Llangollen International Eisteddfod Publishes 2025 Field Map.

As excitement builds ahead of this year’s Llangollen International Eisteddfod (8–13 July), organisers have today revealed the official map of the Eisteddfod field – giving visitors a first look at how the vibrant site will come alive with music, dance, arts, crafts and much more.

With a bustling Pavilion at its heart and surrounded by outdoor stages, workshops, food stalls, and family zones, the 2025 layout confirms what everybody knows – daytime at Llangollen Eisteddfod is set to be a joyful explosion of creativity and community. 

Programmes are available from the Llangollen Tourist Information office and from the Eisteddfod from Tuesday helping visitors make the most of the incredible events packed into every day. 

This year’s festival promises the most inclusive and family-friendly programme ever, with over 4,000 performers from around the globe, 50+ UK groups, and a spectacular mix of daytime events across the field, town centre, and surrounding venues. From 9am daily, visitors will be treated to a whirlwind of concerts, workshops, parades, and pop-up performances. 

Key areas featured on the newly published map include: 

Three Outdoor Stages – including the Globe Stage and Amphitheatre 

Kids Zone – offering crafts, circus skills, music and storytelling 

Food & Drink Stalls – delicious options from around the world 

Craft Stalls & Workshops – get hands-on with cultural experiences 

‍♂️ Sensory Den & Inclusive Play – a space for relaxation and sensory fun 

Competitor & Rehearsal Zones – where performers from every continent prepare to take the stage 

Pavilion Performances – home to headline concerts and competitions 

From Chinese and Manx dance workshops, to the Parade of Nations, and a Family Fun Day with Andy Day & The Odd Socks, the 2025 daytime programme celebrates global harmony through the universal language of the arts. 

For a full programme of daytime highlights, including “Community Rhythms and Roots Wales”, a curated afternoon by BBC Radio Cymru’s Rhys Mwyn, and guest appearances by international stars and Welsh-language trailblazers.

visit: 

https://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/event_picker/on-the-field/ 

 

Sir Karl Jenkins returns to Eisteddfod with his One World masterpiece

In a time of unparalleled turbulence in the world a remarkable classical masterpiece calling for peace, will be performed at Llangollen’s Eisteddfod –  conducted by the composer himself. Sir Karl Jenkins said the festival was the perfect place for his One World, commissioned for a UNESCO concert in 2023, to be performed.

 “The Llangollen Eisteddfod has the same ethos as  my composition – uniting the world through music,” he said. 

 He will take to the stage at the Eisteddfod on July 9, as part of the Uniting Nations: One World concert together with the premier of a new version of the musical, Peace Child. 

The first Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod was held in 1947 in the aftermath of the second world war. The concept was to promote education, international peace and goodwill through the arts and music. A vice president of the festival, and past performer, Sir Karl is looking forward to returning. 

 He began his affinity with music as a child living on Wales’ Gower peninsula, his father a school teacher, chapel organist and choirmaster.  “I was raised and trained classically and went on to gain a love of jazz,” he said. 

 That led to first prize at the Montreaux Jazz Festival and working with the likes of Elton John, George Harrison and Andrew Lloyd Webber. His compositions include the 1995 cross genre Adiemus and 2000 album, Armed Man, a Mass for Peace. 

One World, which went straight to number one in the classical charts, is an incredible creation charting the world from its beginning to today and looking to the future. Sir Karl said the ethos behind One World seemed ironic in today’s world and even recent days. 

“One movement from One World encapsulates which the project is all about – Tikkun Olam, Hebrew for Repair the World. It heralds a vision of a peaceful and egalitarian planet that treats nature and ecological issues with respect and where human rights are universal. 

“Where truth is truth and news is never ‘fake’, where leaders do not lie, transparency is a given and all faiths live together in peace.” 

“Ironic looking at the world today.” 

Sakura, Spring has Come looks at the Japanese cherry blossom, representing a time of renewal. Words for the movement were written by Sir Karl’s wife, musician, Carol Barratt. 

