“This has turned my long held dream into reality.”

Scottish singer songwriter, KT Tunstall, played a one-time only concert at a packed Llangollen International Eisteddfod on Thursday and her delight was plain to see.

With her first album Eye to the Telescope reaching its 20th anniversary, she played it in full, not only with her band but also the Absolute Orchestra, conducted by Eisteddfod musical director, Dave Danford.

“It has been my long standing dream to see this album played with an orchestra and I lucked out being able to do it here at the Eisteddfod,” she told the packed audience.

KT opened as the album does with one of its best known tracks – Other Side of the World – and the evening then followed the track list.

The orchestra blended seamlessly with the singer and her band – who included Razorlight’s drummer, Andy Burrows. It took the album to a new level.

And KT took the audience to a new level when she got them on their feet for the fabulous, Suddenly I see.

Listening to the album with the orchestra was a delight.

Silent Sea was a magical example with the woodwind section bring the sound of the sea to the track.

“What Dave has done with this song is absolutely exquisite,” KT said.

Then came Universe and I which starred the brass section.

The singer herself alternated between acoustic and electric guitars and took to a grand piano for one song. Between the music KT told anecdotes many linked with Wales and even the Eisteddfod.

“This isn’t the first time I have been to the Eisteddfod, I came down here in the 90s driving a white van to sell merchandise from my friend’s shop,” said.

Her parents met at Bangor University. “Dad was president of the climbing club and mum decided to start climbing.”

And she spoke affectionately of holidays on the Welsh coast, where she said it was always sunny.

While the evening was one of nostalgia the singer revealed that a new version of the title track will be released later this year.

“It has taken me 20 years to finally finish the song and it will be released in October,” she said.

“Three days ago, I received a very special string arrangement from Nashville for the finished song and an incredible flute solo.

“We managed to get a PDF of them – and Dave Danford sorted it out this morning so we could present it to you tonight.”

The hugely successful night began with support artist, Edie Bens.

The 23-year-old singer songwriter from Swansea now based in Brighton took to the stage in Welsh plaid and celebrated her home country including singing her song Mwfanwy.

Combing folk and country influences she plays her self-penned songs which stemmed from moments in her life. One told of crashing her boyfriend’s car on Christmas Eve, another told of a former boyfriend, which she told the audience, brought an angry complaint from his father.

Edie was thrilled to be at the Eisteddfod.

“I was performing on one of the outdoor stages last year whilst Tom Jones was playing in the pavilion. Now I am standing on the Pavilion stage,” she said.

The Eisteddfod evening concerts continue with Choir of the World with Lucie Jones on July 12 and Bryn Terfel and Fisherman’s Friends on July 13.

The “special” thing about Llangollen International Eisteddfod for one of its most respected judges is the high standard of the choirs who compete there.

What also mightily impresses Brian Hughes, Chorus Manchester at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester for 25 years, has been a regular adjudicator at the festival for the past decade or more and is a composer of renown in his own right, is its strong international flavour.

All this brings him to admit that he’s very much looking forward to giving his valued opinions on the 2025 competitions which are now playing out in earnest in and around the world-famous Pavilion between now and Sunday July 13.

Brian is considered to be one of the most important choral composers living in Wales today.

The highly charged rhythmic energy of his music coupled with his knowledge of vocal technique produces a fresh, contemporary style that is both readily singable and stimulating for both audiences and performers alike.

His works are regularly performed by both amateur choral groups and professional singers throughout the world. A recognition of his choral expertise is the fact that the Llangollen International Eisteddfod commissioned him to write a test piece for the 2007 Male Voice Choir competition. This was a setting of William Blake’s ‘Tyger! Tyger! Burning Bright’.

Brian, who comes from Ponciau near Wrexham just up the road from Llangollen, says he was a regular at the Eisteddfod years before he became an adjudicator there, going along to sing with his own local choir.

“I remember coming here to compete with them and that was many years ago. But even before that I learned a lot by listening to the adjudicators and applied what I’d learned from them to my own choir,” he said.

Brian’s has written extensively for choir and orchestra.

“With the choral work my main interest is in the voice. The first thing I want to hear from choirs is a healthy resonant sound. I find that some choirs don’t work enough on tone – the actual quality of the voice doesn’t come through. The choirs who concentrate on the sound are best ones.”

The two things that impress him most about the Eisteddfod from his unique musical standpoint are the standard of the choirs and the festival international character.

He explains: “The standard of choirs at Llangollen is world class in some cases, and the international flavour is amazing. The ones from America, particularly the universities like Yale and Michigan, is very high. They are a huge force to be reckoned with. Their standard is very high, almost professional.

“The best of the Philippines choirs are of immense quality. In the past we had choirs competing from Bulgaria and they were also very fine.”

Brian will be adjudicating throughout Eisteddfod week and he says the one he is particularly looking forward to is the Solo Under 17 competition.

