Have your say on the county's new masterplan

A series of drop-in sessions have been arranged for people to comment on the county council’s approach to creating a new Local Development Plan.

The current Local Development Plan (LDP) provides local policy on development in the county and expires in December 2021 and there is a need to have a new adopted LDP in place by this date. 

Over the past 12 months detailed work has taken place on developing a range of growth options which set out how much land would be required for different types of development and where that development should broadly be located.

Councillors have agreed a draft Preferred Strategy for consultation. This recommends the provision of land for 3,775 homes and 68 hectares of employment land. It is also proposed to focus new development in settlements with access to services; including a Strategic Site at Bodelwyddan.

The consultation runs until the August 30, 2019. 

A series of drop-in sessions have been arranged for people to talk to officers including one on Wednesday, July  17 at Llangollen Town Hall Foyer, from 2-7pm

Councillor Mark Young, Cabinet Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Sustainable Communities, said: “Agreeing and adopting a Local Development Plan is a lengthy process and we have now agreed to consult on our broad approach. The public are now being given a chance to have their say. 

"The responses to this consultation will be reported back to Members and the final Preferred Strategy will need to be discussed by Council in the Autumn. This will allow the Council to progress to the next stage of the LDP process, which is around creating detailed policies, proposals and specific land use allocations. This more detailed work will also be subject to further public consultation."

* People can access the consultation via the council’s website:www.countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk

Corwen remembers its own eisteddfod

This year marks the one-hundred-year anniversary since the Peace Eisteddfod was held in Corwen in 1919.

It was a very special occasion being the first Eisteddfod following the Great War and particularly important for Corwen to be the town to host this special event.

To mark the occasion, the National Lottery funded Our Picturesque Landscape project has been working with local artists to support the community in a commemorative event.

The pupils of Ysgol Caer Drewyn have been learning about the traditions of the Eisteddfod and the actual events that took place in Corwen in 1919. 

Such as how the A5 road was closed for the Eisteddfod week, there were four platforms built at Corwen train station and how the harpist, Nansi Richards, overslept and arrived late in her night dress and a large overcoat to play her harp and had to stay dressed like that for the whole hot August day! 

They have also enjoyed using their imaginations to decide what happened to the 1919 Corwen National Eisteddfod Chair, the whereabouts of which is still a mystery to this day.

A commemorative community event is planned for Wednesday July 10 where a procession will be led up to the Gorsedd circle in Coed Pen y Pigyn, starting from Canolfan Ni at 1pm.

Everyone is welcome to join the procession and remember the 1919 Corwen National Eisteddfod together.

For the procession the children at Ysgol Caer Drewyn, and some of their parents, have been creating giant Druid puppets.

The children in key stage two have formed a percussion band to create a celebratory atmosphere for the procession and they have developed drama performances based on the actual happenings at the Eisteddfod in 1919, which will be performed in the Gorsedd at Pen Y Pigyn. 

The local community have also been involved. On Thursdays at Canolfan Ni the Vale of Clwyd MIND group and the lunch club together with the nursery school children have been using printing techniques to create banners and flags to decorate the procession. 

The event is also being filmed to share with people who cannot be there and for the future, to remind people in 100 years’ time how Corwen celebrated this important centenary.

Following the event in July, members of the community who have been involved in the project will be taking the Druid puppets to this year’s National Eisteddfod in Llanrwst to remind people of the anniversary of the 1919 National Peace Eisteddfod and encourage people to come and visit Corwen.

Sallyanne Hall, Community Engagement Officer for Our Picturesque Landscape “I am really looking forward to the procession, it has been wonderful to see people of all ages and backgrounds working together to remember and celebrate this important anniversary, the inter-generational activities in making the decorations and hearing the stories of people’s own memories of Eisteddfods from their childhoods has been particularly special.”

Richard Bellamy, Director of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Wales, said: “We are enthusiastic about giving young people the chance to learn about heritage. Thanks to National Lottery players our funding helps them to work with others in their community bringing fresh ideas and energy to the task.  The Corwen Eisteddfod Procession is an excellent example of how they can get involved, develop new skills and interests, connect with their communities and have fun.”

