* Volunteers, such as these on the Floral Committee, are the heart and soul of the eisteddfod every year.
On International Friendship Day next Monday Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod will be honouring relationships it has established over the 70 years since it began.
On the day it will be celebrating the 800 volunteers who provide crucial support throughout the week-long event.
International Friendship Day was established by the United Nations and aims for more people to make and celebrate friendship throughout the world leading to less chance of injustice, war and poverty.
Eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies said: “We only have six employees. Without our friends of the festival who volunteer each year we simply couldn’t function.
"It is through the camaraderie of friendship that our festival is able to thrive. By accumulating these bonds, we contribute to the aims of the UN in developing strong ties of trust which are needed to achieve peace and lasting stability.
“As our festival continues to grow, it’s fantastic to welcome both familiar and new faces. What remains year-on-year is the joyful atmosphere of the eisteddfod, which is enhanced by the extensive network of volunteers who dedicate so much energy and commitment.
“This International Friendship Day we extend our thanks to all of those who give up their time to journey from far and wide across the globe, as we celebrate the coming together of nations.”
The eisteddfod's Competitiors Club co-ordinator Ann Ankers, said: “From working as an usher at the Eisteddfod in 1956 to stewarding in the 1960s I met a lady called Carol who travelled from Glasgow to sing at the festival. Being so inspired, the following year she returned, bringing along a friend for eight consecutive years.
“I came across Carol three years ago, returning again to support the festival and we have never looked back.
"Carol has come back to fulfil her ambition of choral singing. Having fallen in love with the peace, harmony and togetherness of the Llangollen Eisteddfod. She has been inspired to be part of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and this year is performing at The Proms, an amazing achievement that I am so proud of."
Each year the family of Selina, Daniel and Bill Kong travel from their home in Hong Kong to volunteer in the Competitors Club.
Sisters Lynette Haber and Jane Rysanski from Connecticut, USA, have been regular visitors to the eisteddfod.
This year they decided to volunteer as part of the Floral Committee, creating the beautiful arrangements that decorated the festival stages.
Acknowledged as one of the foremost world peace festivals, Llangollen has been nominated for a number of awards, including the Nobel Prize for Peace.
The eisteddfod has volunteering opportunities suited to all ages and abilities. From office-based roles to floral and archive duties, there are plenty of roles available throughout the year as well as during the festival week itself.
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