Senedd Member praises volunteers and international success of iconic festival
KEN SKATES MS, Member of the Senedd for Clwyd South – which includes Llangollen – has paid tribute to the organisers and volunteers behind this year’s Llangollen International Eisteddfod, following the successful conclusion of its seventy-eighth year.
The world-renowned cultural festival, largely powered by more than 500 dedicated volunteers, drew tens of thousands of visitors to North Wales and welcomed over 4,000 competitors from around the globe. Plans are already underway for Llangollen 2026, which will take place between July 7–12.
This year’s festival featured performances from internationally acclaimed artists including Sir Bryn Terfel, KT Tunstall, Lucie Jones and Il Divo. Seven major concerts – co-promoted with Cuffe and Taylor, part of Live Nation – brought big names such as Texas, Rag’n’Bone Man, James, and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell to the stage.
The event also saw Nicoletta Mantovani, widow of Luciano Pavarotti, return to Llangollen to present the prestigious Choir of the World award. She also unveiled a striking 120-foot chalk portrait of the Maestro to mark the seventieth anniversary of his international debut – which famously took place at the festival in 1955.
Ken Skates MS, a long-standing supporter and Vice-President of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, said: “It was great to return to the Llangollen Eisteddfod and spend time with the incredible volunteers who bring this festival to life. With more than 500 people – mainly from Llangollen and Wrexham – working behind the scenes, it’s a true community triumph.
“This year’s event was another huge success. Llangollen, where my office is based, comes alive with colour, music and energy during the festival. Its motto, ‘Where Wales Welcomes the World,’ remains as powerful and relevant today as it was in 1947. The Pavarotti mural has even become the talk of the Senedd – a fitting tribute to the festival’s iconic global status.”
Last week, Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens MP and Llangollen MP Becky Gittins also visited the festival. Ken Skates, who first attended the Eisteddfod as a child, continues to meet with organisers throughout the year and remains deeply involved in its planning and promotion.
Looking ahead, he is also preparing to visit the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham, which runs from 2–7 August 2025.
He added: “This summer, we’re lucky to have two major Eisteddfodau here in North Wales. The close of Llangollen’s festival marks the build-up to the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham. Volunteers there have been working just as tirelessly – and many from Llangollen will be heading up the road to lend a hand.
“It’s an extraordinary summer for Welsh culture, and the positive impact on our economy is enormous. The Welsh Government is proud to support both festivals.”