County statement on Coastline Coaches

Denbighshire County Council is aware of Coastline’s intention to stop running a number of bus services after their  last operation on Saturday, July 13^th.

Coastline will continue to operate its taxi service as normal.

The Council’s Passenger Transport service immediately went out to tender to find a temporary replacement bus service and can confirm that Lloyd’s Coaches of Machynlleth have been chosen to run the numbers X5 and 55 services (Ruthin-Corwen-Llangollen-Wrexham).

Details of the exact timetables will be announced shortly.

Meanwhile, discussions are on-going to find an alternative provider for the other bus services currently operated by Coastline in Denbighshire.  Details about these services will be confirmed in the coming few days on the Council’s social media accounts, its website: www.denbighshire.gov.ukand through the media.

Classic transport weekend draws the crowds

Llangollen Railway's Classic Transport event brought the crowds to Glyndyfrdwy at the weekend.

The field near the station provided a diverse array of transport including motorbikes, vintage cars, heritage buses, military vehicles and even two fire engines.

The visitors went on their way to Llangollen or Carrog by a frequent trains service or by heritage bus to Corwen.

George Jones has provided the pictures.

World champions chosen to end eisteddfod on high note

* John’s Boys Male Chorus are crowned Choir of the World. 

* Loughgiel Folk Dancers became Dance Champions of the World.

Following a week of intense competitions, the eisteddfod crowned John’s Boys Male Chorus Choir of the World and Loughgiel Folk Dancers Dance Champions of the World.

The whole pavilion erupted to rejoice with the Wrexham-based singers as they leapt to the stage to collect the Pavarotti Trophy - only the third time a Welsh choir has won the coveted title.

Aled Phillips from the choir, said: “After months of practice, we’re absolutely delighted to accept this prestigious award.  It was a truly unforgettable experience to be able to perform in such an iconic venue alongside world-class talent.

“We have absolutely loved our time in Llangollen, both performing on an International stage and having the chance to meet such inspirational individuals from across the globe. The atmosphere of the International Eisteddfod is indescribable. To be surrounded by peace, friendship and goodwill is an experience we will never forget.

“We are filled with pride and joy to be returning home with not one but two trophies!’

Following the presentations the concert concluded, as is traditional, with the Pavilion audience joining hands to sing Auld Lang Syne, bringing the 2019 eisteddfod to a close.

Speaking after the competition, his first as Music Director of the International Eisteddfod, Edward-Rhys Harry, said: “What a breathtaking competition and inspirational evening from our choral competitors. 

“After witnessing such world class performances that left our audience completely stunned, it was clear that the adjudicators really did have a tough decision on their hands in selecting the winners.

“It was incredibly emotional to see the result of months of hard work and preparation unfolding on the Royal Pavilion stage. "

St Collen's service closes 2019 eisteddfod

St Collen's Church hosted the annual service of celebration to close the eisteddfod this morning.

Conducted by the vicar, Fr Lee Taylor, it included a reading by president Terry Waite and songs from two American choirs, the Palmdale High School Chambers Singers from California (pictured) and Portland Phoenix Chamber Choir from Oregon.

Devoted duo notch up 73 years as eisteddfod volunteers

Devoted volunteers Leslie Potts and Bob Attenburrow have both celebrated 73 years of supporting the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Leslie, right, and Bob have been working behind the scenes at the festival since it began in 1947 with Leslie lending his support to the tickets team and Bob’s involvement being within staging, visuals and flowers for the festival.

All-action day on the square and the World Stage

* Nsoroma's lively lead drummer led the crowd 

in a chorus of If You're Happy and You Know It 

at the start of their performance in Centenary Square.

* Beating out that rhythm on their drums.  

* Lleisiau'r Afon ladies' choir sing on the World Stage.

* Cor Meibion y Machlud male voice choir perform on the World Stage.

* On the back row was rugby legend JPR Williams.

It was another full day of entertainment action up on the eisteddfod field and in Centenary Square.

A highlight of the programme on the square was a rousing performance by African drumming troupe Nsoroma Culture.

On the World Stage up on the field amongst the groups pleasing the crowds was ladies' choir Lleisiau'r Afon from the Carrog area.

