July 06, 2026 - 224 views
Thousands of music fans have flocked to North Wales as a blockbuster summer concert series at the Llangollen Pavilion paved the way for the start of the internationally renowned Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
Over eight nights, the Live at Llangollen Pavilion series attracted audiences from across the UK to see an impressive line-up of artists including Rick Astley, Pete Tong and his Ibiza Classics show, David Gray, Billy Ocean, Super Furry Animals, Bowling for Soup, Frank Turner with The Sleeping Souls, Deacon Blue and Tom Grennan.
The concert series is delivered through a partnership between the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and live entertainment promoters Cuffe and Taylor, bringing world-class performers to one of Wales’ most iconic venues.
Attention now turns to the 79th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, which gets underway this week. The six-day festival will welcome more than 4,000 competitors from 36 countries, alongside headline performances from Emeli Sandé with the Absolute Orchestra, Michael Ball, Uniting Nations: One World featuring Karl Jenkins, Global Rhythms: Made In Wales, the Orchestral Qawwali Project, and the prestigious Choir of the World competition.
Alongside the evening concerts, visitors can enjoy the festival’s traditional programme of international competitions, cultural performances and family entertainment, continuing a tradition that has united performers from around the globe since 1947.
Artistic Director Dave Danford said another hugely successful run of Live at Llangollen Pavilion had once again showcased Llangollen as one of the UK’s leading destinations for live music.
He praised the partnership with Cuffe and Taylor, the work of staff and volunteers, and said the focus now shifts to welcoming competitors and audiences from across the world for another celebration of music, dance and international friendship.
Peter Taylor, co-founder of Cuffe and Taylor, said the company was proud of its third year working alongside the Eisteddfod team.
He said bringing world-class artists to the historic town had been an honour, adding that the unique setting, the Pavilion and the atmosphere created by audiences make Llangollen “magic”.
Since its first festival in 1947, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has welcomed more than 400,000 competitors representing over 140 nationalities and cultures. Today it remains one of the world’s best-known celebrations of international peace, friendship and cultural exchange through music and dance, with organisers promising an even bigger festival following the record-breaking success of last year.
