choir and Quintessential Vocal Ensemble, we’d like to extend our welcome all the way to Chester from the Dee Valley.”

Senior Programme Manager at Storyhouse Chester, Sam Bain, said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Calgary Girls Choir to the Storyhouse this July and are certain that their performance will delight our audience.

“We’d like to wish all of the talented singers the best of luck for the upcoming Choir of the World competition, as we look forward to experiencing an afternoon held in true Llangollen Eisteddfod style.”

This year, the star-studded concert line-up at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen features performances from prolific artists, including Van Morrison and Alfie Boe. Indie pop legends, Kaiser Chiefs, nineties icons Toploader and pop rock band Hoosiers will also be taking centre stage during Llanfest, the festival’s finale party on Sunday 8th July.