May 20, 2026 - 303 views
Music fans are being urged to get their “golden tickets” at the ready as the hugely popular Llangollen Treasure Hunt returns this weekend — complete with a mysterious Yeti hiding free concert tickets around the Pavilion grounds.
A total of 79 pairs of free tickets will be up for grabs on Saturday, May 23, as organisers of the 2026 season at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod launch one of North Wales’ most eagerly anticipated summer traditions.
The annual treasure hunt celebrates 79 years of the world-famous festival, with 79 golden envelopes hidden across the iconic Llangollen Pavilion site between 10am and 2pm.
Each envelope contains a unique code redeemable for tickets to some of this summer’s biggest concerts and festival events.
But this year’s hunt comes with an unusual twist after sightings of a mysterious Yeti roaming around the Pavilion grounds ahead of the big day.
Festival organisers say the furry figure may look familiar to fans of Super Furry Animals, who are set to headline the Pavilion on July 2 with a landmark performance of their acclaimed Welsh-language album “Mwng” in full for the very first time.
Last summer more than 50,000 visitors flocked to Llangollen for weeks of live music and cultural celebrations — and organisers say 2026 is shaping up to be even bigger.
This year’s blockbuster line-up includes Rick Astley, Pete Tong, David Gray, Billy Ocean, Bowling for Soup, Frank Turner, Deacon Blue and Tom Grennan.
The Eisteddfod programme will also feature performances from Emeli Sandé and Michael Ball alongside international competitions, orchestral collaborations and the prestigious Choir of the World contest.
Artistic Director Dave Danford said the treasure hunt had quickly become a much-loved part of the festival calendar.
He said: “We’re now in our third year of the treasure hunt, and it’s become a real Llangollen tradition. People absolutely love it; the excitement, the friendly competition, the thrill of discovering a golden ticket. It sets the tone for the whole summer, so we couldn’t resist bringing it back.
“It’s such a brilliant way to kick off the season, and it gives fans the chance to get their hands on tickets to some of our biggest shows. With this year’s incredible lineup and the magic the Eisteddfod brings, we’re gearing up for an unforgettable summer. Happy hunting!”
Lucky ticket finders will need to take their envelope and code to the Pavilion’s main entrance before 2pm on Saturday to claim their prize, with a limit of one pair of tickets per person.
Founded in 1947, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod remains one of the world’s most celebrated festivals of music, dance and international friendship, attracting thousands of performers and visitors from across the globe each year.
More information is available at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
