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

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

With just one month to go until the start of the 2026 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, preparations are gathering pace for another spectacular celebration of music, culture and international friendship in North Wales. Since its founding in 1947, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has become one of the world’s most respected celebrations of international music and culture, welcoming performers from every continent and bringing nations together through the universal language of song.

Founded in 1947 in the aftermath of the Second World War, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod was created to bring nations together through music and culture. Nearly 80 years later, that vision continues, with performers from across the world gathering in North Wales to celebrate friendship, understanding and international harmony.

This year’s festival will welcome competitors from countries including the United States, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Ukraine, Belgium, Estonia, Italy, Indonesia, Rwanda, India, South Africa and across the United Kingdom, creating a truly global celebration in the heart of North Wales.

The Eisteddfod’s evening concert programme will once again bring world-class performers to Llangollen throughout the week. Audiences can look forward to Sir Karl Jenkins’ One World, Global Rhythms: Made in Wales, the internationally acclaimed Orchestral Qawwali Project, a world-exclusive performance from Emeli Sandé with The Absolute Orchestra, and an evening with musical theatre favourite Michael Ball. The diverse programme reflects the Eisteddfod’s commitment to celebrating musical excellence and cultural exchange from across the world.

New for 2026, the Eisteddfod will also feature the Sound-Bridge Sessions, a series of performances taking place daily between 5pm and 7pm. Designed to bridge the gap between the daytime competitions and evening concerts, the sessions will bring the festival site to life with contemporary Welsh folk, jazz, global fusion and emerging artists, creating a vibrant atmosphere across the Eisteddfod grounds and outdoor stages throughout the week.

This year’s Eisteddfod will once again showcase an extraordinary range of international talent, with competitors travelling to Llangollen from countries including the United States, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Ukraine, Belgium, Estonia, Italy, Indonesia, Rwanda, India, South Africa and across the United Kingdom.

Last year’s festival produced one of the most memorable moments in recent Eisteddfod history when the New Zealand Youth Choir captivated a packed audience with a powerful performance of the Haka during the Choir of the World concert, underlining the unique blend of musical excellence and cultural celebration that has made the event famous around the world.

Artistic Director Dave Danford said,

“As we look forward to welcoming the world back to Llangollen in just one month’s time, there is a real sense of excitement building around this year’s Eisteddfod. Our competitions, outdoor performances and evening concerts showcase the very best in international music-making and cultural exchange. Every corner of the Eisteddfod site will be alive with activity throughout the week, creating a truly unique atmosphere for performers and visitors alike.

“Last year’s unforgettable Haka from the New Zealand Youth Choir demonstrated the power of music and culture to bring people together. With competitors travelling from across the globe once again, this year’s festival promises to be another unforgettable celebration of international friendship through music.”

The Eisteddfod’s competitions will reach a thrilling climax at the prestigious Choir of the World concert on Sunday 12 July. Winners from the festival’s choral categories will compete for the coveted Pavarotti Trophy before an international audience in the Royal International Pavilion. The concert will also feature the final of the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition, where emerging opera singers from around the world will compete for one of the most significant titles in international vocal performance.

Thousands of performers and visitors are expected to descend on Llangollen throughout the festival, reinforcing the town’s status as one of the world’s leading destinations for international cultural exchange.

As the Eisteddfod approaches its 80th anniversary in 2027, the festival continues to demonstrate the vision of its founders: bringing the nations of the world together in friendship through music. Tickets for the Eisteddfod’s evening concert programme and festival events are available now.

MYSTERIOUS YETI SPOTTED HIDING FREE TICKETS AHEAD OF SUMMER SEASON

79 PAIRS OF FREE TICKETS TO BE FOUND ON SATURDAY MAY 23

Llangollen is gearing up for another unforgettable summer as TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion returns from June 24 to July 5, followed by the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod from July 7. Together they will bring weeks of world-class live music, international performances and headline shows to North Wales.

Before the global stars take to the Pavilion stage, fans have the chance to get their hands on FREE tickets as the hugely popular Llangollen Treasure Hunt returns on Saturday May 23.

To celebrate 79 years of the festival, 79 pairs of golden tickets will be hidden across the Pavilion grounds — each one redeemable for some of the summer’s biggest shows.