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

BOOK TICKETS

 

MARK LEWIS JONES TO PRESENT ICONIC HANS ZIMMER OPENING CONCERT AT LLANGOLLEN EISTEDDFOD.

The Llangollen International Eisteddfod is thrilled to announce that acclaimed film and TV actor Mark Lewis Jones will present a spectacular evening of music dedicated to the legendary film composer Hans Zimmer on Tuesday 8th July 2025. It is the opening concert of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod 2025, which takes place between 8-13 July.

BOOK TICKETS

A local man from Rhosllanerchrugog, Mark is lending his unmistakable voice to what promises to be an unforgettable concert. Mark’s narration will complement the music of Hans Zimmer, brought to life by Cinematic Sinfonia, an outstanding 70-piece orchestra under the baton of the internationally renowned conductor Anthony Gabriele.

From sweeping scores in Gladiator and Interstellar to the haunting themes of Inception, Hans Zimmer’s music has defined a generation of cinema – and now it will be performed live in Llangollen, with Mark’s evocative voice guiding the audience through the emotional and cinematic journey.

Mark Lewis Jones is one of Wales’ most celebrated actors, known for his powerful performances on both the small and big screen. Mark’s film work includes appearances in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, The Good Liar, Phantom of the Open, Munich: The Edge of War, and Rebecca. His television credits include standout roles in Baby Reindeer (Netflix), The Crown (Netflix), Chernobyl (HBO), The Way (ITV), and Stella (Sky), for which he earned a BAFTA nomination.

In 2024, Mark was honoured with the prestigious BAFTA Cymru Siân Phillips Award, recognising his outstanding contribution to film and television in Wales. He previously won Best Actor at BAFTA Cymru for The Passing/Yr Ymadawiad and has been nominated an impressive seven times in the same category.

Mark Lewis Jones said, “The Llangollen International Eisteddfod has been part of my life since I was a boy growing up in Rhos. To now play a major role at this incredible celebration of music and culture, just down the road from where it all began for me, is an honour beyond words. I’m especially thrilled to be part of this Hans Zimmer concert, complete with 70-piece orchestra – his music stirs the soul, and to share that experience in Llangollen is something truly special.”

Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod said, “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Mark Lewis Jones to the Eisteddfod stage. Not only is he a local talent, but his voice and presence will elevate this already outstanding concert to another level. To hear Hans Zimmer’s music performed by a full orchestra with Mark’s narration will be an unforgettable experience for everyone. Mark and this concert are the perfect fit and will be an outstanding start to our Eisteddfod.”

Eisteddfod audience will hear how Wales could become world peace champion

Academi Heddwch Cymru Logo“At a time of unprecedented global tensions, Wales has a unique opportunity to champion the cause of international peace.” That is the powerful message Derek Walker, the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, will have for an audience on the second day of this year’s Llangollen International Eisteddfod.

He will deliver the Academi Heddwch Peace Lecture taking place on Wednesday July 9 at 1.15pm in the famous Llangollen Pavilion.

The special event coincides with two major milestones – the 10th anniversary of Wales’s Well-being of Future Generations Act and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

Mr Walker will explore the role that Cymru (Wales) has played — and can continue to play — in promoting peace, sustainability, and international cooperation.

He will stress that at a time when conflict, inequality, and climate instability dominate headlines, there has never been a more important moment to reflect on and renew our commitment to peace.

And he will share his thoughts on how we can build on the ambitious vision of Wales’s seven well-being goals to become a global beacon for peace, ensuring a fairer and more sustainable world for generations to come.

Derek Walker said: “Wales was the first country in the world to legislate for the well-being of future generations, setting out a bold vision of a fairer, greener, and more peaceful world. As we mark this important anniversary, I look forward to reflecting on how Cymru can lead by example — championing peace not just in our communities, but internationally, for generations to come.”

“Professor Chris Adams, Eisteddfod Trustee with responsibility for heritage and peace, added, “The Llangollen Eisteddfod was founded in the at the end of World War II as an event where ordinary people from round the world could meet and get to know each other better, to understand each other’s cultures, as a contribution to promoting better international relations. a. Hosting this conversation with Derek Walker not only honours our founding values, but challenges us to look forward – to help Wales become an exemplar of a society where peace, culture, and collaboration flourish together.”