They were followed on stage by Cor Meibion y Machlud, a male voice choir from Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan in whose ranks could be seen Welsh rugby legend JPR Williams. 

Gipsy Kings set the Pavilion alight

* Andrew Reyes and his Gipsy Kings ignited the Pavilion last night.

Grammy award-winning Gipsy Kings, featuring Andre Reyes, took the Royal International Pavilion stage by storm last night.

They wowed the capacity crowd with their infectious blend of hot rhythms and virtuoso guitar.

The audience put on their dancing shoes for vibrant rumba, flamenco and salsa sounds.

And it was the old Latin hands' biggest hits like Djobi Djoba, Bamboleo and Volare that brought them to their feet time and again, leaving them begging for more.

In one glorious moment a huge conga line threaded its way through the seats.

They opened the 90-minute show with an up-tempo rendition of A tu Vera before launching straight into Alegria.

Leader Andre Reyes barely drew breath during the proceedings and in his broken English kept telling everyone that he loved them.

And the audience loved them back, with interest.

Eisteddfod’s music director Edward-Rhys Harry said later: “The audience was completely blown away by Gipsy Kings and their phenomenal energy.

"Andre Reyes’s unparalleled vocals and mesmerising guitar playing ignited the crowd in the Royal Pavilion."

This weekend includes a performance-packed family fun day on Saturday celebrating community and togetherness through music and dance.

Sunday is Llanfest 2019 the festival’s finale party, with multiple stages hosting live bands throughout the afternoon and British rock bands The Fratellis and The Coral duo headlining on the main stage in the evening.

* For more information about the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and to buy
weekend tickets visit www.Llangollen.net

Nepalese group's amazing trip to Llangollen is remembered

* The Nepalese group is welcomed to the eisteddfod four years ago today. 
Todd Lockhead is in the centre rear of the picture wearing Nepalese costume.

The man who led a group of young Nepalese choristers on a visit to the eisteddfod back in 2015 despite their country being hit by a devastating earthquake has been back to thank some of those who made the trip possible.

New Zealander Todd Lochhead first saw the Rising Culture group perform when he was working as a teacher at the Rising English School where they were based in Bhaktapur, which is about 10 miles from the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu and around 100 miles from Mount Everest.

Four years ago he came up with a plan to bring them bring them the 5,000 miles to the UK to compete at Llangollen and a major fundraising campaign was launched.

The scheme suffered a huge setback when the region was shattered by two massive earthquakes within weeks which claimed thousands of lives and caused widespread destruction.

But, thanks to their sheer determination, a token contingent of five choir members - four boys aged 12 to their early twenties and a 12-year-old girl - were able to make their way to Llangollen in time to take centre stage on the festival’s penultimate day.

Exactly four years ago today, a reception committee including then-eisteddfod chairman Gethin Davies and musical director Eilir Owen Griffiths, along with scores of volunteers and visitors, waited at the main entrance to give a warm Welsh reception to the group at the end of their gruelling 28-hour journey to Llangollen.

Before they arrived at the gate they were serenaded by members of the Ar-Ol-Tri Male Voice Choir from Cardigan who gave them a rousing chorus of the hymn Calon Lan.

Later in the day the Nepalese, three of whom lost their homes in the first earthquake, had an equally rapturous reception when they took to the eisteddfod’s main stage to perform part of their centuries-old mask dance.

There was standing ovation from the audience which, according to eisteddfod chairman of the day Gethin Davies, was the first he had ever seen for a daytime performance.

The group repeated their dance during the evening performance featuring Choir of the World and Gareth Malone.

When they came off stage, the group were invited over to the Lions Club International stand on the field to receive a donation of £1,000 from Wrexham Lions Club which had been raising the money from a variety of events over the past four months.

This year Todd made a sentimental return trip to the eisteddfod where he called in at the stand of the Rotary organisation whose members had helped make the 2015 trip possible.

Rotarian Lizzie Clifford said: “We had a very emotional experience at Llangollen whilst volunteering on the Rotary stand.

“We met a man called Todd Lockhead who came to thank us for helping him to bring a choir from Nepal to the eisteddfod shortly after the terrible earthquake in 2015.

“There was meant to be 30 members of the group but only five members made it.

