Paloma Faith fan Ken Skates looks forward to Eisteddfod

* From left, Eisteddfod Board Member David Hennigan with Ken Skates MS and festival Vice Chair John Gambles.

Local Senedd Member Ken Skates says he can't wait for this summer's Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod to begin.

Mr Skates, who represents Clwyd South and is the new Cabinet Minister for Transport and North Wales, is also a Vice-President of the festival.

He recently met up with Eisteddfod organisers for an update as they step up plans for the biggest Eisteddfod for generations.

This year, the festival has partnered with promoters Cuffe and Taylor to bring some of the world’s biggest artists to the town with Bryan Adams arriving in about 50 days' time.  

In June and July, the likes of Kaiser Chiefs, Jess Glynne, Nile Rodgers & Chic and Simple Minds are all heading to Llangollen.  

There are major concerts before and after the core Eisteddfod, which takes place from July 2-7 – with Sir Tom Jones making his Llangollen debut followed by concerts by Welsh folk heroes Calan, Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists Johns Boys Chorus, West End stars Kerry Ellis and John Owen-Jones, double GRAMMY award winning Gregory Porter, the internationally renowned Choir of the World and finishing with a Gala Concert from Katherine Jenkins.  

The Eisteddfod will also welcome more than 3,000 competitors from over 30 countries with the popular Parade of Nations, its Children’s Day, popular outdoor stages and much more. 

Ken Skates says he is a Paloma Faith fan and is also looking forward to seeing local choir John’s Boys Chorus.  

He said: “Everyone in Llangollen and North Wales is super excited about this year’s changes at the International Musical Eisteddfod. I can’t wait to attend. It is a fantastic occasion and this year is going to better than ever.” 

He added: “When it comes to who I am looking forward to most, I’ve been to see her before, so I’m going to say Paloma Faith because she is phenomenal. And coming from North Wales, how could I not also mention Johns Boys?”

Llangollen Eisteddfod Board Member David Hennigan said: “It was great to update Ken on our exciting plans for this summer.  

"He has been and remains a huge supporter of our peace festival. We were pleased to congratulate him on becoming Cabinet Minister for North Wales and Transport. 

"This year we are set to welcome tens of thousands of extra visitors to our wonderful town and we are pleased to enjoy continued support from the Senedd.  

"Every summer since 1947 something magical happens in Llangollen - we are a small town with a big voice and this year our festival will be even bigger and better.”