The event is part of a festival that will welcome thousands of performers and competitors from across the globe, uniting in a shared spirit of music, culture, and goodwill.

The annual lecture is expected to be a powerful highlight of this year’s programme – offering a timely and inspiring vision of how Wales can continue to contribute to a more peaceful world.

This talk is also part of a wider programme of events including a Peace Tent throughout the week. The Peace Tent is a welcoming space for dialogue, reflection, and activism, bringing together voices from around the world to explore what peace means today. From workshops to panel discussions, it celebrates the Eisteddfod’s founding ethos of international understanding through culture and conversation.

Llangollen International Eisteddfod Celebrates Prestigious Welsh Language Recognition

The Llangollen International Eisteddfod is proud to announce that it has received formal recognition under the Cynnig Cymraeg (Welsh Offer) scheme from the Welsh Language Commissioner. This esteemed recognition reflects the Llangollen Eisteddfod’s long-standing commitment to promoting the Welsh language as a central pillar of its internationally-renowned cultural festival. 

The festival takes place from 8-13 July and features amazing artists like Sir Bryn Terfel, Sir Karl Jenkins and Il Divo as well as a special Welsh Language event on Thursday 10 July 2025. The Llangollen International Eisteddfod will host a special early-evening showcase on the Globe Stage—“Rhys Mwyn yn Cyflwyno / Rhys Mwyn Presents”, led by BBC Radio Cymru’s RhysMwyn and featuring three standout Welsh Language artists: Pedair, Mared, and Buddug – before the evening concert with KTTunstall. 

Pedair

Dr Rhys Davies, Board Member of the Llangollen Eisteddfod and Chair of its Welsh Language Working Group, expressed his pride in receiving the recognition, “We are absolutely delighted to receive formal Cynnig Cymraeg recognition from the Welsh Language Commissioner. It is a major milestone for our organisation and a strong endorsement of our commitment to the language of Wales. I would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to the Commissioner and her office for their guidance and support throughout this process. In particular, I’d like to pay tribute to Jane Edwards, who has worked closely with us over the past 18 months and has been instrumental in helping us achieve this.” 

The Cynnig Cymraeg recognition is valid for three years and signals to the public that Welsh services are available and valued. It is an opportunity to transform engagement with the public by showing how the proud the Llangollen Eisteddod is to offer services in Welsh in a meaniful, measurable and ambitious way. The festival encourages all volunteers to use the Welsh they know, however little, and “rhoi Croeso” when welcoming visitors  

With over 4,000 competitors from across the world preparing to descend on Llangollen in just a few weeks for the 2025 Eisteddfod, organisers are eager to showcase Welsh culture and language on the global stage. We are actively encouraging our volunteers to take up courses in basic Welsh, and we’re working closely with like-minded organisations to promote the Welsh language—contributing to the Welsh Government’s ambition of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050. 

Dr Davies added: “The Eisteddfod has always celebrated the best of international culture, but we are equally passionate about ensuring the language of Wales is front and centre. Welcoming thousands of performers and visitors to Llangollen gives us the perfect opportunity to do just that – and we are proud to be promoting Welsh in such a positive and vibrant way.” 

The Welsh Language Commissioner, Efa Gruffudd Jones, commended the Eisteddfod’s approach,  

“The Llangollen International Eisteddfod has an important role to play in Welsh cultural life and it allows for the Welsh language to be seen on an international stage. The deveopment plan which the Eisteddfod has put forward is ambitious yet practical and measurable. 

”Awarding the Cynnig Cymraeg is a recognition of  the Eisteddfod’s dedication to embedding the Welsh language across its services and communications. In congratulating them on their achievement, I would also like to wish them well with this year’s Eisteddfod and for many years to come.” 

Eve Goodman to Perform at Star-Studded Bryn Terfel Concert at Llangollen International Eisteddfod

North Wales singer-songwriter Eve Goodman will make her debut at the iconic Llangollen International Eisteddfod on Sunday 13 July 2025, in a major concert led by operatic superstar Sir Bryn Terfel, alongside Cornwall’s famous Fisherman’s Friends. 

