This year’s International Eisteddfod takes place in Llangollen, North Wales, from 3 to 8 July and John Lennon’s sister, Julia Baird, will be honoured as the first ever Day President for Llanfest.

Every summer since 1947, Llangollen has staged one of the world’s most inspirational cultural festivals. Each year around 4,000 performers and as many as 50,000 visitors converge on this beautiful small Welsh town and its International Pavilion to sing and dance in a unique combination of competition, performance, and international peace and friendship. Highlights of this year’s six day event include Broadway and West End Star Alfie Boe in concert and an evening with legendary singer songwriter Van Morrison.

The International Eisteddfod incorporates all musical genres and there will be a range of performances including folk, jazz, world music and classical music. The final day of the Eisteddfod is given over to Llanfest, a celebration of popular music. This year, Julia Baird, John Lennon’s sister, will be the first person ever to be honoured as Day President for Llanfest.

Julia Baird (pictured) is heavily involved with Liverpool’s iconic The Cavern Club, where the Beatles started out, and is an avid supporter of sharing the message of peace and harmony through music. Julia will be joining The Cavern Club at Llanfest on Sunday 8 July, as they host a special pop up stage for the first time at the festival, bringing their world class resident musicians to Llangollen.

Julia said: “It’s a great honour to be chosen as an International Eisteddfod Day President. I truly believe in the ethos of this festival, which brings together different cultures from around the world to celebrate peace and friendship.

“And what a perfect way to mark the 50th anniversary of the Yellow Submarine which is actually on the day of Llanfest (8 July)! The song will undoubtedly be performed on The Cavern Club stage and we hope the crowds will join in too to mark this special milestone.”

Chairman at Llangollen Eisteddfod, Rhys Davies, said: “We are delighted to welcome Julia on Sunday. There is a clear synergy between Lennon’s peace messages in his music and our festival. We enrich lives though music. Political and religious differences are put to one side, and through the universal language of music and dance people get to know each other and compete in a unique and friendly environment.”

Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel & Tourism, added: “The International Eisteddfod in Llangollen, just up the road from where we are based, is one of the world’s greatest music festivals. Every year, some of the brightest talents from across the musical spectrum converge in this pretty Welsh town to celebrate peace and harmony through music. It really is a must for anyone with a passion for the performing arts.”

The first International Musical Eisteddfod was held in Llangollen in June 1947. It began with a vision that the ancient Welsh eisteddfod tradition could provide a means of healing the wounds of the Second World War and helping to promote lasting peace.

The competitions at the International Eisteddfod climax with the prestigious ‘Choir of the World’, which determines the best overall choir of the event. In 2005 Luciano Pavarotti added his name to the competition in recognition of his appreciation of the festival and its influence on his career. In 1955 a young Pavarotti sang in the choir from his home town of Modena in Italy, which was conducted by his father. The choir won first prize in the male voice choir competition. Pavarotti returned in 1995 for a spectacular concert.

Yehudi Menuhin, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Montserrat Caballé, Dame Margot Fonteyn, Katherine Jenkins and José Carreras are just some of the world famous musical stars who have appeared at the International Eisteddfod. Placido Domingo cites the 1968 International Eisteddfod as his first professional engagement in the United Kingdom!

In addition, throughout the week, a diverse range of cultural activities takes place on the festival site and throughout the town, from arts and crafts to creative writing workshops, and circus skills to storytelling.

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor made musical tour or cultural tour of Wales or indeed the rest of the UK and Ireland, please do contact our friendly team today.