“He said Rotary had helped to fund their journey as they were left with nothing. He presented us with bags made by them including other gifts they had made.

“Todd told us he had spoken with the father of the choir members and had an update on their current situation.

“They are now thriving with one girl becoming a doctor and another opening a coffee shop.

“They said the hope and kindness they experienced at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod lifted them at a time when their lives were devastated. They will never forget this experience.

“So if ever there was a reason to keep going, working together to connect with others all around the world, this is it. It enriches the lives of everyone who experiences it.”

https://westminsterstone.com/llangollen-eisteddfod-2019/

Humanitarian receives Rotary International Peace Prize

* Humanitarian Subash Chellaiah receives the Rotary International Peace Award on the Pavilion stage.  

Lincoln-based humanitarian Subash Chellaiah has been internationally recognised at the eisteddfod for helping to establish peace between different faiths.

He was awarded the Rotary International Peace Award, which is sponsored by Westminster Stone, at the festival yesterday.

The award recognises Chellaiah’s two decades of humanitarian and interfaith relations community work which includes tsunami rehabilitation, community restoration in North East India, and the establishment of schools in rural India. 

His efforts have, in recent years, extended to Lincoln where he has developed the Multi-Faith Chaplaincy at the city's university.

The presentation of the prestigious award celebrates the fourth year of the partnership between the eisteddfod and Rotary International, one of the largest humanitarian organisations in the world. 

The award recognises individuals responsible for the furtherance of peace through their work.

Subash Chellaiah said of his award: “I feel honoured and extremely happy that what I stand for and want to achieve in the world has been recognised. I admire my parents for their sacrifice to offer me a good education, which has enabled me to pursue a PhD in Peace and Reconciliation.

“I feel the recognition of this award will help me in my ambition to impart my dream and aspirations for the world for unity, sustainable peace and stability.”

As peace initiatives take many different forms the judging panel took into consideration the public benefit of the project, the profile and longevity of the individual and the impact of their work. Chellaiah stood out from a strong line-up of worthy candidates.

Dr Waheed Arian, who won the inspirational Rotary Prize last year, joined the judges on the adjudicating panel which also included Richard Hazlehurst of Bradford Peace Centre and Rotary Peace Project founder Jean Best who was recognised as a peace honoree at the United Nations in 2018.

https://westminsterstone.com/llangollen-eisteddfod-2019/

Eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies said: “Following on from the inspiring work and astounding success of the last three year’s celebrations we’re delighted to recognise Subash Chellaiah’s hard work promoting peace here in the UK and across the world.

“The initial idea of creating the Rotary International Peace Prize was born at the Llangollen Eisteddfod five years ago and with the festival’s initiative of spreading peace, friendship and goodwill across all nations is more important than ever. It’s with great pride that we’re able to highlight peace advocates in this international celebration."

https://westminsterstone.com/llangollen-eisteddfod-2019/

Sun shines down on the big parade

Thousands stood in the hot sun to see the eisteddfod's traditional Parade of Nations, with contingents from across the globe, make its way through the centre of town this afternoon.

llanblogger was on hand to record the spectacular scenes.

* Town crier Chem Cheminais leads the parade.

* Deputy Mayor Cllr IssyRichards, Llangollen

 Vicar Fr Lee Taylor and Mayor Cllr Jon Haddy.

* Llangollen Silver band sets the pace.

* A vintage car with eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies and president Terry Waite aboard.

* A contingent from the USA.

... Africa.

... China.

... Indonesia.

* Indian dancers form a human pyramid.

 ... Lithuania.

* The Karambasamba Band set a hot pace in Bridge Street. 

* Crowds pack Castle Street waiting for the big parade.

Cor DAW to the fore in Centenary Square

Providing the afternoon entertainment in Centenary Square this afternoon was the lively Cor DAW choir of ladies who sang and danced their way through a selection of well-known numbers to delight a large crowd.

Gales uncorks a new daytime eatery

* The inside of the new Wine Shop in an old building on Bridge Street.

llanblogger review

A smart, new daytime eatery has just been uncorked in the heart of Llangollen by the oldest winebar in Wales.

