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 Rhys Mwyn and featuring three standout Welsh Language artists: Pedair, Mared, and Buddug – before the evening concert with KT Tunstall. 

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.” 

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.”

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. 

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.”

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. 

When folk rock singer/songwriter, KT Tunstall, steps onto the stage at Llangollen’s International Eisteddfod with a full orchestra behind her, it will be a far cry from her previous visit to the festival. 

For when the Brit award winner visited in the 1990s she drove down from Edinburgh in a van to sell goods from her friend’s ‘hippie shop’ on the Eisteddfod field.

On July 10, she will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of her first and multi-million selling album, Eye to the Telescope, with a 2025 tour that includes a very special, one off concert in the pavilion. 

The tracks including Other Side of the World and Suddenly I See  have been set to a completely new orchestral score thanks to a link up with the Eisteddfod’s artistic director, Dave Danford who will conduct The Absolute Orchestra. 

“He contacted me to explain the idea and I had to say yes,” she said. I’m so excited.” 

“This will be the only chance people will have to see my music set to an orchestra. The album, with celebrates its 20th anniversary this year is very stripped back music with four to five musicians. To have an orchestra with me will be mind blowing. 

“It is also out of my comfort zone as I am a bit of a control freak over my music so I have had to to learn to let go the reins.

“I have been to the Eisteddfod before.  It was 1996/7 and my friend had a hippie shop in Edinburgh. She also attended festivals and I agreed to come down to the Llangollen for her. 

“I drove down in a van and spent the week at the Eisteddfod selling things like candles and incense. I loved it. I didn’t leave the van very often but I got to see the performers from all over the world walking around the site in their colourful costumes.” 

“I love Wales i used to come with my family every year to Llanfairfechan and I used to have a Welsh bassist who taught me some Welsh.” 

KT Tunstall’s big break came when she was 29 and appeared on Jools Holland. 

“I started in the folk music scene and Bob Dylan is my hero.” 

She has collaborated with other singers over the years including releasing the album, Face to Face with 70’s rock star, Suzi Quatro in 2023. 

“She is amazing. I have always been a fan and met her at an Elvis tribute show in Hyde Park. She said we should do something together but it wasn’t until the beginning of the end of lockdown that we had the time. When we made the album we would sit chatting for hours on end. I love the way our voices work together the result is so much bigger than the sum of the parts.” 

The run of concerts this year include one at London’s Royal Albert Hall on KT Tunstall’s 50th birthday. 

“I was thinking about getting a few friends round with a six pack and instead I will be celebrating with 5,000 people.” 

 “I have to pinch myself sometimes when I think it is the 20th anniversary of the album and am incredibly grateful for all that I have done. But I am also looking forward and very excited about the future.” 

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

The widow of superstar tenor Luciano Pavarotti is making an emotional visit to Llangollen International Eisteddfod which inspired his stellar career.

During her trip she will also be marking several major milestones, the 70th anniversary of his first experience of the festival, the 30th anniversary of his triumphant return in 1995 and what would have been his 90th birthday on October 12 this year.

Pavarotti was just 19 and a trainee teacher when he came to the Llangollen Eisteddfod in 1955 with his father, Fernando, as part of Chorus Rossini, from their home city of Modena.

They left as the overall winning choir and Pavarotti went home determined to make music his career and later said that winning at Llangollen was the spark that ignited his dream.

When he came back as a global icon for a sell-out concert in 1995, he said: “I always say that to the journalists when they ask me what is a day more memorable in my life, and I always say that it is when I won this competition because it was with all my friends.”

Nicoletta Mantovani is journeying from her home in Italy to hand over the coveted Pendine Trophy to the winner of the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition, the final of which is on the closing Sunday evening of the 2025 festival.

Sharing the presentation will her be Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, owners of the arts-loving Pendine Park care organisation which is once again sponsoring the award, and another megastar of the opera world, Sir Bryn Terfel.

And in another coup for the Eisteddfod, the previous evening Nicoletta will have been on the world-famous Pavilion stage to hand the Pavarotti Trophy, named in honour of her late husband, to the winners of the Choir of the World Competition alongside festival chair John Gambles.

Nicoletta Mantovani said: “I am deeply honoured and excited to be coming to the Llangollen International Eisteddfod to make both these amazing prize presentations. That is because this festival was the beginning of everything for Luciano and to mark both these anniversaries is very important,” said Nicoletta who founded and became president of the Pavarotti Foundation following his death.

The foundation organises tribute concerts with opera stars such as Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo, hosts exhibitions reflecting Pavarotti’s life and work and also arranges performances by young opera singers discovered or promoted by the Foundation.

Nicoletta explained: “Luciano had two dreams. The first was to bring opera to everyone and the second was to bring new people into the world of opera who could become the singers of the future, which both of these Eisteddfod competitions fulfil.

“Coming to Llangollen will be very emotional for me because without his first appearance there in 1955 he told me his career would not have been possible.

“In 1995 Luciano wanted to go back there to celebrate the 40th anniversary of that win and to inspire others about opera because it was such a special place.”

John Gambles, Chairman of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod said, “We are delighted to welcome Nicoletta Mantovani, the widow of the great Luciano Pavarotti, to Llangollen this summer.

“Her presence to present both the Pavarotti Trophy and the Pendine Trophy, alongside global stars like Sir Bryn Terfel and our partners at Pendine Park, will make this year’s Eisteddfod a truly memorable occasion.

Pendine is sponsoring the International Voice of the Future via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT) which supports cultural and community initiatives across Wales.

The competition will take place during the festival’s closing concert on Sunday, July 13, when Sir Bryn Terfel  will be performing songs from his latest album, Sea Songs, along with acclaimed folk group Fisherman’s Friends.

Mario Kreft said: “Gill and I were privileged to be on the Maes outside the pavilion watching on a big screen for Pavarotti’s brilliant performance in 1995 when he even performed a couple of arias outside.

“Pendine is also celebrating a big birthday this year – our 40th anniversary – and we’re absolutely thrilled that Nicoletta Mantovani was particularly keen to present the Pendine Trophy during what I am sure will be a memorable and emotional visit for so many reasons.

“Luciano Pavarotti will always be remembered as one of the finest and most beloved tenors of all time – and it’s wonderful to think that Llangollen Eisteddfod is where his remarkable journey to greatness began.

“The fact that Nicoletta Mantovani will be presenting the prizes will surely be a huge inspiration to the current crop of talented young singers who are aiming launch their own fledgling careers.

“It was lovely to learn that the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition chimes with Pavarotti’s desire to encourage and foster the singing stars of the future, ensuring that his legacy lives on.

Today heralds a landmark moment in contemporary classical music as DECCA Records unveils the 25th Anniversary Edition of The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, the enduring and powerful work by Sir Karl Jenkins.

The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace was commissioned by the Royal Armouries to mark the transition from one millennium to another. It reflects on the passing of ‘the most war-torn and destructive century in human history’ and looks forward in hope to a more peaceful future.

The 25th anniversary edition, released today, includes a cover redesign; a history of the commission by Guy Wilson, Master of the Armouries; updated biographies for contributors; and new notes from Julian Lloyd Webber reflecting on the debut performance, plus a note from Sir Karl himself.

Sir Karl Jenkins said, “I’m delighted that this piece has found resonance globally with so many of you over the years. I regret to say that there has been no let-up in war and conflict since I dedicated the piece to the victims of Kosovo, but we continue to make music in remembrance of those who have fallen and in the hope that humanity can find a way to heal”.

To purchase a copy of 25th Anniversary Edition of The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace go to https://karljenkins.decca.com/

Tickets are available for Uniting Nations: One World featuring Sir Karl Jenkins from https://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/events/wednesday-9th-july-2025-uniting-nations-one-world/