Eve, who grew up in Caernarfon and now lives in Y Felinheli, is thrilled to be part of such a prestigious night. “I’m very excited,” she said. “I love singing with Bryn and feel our voices weave magic together in a wonderfully unexpected way. Though we are both known for performing in quite different genres, I feel our voices meet in a very beautiful way.” 

It will be a night that celebrates the songs of the sea and deep-rooted musical traditions – themes close to Eve’s heart. “I am also thrilled to be sharing the stage with Fisherman’s Friends. I am deeply inspired by the sea and spent some years living in Cornwall as my partner is Cornish, so I look forward to immersing myself in the nautical themes of the concert.” 

The concert also marks a special moment in Eisteddfod history – 70 years since Luciano Pavarotti first performed at Llangollen as a young singer. Pavarotti’s widow, Nicoletta Mantovani, will be attending the performance in tribute to his legacy. The concert will also feature the Pendine International Voice of the Future Final with Nicoletta presenting the Pendine Trophy alongside Mario and Gill Kreft from Pendine Park, the care organisation. 

Reflecting on the occasion, Eve said: “I’m over the moon! As a singer I feel honoured to be sharing the stage with these incredible artists, and I feel moved and deeply grateful to be adding my voice to this prestigious chorus. To be following in the footsteps of Pavarotti and performing in front of his widow is such a privilege.” 

Describing her style, Eve said: “As a bilingual singer-songwriter, I combine honest lyricism with mesmerising musical hooks and patterns. I take the stage with captivating presence and clarity. Inspired by nature and the more-than-human world, my music connects deeply to our inner and outer landscapes.” 

Eve’s performance promises to add an intimate, poetic thread to a night already rich in talent and emotion. Her debut at the Eisteddfod is eagerly anticipated as part of one of the festival’s most powerful and poignant concerts in years. 

The concert is being sponsored by the arts loving care organisation Pendine Park via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT). Pendine Park owner and director Mario Kreft said, “We are absolutely delighted to sponsor this very special concert at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, marking not only the 70th anniversary of Pavarotti’s first performance here, but also the 40th anniversary of Pendine Park. 

“Supporting the arts has always been at the heart of our ethos, and we believe strongly in the power of music and creativity to enrich lives – something we’ve championed throughout our care work. It’s a real honour for Gill and me to help bring together such incredible artists as Sir Bryn Terfel, Eve Goodman and Fisherman’s Friends for what promises to be a magical evening in the heart of North Wales.”

DAYTIME AT THE LLANGOLLEN EISTEDDFOD SET TO BE A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE, COLOUR AND FUN!

Llangollen International Eisteddfod returns from 8–13 July, bursting with music, dance and global celebration. From the famous parade and pop-up performances to global dance workshops, family fun, and vibrant outdoor stages, daytime at Llangollen Eisteddfod is a joyful, non-stop celebration of culture, creativity and community. 

The festival is promising its most family-friendly and inclusive festival ever with over 4,000 performers from around the world and more than 50 groups from across the UK. This year’s daytime programme is bigger, bolder and more joyful than ever before. From early morning until early evening, the Eisteddfod field, town centre and surrounding venues will come alive with a whirlwind of outdoor performances, workshops, the Parade of Nations, family fun and cultural encounters. 

The festival has revealed a dazzling array of daytime activities, including performances on two vibrant outdoor stages and the Eisteddfod Amphitheatre, hands-on workshops, craft stalls, a delicious range of food and drink, and much more. Every day promises a kaleidoscope of entertainment for visitors of all ages. 

Families can make the most of the all-week Kids Zone in the Amphitheatre, packed with crafts, circus skills, music, games and storytelling. The Sensory Den provides a calm and welcoming environment for relaxation and inclusive play, while WILD CHILD brings messy, sensory fun for the weekend crowd. 