“That’s always a very interesting one as it is packed with enthusiastic parents and supporters of the Eisteddfod.”

It’s Day 2 of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod 2025 – and it’s set to be an action-packed day at the festival.

Gates open at 9am for what is expected to be one of the busiest days of this year’s event – both in the Pavilion, on the field, and across Llangollen. Over 4,000 competitors from around the world begin their competitions. Highlights include the Parade of Nations, the Peace Lecture, Community Rhythms and Roots Wales, and an incredible evening concert to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

Tomorrow evening’s concert – Uniting Nations: One World – promises to be an extraordinary celebration of music, unity and hope, as the legendary Sir Karl Jenkins conducts his powerful masterpiece One World live on stage. This landmark event brings together voices from across the globe to celebrate peace, harmony, and the universal language of music.

DAY 2 HIGHLIGHTS

Competitions in the Pavilion today:

Senior Children’s Choir

Children’s Open Choir

Academi Heddwch Peace Talk with Derek Walker

Children’s Traditional Group Folk Dance

Junior Children’s Choir

Young Choir of the World – winner announced!

1pm: Recitals at St Collen’s Church featuring Akademisk Kor Århus (Denmark) and Bob Cole Conservatory Chamber Choir (USA).

1.15pm: Academi Heddwch Peace Lecture with Derek Walker.

Join Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, as he reflects on the role of Cymru in promoting peace.

12–4pm: Community Rhythms and Roots Wales – a vibrant showcase of six multicultural and multilingual community groups based in Wales, sharing performances inspired by their own creative traditions and the Eisteddfod’s themes of peace and friendship.

4.30–5.30pm: With over 4,000 competitors from 35 countries taking part in our annual parade, expect a sea of colour and vibrancy. Follow the samba band back to the Eisteddfod site and enjoy live entertainment on our outdoor stages. Entry to the grounds is just £1 during this time. Don’t miss The Gathering – a celebration of dance and culture featuring international and UK participants.

7.30-10.30pm: Uniting Nations: One World

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Celebration and Call for Peace

This concert is more than just music. The P5 Peace Child premiere brings together young artists from the five Permanent Members of the UN Security Council (UK, USA, China, France and Russia) to co-create a powerful call for unity and peaceful collaboration – focusing on global existential threats such as climate change, which the UN must address in the decades ahead. The survival of future generations depends on it. In partnership with Peace Child International.

Sir Karl Jenkins Conducts His Masterpiece

Renowned for breathtaking works such as Adiemus and The Armed Man, Sir Karl Jenkins leads an international massed choir and orchestra in a performance of One World – a symphonic vision of a better future, where human rights are universal, nature is cherished, and harmony prevails across nations.

There are dozens more activities on the Eisteddfod Field including dozens of events on outside stages including live music, poetry, crafts, food from around the world and much, much more.

An enthralled Pavilion audience was treated to a glittering concert featuring some of the most unforgettable movie scores of all time by German master composer Hans Zimmer which provided the perfect prelude to the 2025 Llangollen International Eisteddfod last night (Tuesday).

A world-class orchestra under the baton of internationally acclaimed conductor Anthony Gabriele presented “Beyond Time: The Music of Hans Zimmer in Concert” on the first night of the festival which runs from July 8-13.

The audience delighted to a programme of music made famous by a man with over 150 movie scores to his credit, including the powerful and moving backdrops to a host of the biggest blockbusters which have brought Zimmer two Academy Awards, two BAFTAs and five Grammy Awards plus a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The evening’s conductor, Anthony Gabriele, who has led orchestras all over the world, wielded the baton over the 70-piece Cinematic Orchestra which stormed ahead with some powerful scores such as the Theme from Backdraft, Suite from The Dark Knight, Tennessee from Pearl Harbour, the Suite from The Last Samurai, the End Titles from Driving Miss Daisy and the Suite from Man of Steel, each one reaching new heights of emotional stimulation.

After the break the audience returned to more exhilarating musical masterpieces including Discombobulate from Sherlock Holmes, Chavaliers De Sangreal from The Da Vinci Code, the Suite from Wonder Woman, Hero from Kung Fu Panda and rounding off with the blood-stirring Suite from Gladiator.

The audience were on their feet as the concert finished with a rousing rendition of the theme from Pirates of the Caribbean.

Weaving the programme seamlessly together as he delivered the narration for the evening was acclaimed Rhosllanerchrugog-born film and TV actor Mark Lewis Jones.

Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod said, “Tonight was a fantastic opening to our 2025 Eisteddfod, celebrating one of the world’s greatest film composers of all time. I was delighted that Mark Lewis Jones agreed to come and present it for us, and I’m very grateful to Anthony Gabriele for bringing his enthusiasm and first-class musicianship to the stage.

“This is just the first concert in a very exciting week, and we continue tomorrow evening with a truly international celebration of the United Nations, featuring Sir Karl Jenkins, which will follow our first day of competitions in the pavilion.”

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/ 

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.

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.”