Posts Categorized: News

MUSIC INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL DAVE RELISHES THE CHALLENGE OF BEING LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL EISTEDDFOD’S NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Dave Danford

A top music industry professional who has worked with some of the biggest names in the business has been appointed as the new Artistic Director of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

At the age of 39 Dave Danford has already had a decade-long association with the iconic festival and has stepped up into the key role after a number of years as its Production Manager.

He is “extremely excited” about his appointment, which has just been announced by the Eisteddfod’s trust board. The appointment is funded through the Arts Council of Wales.

And he says he is relishing the challenge of overseeing every musical aspect of the festival, from big-name concerts featuring stars as diverse as Sir Tom Jones and the Manic Street Preachers before and during the festival’s core week of July 2-7, to its unique programme of international-class competitions. (more…)

WOMAN WHO BECAME FACE OF NORTH WALES AS TEENAGE LLANGOLLEN EISTEDDFOD WINNER STILL RETURNS EACH YEAR

Myron Lloyd

A woman who became “the face of north Wales” after winning a singing competition nearly 70 years ago at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod still returns there each year as a volunteer.  As a teenager, Myron Lloyd travelled from her home in Pembrokeshire to compete in and eventually win the Folk Song Solo category at the 1956 eisteddfod.

As a result of her victory Myron – then known by her maiden name of Williams – was snapped by a number of cameramen as she celebrated out on the field.  Then sometime later and back in south Wales, the farmer’s daughter, who is now in her 80s, was quite shocked to see that a picture of her taken on the day wearing the traditional Welsh costume of high hat and ornate shawl had gone viral 1950s style and started to appear on a wide variety of merchandise promoting north Wales. (more…)

BRYAN ADAMS ANNOUNCES HEADLINER SHOW FOR LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL EISTEDDFOD

Bryan Adams

Multi-million selling recording artist Bryan Adams is coming to North Wales next summer.

The Canadian rock star will perform a headline concert as part of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod on Tuesday June 18. He will be supported by electro-pop singer-songwriter Cassyette.

Tickets go on general sale at 9am on Friday from  llangollen.net and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

With energetic vocals and a charismatic stage presence, Bryan Adams is one of the most exciting live musicians in the world. (more…)

LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL EISTEDDFOD CORE WEEK

Tues 2nd – Sun 7th July 2024

Welsh icons Tom Jones and Katherine Jenkins and international best-selling artist Gregory Porter will all perform headline concerts during the core week of the 2024 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

As the full line up of events is announced today, it is revealed that music legend Tom Jones will present the opening concert of the core Eisteddfod week at Llangollen Pavilion on Tuesday July 2nd, kicking off six days of evening concerts, with mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins closing the week on Sunday 7th.

Between these dates audiences can enjoy a huge variety of evening events, featuring award-winning folk band Calan, royal harpist Alis Huws, Britain’s Got Talent favourites John’s Boys Male Chorus, West End and Broadway stars Kerry Ellis and John-Owen Jones, and two-time GRAMMY award winning jazz sensation Gregory Porter.

Tickets go on sale at 9am Friday 8th December from llangollen.net

(more…)

EISTEDDFOD AIMS TO BRING LLANGOLLEN COMMUNITY TOGETHER AGAIN

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod will be holding another community meeting on Monday 4 December 2023 at St Collen’s Community Hall at 7pm. The hybrid session will be an opportunity to provide an update on the 2024 concert programme, answer questions about their plans for next summer, and to invite residents to join the growing team of volunteers.

It will take place on the same day the Eisteddfod announces its evening concerts for the core Eisteddfod week, which takes place from Tuesday 2 to Sunday 7 July 2024. The Eisteddfod has been one of the highlights of Wales’ busy cultural calendar since it was launched in 1947 to promote peace through song and dance. This is the third community meeting since the summer providing information to the local community. (more…)

INDIE HEROES KAISER CHIEFS MAKE A DATE WITH LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL EISTEDDFOD

Indie heroes Kaiser Chiefs are heading to North Wales next summer for what promises to be a stunning show.

The multi-award-winning band will make a triumphant return to the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod on Saturday June 29.

Tickets go on general sale at 9am on Friday November 17 from llangollen.net and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

The announcement follows the news Kaiser Chiefs will release their brand new studio album, the aptly titled Kaiser Chiefs’ Easy Eighth Album, on March 01 2024.

Produced by Amir Amor (Rudimental), Easy Eighth Album sees the band return with a fresh and bold new sound. From the Nile Rodgers co-write of new single ‘Feeling Alright’, to the frantic ‘Beautiful Girl’, horn-laden Kaiser Chiefs throwback ‘Job Centre Shuffle’ and joyous punch in the gut that is ‘Jealousy’, these 10 tracks are a true statement of intent from a band that continues to deliver the goods again and again.

The album arrives off the back of roaring success with previous releases ‘Jealousy’ and ‘How 2 Dance’, as well as a big UK arena headline tour at the end of last year.

