Railway and Eisteddfod partnership hailed a resounding success

*Llangollen Railway Station welcomed dozens of young people on Children's Day. 

Llangollen and Corwen Railway has hailed its partnership with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod as a resounding success after hundreds of performers and visitors travelled through the Dee Valley as part of the new World Voices on the Railway initiative.

Throughout Eisteddfod week, choirs, dance groups and musicians from around the world travelled on heritage trains between Llangollen and Corwen, recreating the tradition that saw international competitors arrive in the town by rail during the early years of the Eisteddfod. 

Stations at Llangollen and Corwen became stages in their own right, with impromptu performances delighting passengers and visitors welcoming the world's performers as they travelled through the valley.

The week began in memorable style with internationally acclaimed composer Sir Karl Jenkins and Lady Carol Jenkins travelling on the railway, before performers from Ukraine, India, Zimbabwe, Belgium, Indonesia, Norway, the Philippines, the United States and many more countries brought music, dance and friendship to the line.

* Dame Darcey Bussell taught the team at Llangollen Railway Station some steps.

Children's Day was another major highlight, with schools enjoying the unique partnership between the Railway and the Eisteddfod, meeting international performers and experiencing first-hand the spirit of international friendship that has defined the festival for generations.

Another unforgettable moment came when one of the world's most celebrated dancers, Dame Darcey Bussell, visited the railway. She met volunteers at Llangollen Station before travelling by steam to Berwyn Station, where she was welcomed by Station Master Peter Dickinson and his team. Dame Darcey described Berwyn as "…the most beautiful railway station in the United Kingdom."

The partnership reached an emotional conclusion on the final day of the Eisteddfod when the Llangollen and Corwen Railway sponsored the prestigious Male Voice Choir Competition. Corwen Station Master Wayne Ronneback and his wife Sue presented the trophy to the winning choir, Chantage from London.

The couple received spontaneous applause from the Pavilion when it was announced that, between them, they have given more than 60 years of voluntary service to the railway. 

Wayne serves as Station Master at Corwen, while Sue coordinates the rostering of the railway's team of more than 600 volunteers.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway Trust Manager David Hennigan, who is also a Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: "This partnership has exceeded every expectation. We have brought back the tradition of performers travelling to the Eisteddfod by train, creating something completely unique for visitors, schools and competitors alike.

* Kiny Cultura dancers from Indonesia travelled to Glyndyfrdwy to perform. 

"From Sir Karl Jenkins opening the week, to Dame Darcey Bussell's visit, Children's Day and the wonderful international performances, the Railway became an extension of the Eisteddfod itself. With next year marking the Eisteddfod's 80th anniversary, we're already looking forward to making World Voices on the Railway even bigger."

Corwen Station Master Wayne Ronneback said, "What a week it has been. It began with Sir Karl Jenkins giving me a few conducting tips and ended with Sue and me presenting one of the Eisteddfod's most prestigious trophies.

"It has been a privilege to welcome the world to Corwen, as well as Llangollen, and I'd like to thank the Eisteddfod organisers for embracing this partnership from the very beginning. We can't wait to welcome everyone back for the Eisteddfod's 80th anniversary next year."

Throughout the week, the Railway also maintained a busy presence on the Eisteddfod field, sharing a stand with Wrexham University and the Canal and River Trust, while international flags decorated Llangollen Station and Eisteddfod programmes were sold from the Railway Ticket Office and Shop.

Following the overwhelming success of the partnership, plans are already underway to develop World Voices on the Railway for 2027, when the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod celebrates its 80th anniversary. Both organisations are committed to building on this year's success and ensuring the tradition of welcoming the world to the Dee Valley by rail continues for generations to come.