Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod still isn’t “out
of the woods” but is “very optimistic” about the future.
That was the positive message from Chris Adams, the
festival’s new chair, when he opened yesterday (Monday) evening’s latest public briefing
session – both in-person and online – at St
Collen’s Community Hall.
It was also used to announce the starry line-up for evening
converts during the Eisteddfod’s core week from July 2-7, which starts with Sir
Tom Jones on the Tuesday and ends with Katherine Jenkins on the Sunday.
The chair said that many ideas and suggestions for how
the Eisteddfod could not only survive its traumatic financial loss of last year
but also thrive had come from a public meeting held at the Pavilion last
August.
“We talked through our problems and were delighted with
the response we got. Offers of help and support came from all over. Decisions
had to made and we moved as quickly as we would.”
A number of special groups were set up to look at how various
aspects of the festival could be improved, from the grounds and staging to
marketing and publicity.
The group members – all volunteers – were tasked to examine
other key areas such as fundraising and sponsorship.
Much work has also been done as part of an initial
one-year partnership with show business agency Cuffe and Taylor which has led
to a package of “bookend” concerts in the weeks leading to the Eisteddfod by
stars including Paloma Faith and the Manic Street Preachers.
Two special Christmas concerts built around the theme of
The Snowman and featuring a live orchestra were at that point down to just a
few tickets, explained Mr Adams.
However, he stressed: “There are a lot of things still to
do over the next six months to make next July a festival to be remembered for
years to come.”
Mr Adams – the Eisteddfod’s 11th chair since
its foundation in 1946 – also revealed how just a few days earlier he had
replaced Sarah Ecob in the role.
Because of heavy work commitments in her local authority
job, she had found it necessary to relinquish the chair but had parted with the
Eisteddfod on “really good terms”.
“The Eisteddfod is unique is not unique in its idea of
promoting peace – people have found other ways of doing this,” he told the
audience but he added: “We are looking to be a major force in the cultural life
of Wales into the 21st century.”
Lead programmer and production manager Dave
Danford said: “Everything that happens at the Eisteddfod is because
of our volunteers. It’s not down to individuals but is a team effort and I’m
sure that next year is going to be a success.”
He assured that Cuffe and Taylor were “here
to support us and not to interfere” with the way the festival is run.
“The concert programme we’ve got has something
for everyone and we’ve had some incredible applications from all over the world
for our competitions,” he added.
The floor was then thrown open to questions
and answers. Issues included:
* Ways people can get various concessions on
tickets - One of the main ways to avoid the inevitable queues for concerts tickets
is to join the Friends of the Eisteddfod group, which had signed up 100 new
members just that day, it was explained.
* Dance competitions - Chris Adams said lots of
work was being done to see these were spread evenly across the five days of the
festival.
* Volunteers - A plea was made from the floor
for people to fill three key roles in music and staging.
* The Eisteddfod field - Chris Adams explained
work was going on make this as attractive as possible to visitors.
* Higher than usual concert ticket prices -
Dave Danford said this was down to the rising cost of signing artistes. He gave
the example of one who could have been booked for £15,000 in 2020 now demanding
£30,000 for an appearance.
* Accommodation for Eisteddfod visitors -
Deputy chair John Gambles said most visitors went directly home so priority was
given to competitors from around the world, with “wonderful co-operation” being
given by hostels and hotels within a 30-mile radius.
* Coping with the number of visitors the
additional concerts would bring - Trustee Dave Henningan said letters had been
sent to residents of Abbey Road and Dinbren Road assuring that a robust traffic
plan would be in place controlled by professionals arranged by Cuffe and Taylor
and a strict curfew of 11pm would be enforced. People living nearby were given
an email address to contact if they had any problems and a “frequent questions”
section had also been incorporated in the Eisteddfod website.
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