In a spectacular climax to 4 days of world-class performances, the New Zealand Youth Choir was crowned Choir of the World at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod 2025. In a thrilling finale, the mixed choir captivated the adjudicators and proudly lifted the prestigious Pavarotti Trophy, presented by Nicoletta Mantovani and Eisteddfod Chairman John Gambles.
The dramatic announcement, made by Artistic Director Dave Danford, ignited jubilant celebrations. The New Zealanders launched into an impromptu haka, before racing to the stage to join their conductor David Squire, who also claimed the coveted Jayne Davies Conductors Prize.
The Choir of the World concert is the crowning jewel of a week featuring over 4,000 competitors from around the globe. A highlight of the evening was a heartfelt speech by Nicoletta Mantovani, widow of Maestro Luciano Pavarotti. She spoke movingly about Llangollen’s influence on her late husband and his enduring affection for the town, where he performed in both 1955 and during a triumphant return in 1995. She then proudly presented the trophy bearing his name to the New Zealand Youth Choir.
During the interval, audiences enjoyed a special mini documentary on Pavarotti, produced in partnership with Decca Records to celebrate the Maestro’s 90th anniversary year. As part of the tribute, Decca also illuminated the iconic Castell Dinas Brân with a spectacular light show over the 700-year-old castle.
Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Eisteddfod said, “What an amazing night – congratulations to the New Zealand Youth Choir and their inspirational conductor David Squire. To win Choir of the World in Llangollen, where standards are so high, is a phenomenal achievement. For Nachda Punjab Youth Club to be crowned Dance Champions is also a fantastic result – they’ve been dazzling all week. Huge thanks go to Lucie Jones for her barnstorming performance, to Sir Terry Waite, Nicoletta Mantovani, the team at Decca Records, and above all, our incredible volunteers. Tonight showed exactly why the Llangollen Eisteddfod is so loved across the world.”
The Eisteddfod concludes tomorrow with a Family Fun Day from 10am–4pm, featuring beloved children’s TV presenter Andy Day and his brilliant band Andy and the Odd Socks. The day’s highlight will be a lunchtime concert in the Pavilion, produced in partnership with Music for Youth, showcasing incredible young talent from across the UK and the festival’s international performers.
There will also be a variety of family-friendly activities throughout the site and exciting performances on the Eisteddfod’s outdoor stages.
The festival ends tomorrow on a truly unforgettable note with a sea-inspired evening concert featuring legendary bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel, folk favourites Fisherman’s Friends, and the ethereal voice of Eve Goodman.
