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. 

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 quartet went on to be a huge global success selling 30 million albums worldwide across 35 countries.

In July Il Divo will take to the stage at the Llangollen Eisteddfod – 30 years after another classical star Pavarotti made his second appearance at the international music festival.

Tenors, Urs Bühler of Switzerland, Sébastien Izambard  of France and David Miller  of America, and new member, baritone Steven LaBrie of America, are looking forward to embracing the history of the Eisteddfod when they perform in an evening concert on July 11.

Steven joined Il Divo following the tragic death of Carlos Marin from Covid in 2021.

David said that Carlos’ passing affected the group so much they did not know whether they could carry on.

“We didn’t know each other before Il Divo was created – it was like an arranged marriage. But that helped us to bond and Carlos’ passing was such a shock we though it was the end of the band.

“We were four voices and carrying on as a trio just would not have worked.”

The three decided to go on a tribute tour and Steven, who had worked with David in the past, was asked to join the tour.

Last year Il Divo  released its 10th full-length album XX  to mark its 20th anniversary.

The eclectic mix of tracks was, Urs said, chosen by the quartet members themselves.

“We had a brain storming session when we were touring – we were in Belfast. We listened to tracks we like and decided yes or no.”

This year’s European tour includes three concerts in the UK and one in Dublin.

“We always enjoy coming back to the UK – we have a sense of coming home, David said.

“Everyone is so supportive of us in the UK.”

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/

The Llangollen Pavilion is set to host a weekend of excitement and community celebration with two major events; the Llangollen Garden Railway Festival on Saturday, June 7, and Llanfest 2025 on Sunday, June 8.

Llangollen Garden Railway Festival – Saturday, June 7

Since its inception in 2021, the Llangollen Garden Railway Festival has become one of the UK’s premier model garden railway events. This year, over 40 of the UK’s leading retailers will showcase an array of large-scale model railway layouts, representing various periods and countries. The festival promises a day filled with intricate displays, live demonstrations, and opportunities for enthusiasts to connect and share their passion.

The festival will run from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Tickets are priced at £14, with free entry for accompanied children.

Llanfest 2025 – Sunday, June 8

Early bird tickets are available in advance for £15 from Llangollen.net using the discount code LLANFEST25; tickets will be £20 at the door.

Keith Potts, representing the Llangollen Pavilion, encapsulated the spirit of the weekend:

“This weekend at the Pavilion is all about bringing people together – whether you’re here to marvel at the intricate artistry of model railways or to party with brilliant live music. We’re proud to be hosting two events that celebrate community, creativity, and the unique spirit of Llangollen. It’s a weekend not to be missed and the perfect start to another amazing Summer in Llangollen.

About Llangollen Pavilion: