* The New Zealand Youth Choir became the 2025 Choir of the World winners.
With less than a month to go until the start of the 2026 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, preparations are gathering pace for another spectacular celebration of music, culture and international friendship.
Founded in 1947 in the aftermath of the Second World War, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod was created to bring nations together through music and culture.
Nearly 80 years later, that vision continues, with performers from across the world gathering to celebrate friendship, understanding and international harmony.
This year's festival will welcome competitors from countries including the United States, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Ukraine, Belgium, Estonia, Italy, Indonesia, Rwanda, India, South Africa and across the United Kingdom.
With the Eisteddfod's evening concert programme audiences can look forward to Sir Karl Jenkins' One World, Global Rhythms: Made in Wales, the internationally acclaimed Orchestral Qawwali Project, a world-exclusive performance from Emeli Sandé with The Absolute Orchestra, and an evening with musical theatre favourite Michael Ball.
* Thousands of international competitors are about to arrive for Eisteddfod 2026.
New for 2026 are the Sound-Bridge Sessions, a series of performances taking place daily between 5pm and 7pm. Designed to bridge the gap between the daytime competitions and evening concerts, the sessions will bring the festival site to life with contemporary Welsh folk, jazz, global fusion and emerging artists.
Artistic Director Dave Danford said: "As we look forward to welcoming the world back to Llangollen in just one month's time, there is a real sense of excitement building around this year's Eisteddfod.
"Our competitions, outdoor performances and evening concerts showcase the very best in international music-making and cultural exchange. Every corner of the Eisteddfod site will be alive with activity throughout the week, creating a truly unique atmosphere for performers and visitors alike.
"Last year's unforgettable Haka from the New Zealand Youth Choir demonstrated the power of music and culture to bring people together. With competitors travelling from across the globe once again, this year's festival promises to be another unforgettable celebration of international friendship through music."
The Eisteddfod's competitions will reach a thrilling climax at the prestigious Choir of the World concert on Sunday July 12. Winners from the festival's choral categories will compete for the coveted Pavarotti Trophy before an international audience in the Royal International Pavilion.
The concert will also feature the final of the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition, where emerging opera singers from around the world will compete for one of the most significant titles in international vocal performance.
* Tickets for the Eisteddfod's evening concert programme and festival events are available now. Visit llangollen.net to view the full programme and book tickets.
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