The town of Llangollen joins the celebration, with daily recitals at 1pm at St Collen’s Church, performances in Centenary Square, preliminary competitions at the Town Hall, and the spectacular Parade of Nations – where thousands of international competitors fill the streets with colour and song. 

Daytime highlights include “Community Roots and Rhythms, Wales”, a moving showcase of six multicultural groups from across Wales telling their stories through music, dance and poetry; “The Gathering”, where UK and international performers share a stage in an exuberant exchange of traditions; and an afternoon curated by BBC Radio Cymru’s Rhys Mwyn featuring trailblazing Welsh-language artists Pedair, Mared and Buddug.

Visitors can also take part in Chinese, Bulgarian and Manx and many more dance workshops, and enjoy a special showcase of winners from the 2025 Urdd Eisteddfod. The week culminates on Sunday 13 July with a Family Fun Day starring children’s TV favourite Andy Day and his band The Odd Socks, presented in partnership with Music for Youth. 

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

“Our Eisteddfod spirit isn’t just confined to the Pavilion or the Eisteddfod field – it fills the whole town. From pop-up performances in Centenary Square, recitals in St Collen’s Church, to the buzz of preliminary competitions in the Town Hall, there’s something happening around every corner. Llangollen truly comes alive during Eisteddfod week, and we encourage everyone to explore, enjoy and be part of the magic across our town.” 

Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Eisteddfod, added: 

“This year’s Eisteddfod offers something truly special – from breathtaking evening concerts featuring global stars like Sir Karl Jenkins, Sir Bryn Terfel, KT Tunstall and Il Divo, to a vibrant daytime programme packed with music, dance, workshops and family-friendly activities. The atmosphere on the field throughout the day is electric, with performers from around the world sharing their culture and talent across our outdoor stages. Whether you come for the world-class concerts or to soak up the unique daytime experience, there’s something magical here for everyone.” 

Gates to the Llangollen Pavilion open daily at 9am. There are dozens more events across the daytime and for an in depth guide to the biggest party in years – see https://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/event_picker/on-the-field/ 

ENDS 

Daytime Highlights – Day by Day 

Wednesday 9 July 

12–4pm: Community Rhythms and Roots Wales presents six Wales-based multicultural groups, celebrating peace and creativity, supported by the Arts Council of Wales. 

4.30–5.30pm: The Parade of Nations – a sea of colour as over 4,000 competitors march through the town. Follow the samba band to the Eisteddfod grounds for entry for just £1, with The Gathering performance featuring UK and international performers blending music and dance. 

Thursday 10 July 

Workshops in Salsa, Irish dance, poetry (with the Welsh Centre for International  Affairs WCIA), and sustainable garland-making. Performances from Huw Aye Rebals and Sonya Smith, and from 4pm, BBC Radio Cymru’s Rhys Mwyn curates an afternoon of cutting-edge Welsh language music featuring Pedair, Mared, and Buddug. 

Friday 11 July 

A diverse musical offering with Abraham Derby, Yasmine Latkowski, Tim Eastwood (Wales Border Bagpiper), Evrah Rose, Carlos Grassot and Mwsog . Highlights include a showcase from Urdd Eisteddfod winners and dance workshops in Chinese, Bulgarian and Manx folk traditions. 

Saturday 12 July 

Catch live sets from Onika, Autone, Magic Mirrors Band and Daf Jones. Author Samantha Maxwell discusses her latest book, with more poetry from Evrah Rose, and traditional dance workshops. WILD CHILD activities continue throughout the day. 

Sunday 13 July – Family Fun Day 

A relaxed day for families, with outdoor entertainment and a special lunchtime concert in the Pavilion with children’s TV presenter Andy Day and his band The Odd Socks, in partnership with Music for Youth. 

 

LLANGOLLEN SET TO HIT THE HIGH NOTES WITH STAR-STUDDED SUMMER LINE-UP

Pop-rock icons Texas are set to launch an unforgettable season of live music in North Wales this week. The chart-topping Scottish band is the first of 13 headline acts set to perform at the iconic venue this summer, as part of TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion and the internationally renowned Llangollen International Eisteddfod. 

