MP in talks with council over support for Eisteddfod

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has revealed he has been in talks with Denbighshire County Council over additional support for Llangollen Eisteddfod.

The festival has partnered with promoters Cuffe and Taylor, which will see a number of high-profile musical acts travel to Llangollen for concerts before, during, and after the Eisteddfod. 

As part of the deal, it has been announced that rock bands Manic Street Preachers and Suede will headline the 2024 Eisteddfod on Friday, June 28, with more acts to be announced over the coming weeks. 

Prior to becoming the local MP Mr Baynes served on the Board of Trustees for the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod from 2017 to 2019. 

Since his election, he has continued to maintain his interest in the Eisteddfod, both in his personal capacity and as MP.

Earlier this year, Mr Baynes was contacted by the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Sarah Ecob, regarding the future of the event. 

This resulted in a meeting being arranged on Friday October 6 with the leader of Denbighshire County Council, Cllr Jason McLellan, and the Chief Executive of the Council, Graham Boase, to discuss additional support that could be offered to the Eisteddfod in light of the announcement of the partnership with Cuffe and Taylor. 

Mr Baynes said: “I am delighted at the news that the Board of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has agreed to partner with Cuffe and Taylor. The deal has already seen the announcement of two major headline acts for next year’s Eisteddfod, with further acts to be revealed over the coming weeks.

"As a former member of the Board of Trustees for the Eisteddfod, I have seen first-hand the dedication of those who help to make this event a success every year. In my role as the Member of Parliament for Clwyd South, I have had a number of discussions with the Chair of the Board, Sarah Ecob, with regards to the future of the event, with the most recent being attended by both the Leader of Denbighshire County Council and the Chief Executive. 

"I look forward to continuing to liaise with all relevant parties over the coming months to ensure that the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is a success for years to come.”