Where 2019’s Duck straddled the tide between Northern-Soul euphoria and early ‘00s antithesis, 2024 will see Kaiser Chiefs stepping into a renewed spotlight; a hook-heightened universe in which Ricky Wilson, Andrew “Whitey” White (guitar), Simon Rix (bass), Keyboardist Peanut and Vijay Mistry on drums, come together to create what they craft best; breakthrough hits for the world’s dancefloor.

And with a band almost two decades in the game, armed with an extensive back-catalogue of stadium belters, and record-breaking success, fans at Llangollen Pavilion can prepare for a night filled with anthemic hits such as ‘Oh My God’, ‘I Predict A Riot’, ‘Everyday I Love You Less and Less’ and ‘Ruby’.

The headlining show is the latest to be announced as part of a new partnership between Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor.

Kaiser Chiefs join indie superstars Manic Street Preachers and Suede, BRIT award-winning artist Paloma Faith anddisco legends Nile Rodgers & CHIC among the artists to be announced so far for the iconic peace festival in 2024.

Lead Programmer & Production Manager of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Dave Danford said:“We’re delighted Kaiser Chiefs will be returning to Llangollen. They went down a storm in 2018, and we’re so pleased that they’ll bring their anthems back to North Wales in 2024. 

“This is just the latest announcement as part of our exciting new partnership with Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor, with more to come in the next few weeks.”

Cuffe and Taylor co-founder Peter Taylor added: “Kaiser Chiefs are a brilliant live band. We’ve presented multiple shows with them over the years so we can’t wait to bring them back to Llangollen for what will be a really exciting show for everyone involved.”

MUSIC LEGENDS & CHART-TOPPER ADDED TO BILL FOR LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL EISTEDDFOD

Kings of Disco Nile Rodgers & CHIC and pop superstar Jess Glynne will perform headline sets at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod next summer.

It is announced today that legendary music pioneer Nile Rodgers will bring the ultimate party to Llangollen Pavilion on Thursday July 11 while chart record holder Jess Glynne will headline on Friday July 12.

Supporting Nile Rodgers & CHIC will be Brit singer-songwriter Sophie Ellis Bextor and 80s inspired contemporary pop band Deco.

Tickets to both shows go on general sale at 9am on Friday October 27 from llangollen.net and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Speaking about the Llangollen date, Nile Rodgers said: “The UK is my home from home so despite the fact that it’s not even winter yet I’m excited to be announcing that we will be bringing you ‘good times” this summer!”

Jess Glynne, who has announced the show as part of her UK summer tour, said: “I can’t wait to get back on stage and go live for all my people! It’s gonna be a good year… let’s go!”

Nile Rodgers is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and a multiple GRAMMY Award winning songwriter, composer, producer, arranger, and guitarist with more than 200 production credits to his name.

As the co-founder of CHIC, he pioneered a musical language that generated chart-topping hits such as Le Freak, Everybody Dance and Good Times that sparked the advent of hip-hop.

His work with CHIC and his productions for artists such as David Bowie, Diana Ross and Madonna have sold more than 500 million albums and 75 million singles worldwide. His innovative, trendsetting collaborations with Daft Punk, Avicii, Sigala, Disclosure and Sam Smith reflect the vanguard of contemporary music.

His work in the CHIC organisation including We Are Family with Sister Sledge and I’m Coming Out with Diana Ross and his productions for artists like David Bowie (Let’s Dance), Madonna (Like A Virgin) and Duran Duran (The Reflex) have sold more than 500 million albums and 100 million singles worldwide while his innovative, trendsetting collaborations with Daft Punk (Get Lucky), Daddy Yankee (Agua), and Beyoncé (Cuff It) reflect the vanguard of contemporary hits.

Jess Glynne is the only British female solo artist to ever score seven UK Number One singles. The news she is heading to Llangollen follows the arrival of her latest single Friend of Mine after the summer banger What Do You Do?.

Both singles mark a new and more personal chapter for the GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter, who has delivered some of the most memorable dance-pop hits of the past decade.

Smashing her way into the nation’s consciousness as the vocalist on Clean Bandit’s 2014 Grammy Award-winning Rather Be and Route 94’s My Love, Jess has since become one of the UK’s biggest acts with hits including I’ll Be There, Hold My Hand and Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself.

Her two previous Platinum-selling albums both become Number One records, she has collected three Ivor Novello nominations, won a GRAMMY, racked up nine Brit Award nominations and 1.2 billion streams.

The headlining shows are the latest to be announced as part of a new partnership between Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor.

Indie superstars Manic Street Preachers and Suede’s double headlining show at the iconic peace festival on Friday June 28 sold out within an hour of going on sale and tickets are available now for double platinum and BRIT award-winning artist Paloma Faith who will head to North Wales on Friday June 21.

Cuffe and Taylor co-founder Peter Taylor said:We have presented numerous shows with both Nile Rodgers & CHIC and Jess Glynne. Both are incredible performers who will bring their own unique style to Llangollen ensuring audiences enjoy amazing live music.

“Nile Rodgers & CHIC perform hit after hit making for an absolutely brilliant night out, while Jess Glynne is a truly acclaimed British female artist.”