Fronted by the inimitable Sharleen Spiteri, Texas will open the series on Thursday June 26, supported by rising Scottish singer-songwriter Rianne Downey. 

Thursday’s opening show will be followed by headlining sets from Rag’n’Bone Man, UB40 Ft Ali Campbell, James, The Script, Olly Murs and The Human League. 

The headline concerts are presented in a partnership between Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor and Llangollen International Eisteddfod. 

Celebrating 78 years, the Llangollen International Eisteddfod kicks off on Tuesday July 8, featuring a stellar lineup with headline performances 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. 

In keeping with tradition, the Eisteddfod also offers a full daily programme of competitions and field entertainment alongside the headlineshows. 

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod Dave Danford said: “Once again, Llangollen is the place to be for an incredible summer of live music. We’re absolutely thrilled with this year’s line-up of artists and to be partnering with Cuffe & Taylor again. 

“Anyone who came last year will know just how special this place is, and we can’t wait to do it all again.” 

Cuffe and Taylor co-founder Peter Taylor added: “It’s a pleasure to continue our collaboration with the fantastic team at the Eisteddfod. Llangollen really is a special place, and it’s an honour to bring world-class artists to this beautiful, historic town. 

“Whether you’ve lived here for years or are visiting for the first time, I know this summer will be something truly special, full of unforgettable memories. That’s what live music is all about.” 

The Llangollen International Eisteddfod has come a long way since the first festival in 1947, with more than 400,000 competitors from over 140 nationalities and cultures having performed on the Llangollen stage over the years. This year, as the festival marks the ‘Year of Croeso – Only in Wales’, more than 4,000 competitors from 36 countries will head to Llangollen for a vibrant week of competitions and performances. With a focus on promoting international harmony and reconciliation through music and dance, the 2025 Eisteddfod is set to build on the record-breaking success of 2024 and deliver a bigger and better celebration than ever before. 

For the first time, TK Maxx will join Live at Llangollen Pavilion as presenting partner, as part of an extended agreement with Cuffe & Taylor shows across the country including Lytham Festival, Live at Lincoln Castle, Scarborough Open Air Theatre, Live at The Piece Hall, Derby Summer Sessions, Depot Live, Plymouth Summer Sessions, Bedford Summer Sessions, Southampton Summer Sessions and Live at Powderham. 

West End star Lucie Jones promises a powerful performance guesting at Llangollen Eisteddfod’s Choir of the World final

A Welsh West End superstar promises to melt the audience’s hearts with the power of her performance when she makes a special guest appearance at the iconic Choir of the World final at Llangollen International Eisteddfod next month.

The Eisteddfod’s competitive schedule culminates each year with this famous evening, which includes the presentation of the coveted Pavarotti Trophy, named in honour of the Italian maestro who twice sang in Llangollen, in 1955 with his hometown choir from Modena, and again at a memorable solo concert in 1995.

The trophy will be presented by Pavarotti’s widow, Nicoletta Mantovani, with festival Chairman John Gambles and Artistic Director Dave Danford.

Making a guest appearance on the big night will be multi award-winning leading lady Lucie Jones, who has starred in a string of hit musicals over the past few years, playing roles such as Cosette in Les Misérables, Holly in The Wedding Singer, Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, Meat in We Will Rock You, Jenna in Waitress and Elphaba in Wicked.

Lucie, from the village of Pentyrch near Cardiff, first rose to fame at the age of 18 in the sixth series of The X Factor and in 2017 represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Despite all this, she admits that although she’s heard much about it and had a long-standing desire to perform there, this will be her first visit to the Eisteddfod.

She said: “Rather weirdly, although I always aimed to come to the festival, I never actually had the opportunity to do so as a child. I’ve been to Llangollen and seen the Pavilion, heard lots about the Llangollen Eisteddfod and know what a huge and exciting event it is.

“So I’m making my debut at the grand old age of 34 and I’m really excited. I’m really, really pleased that I jumped at the chance to come and sing at the festival. I know it’s not in a competitive way anymore, but still, it’s nice to be there.