This year’s treasure hunt comes with an unexpected twist: a mysterious Yeti has been spotted in Llangollen and roaming the Pavilion grounds, secretly hiding golden envelopes ahead of the hunt.

The Furrie’ figure may look familiar to fans of Super Furry Animals, who return to the Pavilion on Thursday July 2 for a landmark headline show, performing their acclaimed Welsh-language album Mwng live in full for the very first time.

Last year more than 50,000 music lovers descended on the town for a month of spectacular shows – and 2026 is shaping up to be even bigger.

This year’s blockbuster line-up includes Rick Astley, Pete Tong Ibiza Classics, David Gray, Billy Ocean, Super Furry Animals, Bowling for Soup, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, Deacon Blue and Tom Grennan, alongside a packed Eisteddfod programme featuring Emeli Sandé and the Absolute Orchestra, Michael Ball,Karl Jenkins with  Uniting Nations: One World, Global Rhythms: Made In Wales, Orchestral Qawwali Project, and the prestigious Choir of the World competition. The Eisteddfod  also offers a full daily programme of competitions and field entertainment.

Artistic Director of the Eisteddfod Dave Danford said:

“We’re now in our third year of the treasure hunt, and it’s become a real Llangollen tradition. People absolutely love it; the excitement, the friendly competition, the thrill of discovering a golden ticket. It sets the tone for the whole summer, so we couldn’t resist bringing it back.

“It’s such a brilliant way to kick off the season, and it gives fans the chance to get their hands on tickets to some of our biggest shows. With this year’s incredible lineup and the magic the Eisteddfod brings, we’re gearing up for an unforgettable summer. Happy hunting!”

The Treasure Hunt will run from 10am until 2pm on Saturday May 23.

• 79 special envelopes will be hidden around the iconic Llangollen Pavilion grounds. Each envelope contains a unique code linked to a specific headlining concert.
• 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 Saturday May 23.
• All under-16s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
• Good luck and happy hunting!

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 Llangollen, North Wales, the festival brings together thousands of performers and visitors from across the globe, uniting cultures through creativity, performance and competition.

Following a record-breaking 2025, the 2026 festival is set to be its most ambitious to date. Alongside an expanded programme of competitions, this year’s line-up features an exceptional series of concerts and large-scale collaborations, including bespoke orchestral performances with internationally renowned artists. These landmark events sit at the heart of an increasingly diverse programme, reaffirming Llangollen’s reputation as one of the UK’s most distinctive international arts festivals.

TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion 2026 is presented as part of an ongoing partnership with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor.

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is delighted to announce a special fundraising concert taking place on Friday 8 May 2026, celebrating the richness and spirit of Welsh musical tradition.

This unique evening will feature the acclaimed male voice choir Meibion Marchan, renowned for their powerful sound and deeply expressive performances. They will be joined by an outstanding line-up of soloists: celebrated harpist Angharad Huw, soprano Branwen Medi Jones, and internationally respected tenor Rhys Meirion, who will also guide the evening as compère.

Bringing together some of Wales’ finest musical talent, the concert promises an evening of warmth, artistry and national pride, with a programme that reflects both the heritage and continuing vitality of Welsh music.

The concert will take place in the hall within the iconic Llangollen Pavilion — a setting at the heart of the Eisteddfod site, offering an intimate and atmospheric concert experience within one of Wales’ most recognisable cultural venues.

Proceeds from the concert will directly support the work of the Eisteddfod, helping to sustain its mission of bringing together performers from across the world in a spirit of peace, friendship and cultural exchange. As the festival continues to evolve and grow, events such as this play a vital role in ensuring its future and expanding its reach.

Artistic Director Dave Danford said:
“This concert is a celebration of the extraordinary musical talent we have here in Wales, and a reminder of the deep cultural roots that underpin the Eisteddfod. We are incredibly grateful to these artists for supporting the festival in this way, and we look forward to welcoming audiences for what promises to be a truly special evening.”

Audiences can expect an uplifting and memorable experience, combining choral excellence, virtuosic instrumental performance, and some of Wales’ most beloved vocal repertoire.

Tickets are now available via boxoffice.international-eisteddfod.co.uk