Now in its 71st year, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod runs from the 3rd to 8th July and tickets are on sale now . The star studded line up includes Alfie Boe, prolific recording artist, Van Morrison, renowned baroque instrumental group, Red Priest, and award winning Welsh folk band, Calan.
Hugely successful recording artist and West End/Broadway sensation Alfie Boe opens the event on the 3rd July, joined by his ensemble of stellar musicians, showcasing his best loved songs and communicating his joy of music, promising spectators an unforgettable evening of showmanship.
On Wednesday 4th July, finalists of the renowned International Voice of the Future Competition, which aims to advance the career of young singers, will entice the audience with breathtaking performances as they compete for the prestigious title and a share of the £10,000 prize fund, which has generously been donated by Pendine Park and the Bryn Terfel Foundation for the second year in a row. The Festival’s newly appointed Music Director, Vicky Yannoula, will take to the piano alongside acclaimed pianist Peter Jablonski in a moving collaboration inspired by the power and magic of the piano – so be prepared for musical fireworks!
International competitors from across the globe will unite on Thursday 5th July, promising an immersive sea of vibrant colours and eclectic sounds, as they weave through the audience with their giant flags in the captivating Procession of the Nations.
The evening will explore the International Eisteddfod’s unique founding values of sharing music, dance, peace and friendship, with children from a local school presenting a message of goodwill to the world in the delivery of the 2018 Peace Message.
Special guests for the evening award winning band, Calan, will set feet tapping with their quirky interpretation of Welsh folk music. The five-piece band will come with accordion, harp, guitar, fiddles and Welsh bagpipes, to entrance the audience with their beautiful and haunting melodies.
An Evening with Van Morrison
Friday 6th July will see the unparalleled vocal and songwriting talent, Van Morrison, take to the iconic Royal International Pavilion stage, to perform music from his revered musical catalogue.
One of the most prolific recording artists and live performers in music history, Van Morrison weaves myriad musical influences into his music, including street poetry, jazz improvisation, Irish folk, Afro Celtic Blues wailing, blues, pop, rock, R&B, country and gospel, captivating audiences.
Choir of the World with special guests Red Priest
The Festival’s competitions will reach their exciting climax on Saturday 7th July, with the winners of the international choral competition competing for the titles of Choir of the World 2018 and the prestigious Pavarotti Trophy. Those taking part in the dance categories will participate in the Dance Champions of the World 2018 finals.
Baroque instrumental group, Red Priest, will also contribute to the excitement of the evening as the International Eisteddfod’s special guests. Renowned for their dynamic, charismatic and visionary performances, the talented foursome will captivate the audience with their technical wizardry and showmanship.
Llanfest 2018
The Festival will draw to a close on Sunday 8th July at Llanfest 2018. Llanfest will be headlined by indie pop legend Kaiser Chiefs. The show will be the band’s first Welsh gig in almost two years and one of the first opportunities in 2018 for fans in the region to see the band live.
The five-piece band from Leeds, who shot to stardom in 2005 with their sophmore album Employment and are best known for songs including Oh My God, I Predict a Riot and Ruby, will be joined on the bill by renowned pop rock band, The Hoosiers and nineties icons, Toploader.
Llanfest is a recent addition to the International Eisteddfod, which is already renowned for its choral music, opera galas and classical concerts, as well as world music, jazz, rhythm and blues and folk music performances. It was founded in 2011 to introduce the event to new audiences and attract festival goers from across the country. The announcement of the Kaiser Chiefs 2018 appearance follows the huge success of legendary Welsh band Manic Street Preachers, who raised the roof of the pavilion at the festival finale last year.
Ricky Wilson of the Kaisier Chiefs commented “I’ve heard The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is renowned for its diverse musical performances for promoting a message of global peace and friendship, uniting people through music – that sounds a bit of a gob full, but you can’t really argue with it. Sounds like the kind of thing the Kaiser Chiefs should be part of. So in the spirit of that we cannot wait to perform at Llanfest this summer in the international pavilion.
“There’s loads of other acts on too who I’m sure all support the ethos of global peace, friendship and uniting people etc. I know it seems like a big ask from a festival, but it’s a fun place to start.
Chairman of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Dr Rhys Davies, said: “The International Eisteddfod was created to heal the wounds of war and bring communities from across the globe together through music and dance, in the spirit of international friendship and peace.
Kaiser Chiefs, The Hoosiers and Toploader will appear at Llanfest 2018 at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod on Sunday 8th July 2018. There will be live performances from a range of artists from 2pm on the outside stages and support acts will run from 7pm in the pavilion, before Kaiser Chiefs take to the stage.
For more information and to buy tickets go to http://www.llangollen.net or contact the Box Office on 01978 862001.
The Chester blog 