“I was also thrilled to hear that Luciano Pavarotti’s widow, Nicoletta Mantovani, will also be there on the night and I can’t wait to meet her, which will be a great honour for me.”

Another reason Lucie says she wants to appear at the Choir of the World is that it provides a showcase for budding star performers – a thing that’s very important to her as she showed when she opened her own Lucie Jones Academy in 2023 and which runs workshops and master classes for young theatre hopefuls by her fellow West End stars.

“The academy is a big part of what I do as a performer and as an educator. It’s very important to me that we live through this crazy time with positivity and make sure that the next generation who are coming up behind us are properly looked after,” she said.

“I firmly believe that they should be taught to handle the good, the bad and the ugly of life as a performer, which is why I started the academy. To be part of a day where people have learned things is really special to me.”

Lucie wouldn’t give away too much about the songs she’ll be singing at Choir of the World but she promised: “I’ll be doing some musical theatre numbers from the shows I’ve been in and the audience won’t be disappointed with what I’ve chosen. I promise to melt their hearts.”

Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod said, “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Lucie Jones to the Eisteddfod stage for the first time. Her powerful voice and stage presence will bring an unforgettable energy to our Choir of the World final – a night already steeped in passion and prestige. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the talent of tomorrow and honour the legacy of Pavarotti.”

Countdown begins: 3 weeks to go until Llangollen International Eisteddfod 2025

With just three weeks to go, the town of Llangollen is awash with flags, as it prepares to welcome the world to the Llangollen International Eisteddfod from 8–13 July 2025. This year’s event promises a spectacular week of international music, dance, culture, and community. 

Over 4,000 performers from across the world will arrive over the next few weeks in North Wales to take part in a joyful celebration of peace through the performing arts. The festival’s unique blend of world-class evening concerts, daily competitions, and outdoor entertainment makes it one of the most exciting cultural events of the summer. There will also be a series of events in the town of Llangollen, featuring the competitors. 

 

 

Prior to the Eisteddfod, in just 9 days’ time, TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion kicks off with incredible performances from the likes of Texas, The Script, UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell, Olly Murs and many more from 26 June – 5 July. This makes Llangollen the place to be this summer. 

Chair of the Llangollen Eisteddfod John Gambles said, “This year’s Eisteddfod is shaping up to be one of our most ambitious and international festivals to date. With a stunning line-up of concerts, thousands of performers from across the world, and an expanded programme for families and young people, we can’t wait to welcome the world to Llangollen yet again.” 

Artistic Director Dave Danford added, “We’ve curated a programme that truly reflects what the Eisteddfod is all about – unity, talent, and cultural exchange. From cinematic scores to choral masterpieces, orchestral pop and traditional folk, there’s something for everyone.” 

Evening Concerts Line-Up: 

Tuesday 8 July – Beyond Time: The Music of Hans Zimmer 

Live film scores performed by the Cinematic Sinfonia, conducted by Anthony Gabriele 

Wednesday 9 July – Uniting Nations: One World 

Celebrating 80 years of the UN, featuring One World, conducted by Sir Karl Jenkins and the premiere of the reimagined Peace Child 

Thursday 10 July – KT Tunstall with the Absolute Orchestra 

A symphonic celebration of her breakthrough album Eye to the Telescope 

Friday 11 July – Il Divo 

The classical crossover sensations perform in Llangollen for the first time 

Saturday 12 July – Choir of the World & Dance Champions Grand Final 

With special guest Lucie Jones, crowning the best of global choral and dance talent 

Sunday 13 July –Bryn Terfel: Sea Songs 

Featuring Fisherman’s Friends, Eve Goodman, and the Pendine International Voice of the Future Final 

Daytime Highlights: 

Over 25 competitions across choral, dance, and instrumental categories with competitors from across the World. 

Children’s Day (Wednesday 9 July), featuring workshops, performances and the vibrant Parade of Nations (4:30pm) 

2 Outdoor Stages on the Eisteddfod field with live folk / world music, family activities, a Kids Zone, circus skills, food, crafts, and more 

Come for a day, stay for the week—be part of something extraordinary in Llangollen this July.