Chair of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Sarah Ecob added: “When we revealed our partnership with Cuffe and Taylor we said we would be making some huge announcements, and these are massive.  Jess Glynne and Nile Rodgers & CHIC are international superstars at the top of their game.  We can’t wait for them to come to Llangollen for our brilliant peace festival.” 

Statement on the situation in the Middle East

Since 1947, the ethos of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has been to promote peace and understanding through music and dance, both in its annual July week and through delivering inclusive outreach projects throughout the year to local communities in Wales and worldwide.

The aims of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, to promote peace in our world are never more important than in times of conflict.

The terrible escalating conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Territories is deeply distressing and we condemn the disregard being shown for the fundamental human rights of civilians.

We have welcomed competitors from the region to Llangollen in previous years, our thoughts are with the innocent people in Gaza and Israel and we join the international community in calling for an immediate de-escalation of the violence.

Perform at Llangollen 2024 – Competition Applications Now Open!

Llangollen 2024: 2-7 July 

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has announced details of how to compete or participate at Llangollen 2024. Across 29 categories, including nine new competitions, some of the world’s top music and dance talent will travel to the iconic peace festival in beautiful North Wales; where Wales Welcomes the World. 

A dedicated Participant website, and syllabus, contain all the information on how to apply, categories, arranging accommodation and more…
https://eisteddfodcompetitions.co.uk/ 

Competitions continue to sit at the heart of the Llangollen Eisteddfod. They will take place during the core Eisteddfod week, Tuesday 2 – Sunday 7 July 2024. For competitors, there are some fabulous opportunities and prizes up for grabs, at this truly international celebration of all things musical and dance. First to open for applications are the group categories, followed by solo categories later this year.  

Chair of the Llangollen Eisteddfod Sarah Ecob said,
“We are delighted to open applications for what is one of the world’s most respected and renowned cultural competitions. Previous winners include Pavarotti no less.  At the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod we celebrate musical excellence and next year’s event will continue that tradition. This year, we have been determined to ensure that the Eisteddfod doesn’t just survive but thrives. It’s vital however to ensure that our usual, core festival ensures supporters continue to enjoy the traditional, competitive part of the Llangollen Eisteddfod.” 

As a way of celebrating the achievements of children and young people, a new Young Choir of the World competition is being introduced. For 2024 the winning choir will be showcased on the main stage at The Royal International Pavilion during the Wednesday 3 July evening concert.  

Solo finalists will also have the fantastic opportunity to perform in an evening concert. The International Voice of the Future will be part of the Saturday 6 July evening concert and, for the first time, International Voice of Musical Theatre finalists will perform with a live band in the Thursday 4 July evening concert (not to be missed!).  

Other new additions include the Open Dance (Solo, Duet and Trio) category for under 11yrs, 12-17yrs, and 18yrs & over, the Children’s Open Choirs category, and the welcome return of Chamber, Adult Folk Song Choirs, Instrumental Ensemble, Vocal and Instrumental Folk Solo.  

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is located in the beautiful hillside town of Llangollen in North East Wales. Main competitions take place in the magnificent 4000 seat Royal International Pavilion.  In 2024, either side of the core Eisteddfod week (2-7 July), there will be additional shows – including headliners Manic Street Preachers  & Suede (Friday 28 June), and Paloma Faith (Friday 21 June). 

Downloadable syllabus book, application forms and other competitor information available on  dedicated website: https://eisteddfodcompetitions.co.uk/  

Paloma Faith at Llangollen 2024

Double platinum and BRIT award-winning artist Paloma Faith will head to North Wales next summer as part of her The Glorification Of Sadness Tour 2024.

The 26-date UK tour will see the British superstar headline at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod on Friday June 21.

Tickets go on general sale at 10am on Friday October 20 from llangollen.net and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

The announcement comes as Paloma has released her first single in three years, How You Leave A Man, and as she unveils her sixth studio album The Glorification of Sadness which is released February 16 – her first new music since the release of fifth studio album Infinite Things in November 2020.

The trip to Llangollen will see Paloma perform an array of hits from her extensive and much-loved repertoire with fans singing along to classics such as Only Love Can Hurt Like This and Lullaby as well as new songs from The Glorification of Sadness.

The headlining show is presented in a new partnership between Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor and marks the second announcement for 2024.

Last week it was revealed indie superstars Manic Street Preachers and Suede will play a double headlining show at the iconic peace festival on Friday June 28. Tickets for that show go on sale this Friday (Oct 13) at 9am.

Cuffe and Taylor co-founder Peter Taylor said:What an incredible second announcement to be making for the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. Paloma Faith is without doubt a superstar who presents the most breathtaking concerts and we can’t wait to bring her to Llangollen. We’re very excited to be working alongside the team at this incredible peace festival and look forward to making more announcements soon.”

Chair of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Sarah Ecob added: “We promised to reach for the stars with our brilliant new partnership with Cuffe and Taylor and we are delighted that another huge star, Paloma Faith will be joining us in 2024. With her soulful, jazz-influenced pop music and her stunning style we know she will be a massive hit with our audiences.”

For more information and to purchase tickets go to llangollen.net and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

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