Gales, which has been in business in the town for the past 40-odd years, has opened a new venture called the Wine Shop, located at 16 Bridge Street, which is open during the day until the main winebar takes over in the evening.

They’ve spent months doing up what was previously the first bit of their wine accessory shop adjacent to the winebar and fitted it out in the most modern style of decor, which contrasts perfectly with the the oak beamy and Victorian shop-windowy orginal building a good deal of which thankfully remains.

It’s now all white walls, narrow tables and sit-up benches within shallow alcoves done in toning greys and yellows, giving a pleasantly light and airy feel to the place.

There’s even a couple of Parisian-style bistro tables on the pavement outside.

And all this is perfect for the sort of middle-of-the-day food and drink they’re offering from a menu based on deli board items.

There’s also a pretty short but well-thought-out selection of wines on offer which benefits from the Gale family’s decades of fine wine familiarity.

You can pick ‘n’ mix your own from the quite extensive menu but my wife and I went for a sharing platter of six items, which is the optimum number they recommend to split between two people.

We opted for three tasty continental meats, including prosciutto, salami and chorizo, along with three cheeses - a couple of tangy blues and a runny brie. You’ll need bread, which was tomatoy and came with some nice mini-crackers on the side.

Not over-facing but perfectly adequate, I reckon.

I chose a nice big glass of fruity sauvingon blanc to accompany my lunch while my wife, with a pressing appointment later, ordered a small cafetiere of Gales’ good coffee.

The whole thing came in at a respectable £25.70 and that’s not bad for a nice treat on a busy and very sunny eisteddfod afternoon.

Entertainment in Centenary Square this afternoon

Seattle choir thrills care home residents

* The Colombian Children’s Choir of Seattle’s sing at Bryn Bella.

* Resident Mirrie Hodson joins in with the music.

A couple of hours after thrilling the audience at an international festival youngsters from two American award-winning choirs wowed a group of care home residents with a “spellbinding” performance. 

The junior and youth sections of the Colombian Children's Choirs from Seattle visited the Pendine Park Care Organisation in Wrexham as part of a reciprocal agreement with Llangollen's International Musical Eisteddfod

Among the events supported at Llangollen by the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT) this year were inter-generational dementia music workshops attended by 1,100 children, the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition, and the concert by renowned tenor Rolando Villazón, who was making his first UK appearance of the year.

PACT was set up by Pendine Park proprietors Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, proprietors of the Pendine Park which supports numerous arts and community-based activities across Wales.

It has now become a tradition for one of the choirs competing at Llangollen to visit the park, but this was the first time for a youth choir to do so.

 The Colombian Children's Choirs were established 35 years ago by Steve Stevens, who is still the artistic director as well as being involved with other choirs in Seattle.

 "I first came to Llangollen in 1979 and have been here about six times in total, four or five times with the Colombian Choirs," he said.

 "We always have a wonderful tour and I look forward to coming," he said.

 The choristers range in age from 11 to 18, and this year's party comprises 47 members.

 Though it was their first visit to Pendine Park the youngsters often perform in similar care homes in the Seattle area.

 "We do enjoy doing this kind of thing and it's nice knowing our singing is appreciated," said 15-year-old Camille Brennan, who has been singing for 10 years.

Addison Hollomon, 17, a chorister for four years, last visited North Wales four years ago, and was equally happy appearing before the relatively small audience of about 25 Pendine residents.

 "We do this quite a lot at home and the feedback is always good," she said.

The choir's tour co-ordinator, Lars Myren, 28, who will shortly take over as president of the choir's Board of Trustees, feels a particularly close link with the International Eisteddfod.

"I first came here 16 years ago when the youth choir came second, so I have very happy memories," he said.

Among the residents who appreciated the crystal-clear unaccompanied voices of the youngsters was 75-year-old Christine Jones, who has been at Pendine for 18 years.

"I loved it, and although I have heard lots of choirs I haven't heard anything as good as that before," she said.

"I enjoy singing, but only to myself," she added.

Tony Ithel, 61, who is originally from Ellesmere Port and has been at Pendine for a couple of years, has visited the International Eisteddfod in the past and found the Colombian choirs spellbinding.

"It was really lovely," he said.

Sarah Edwards, Pendine's artist-in-residence, said music played a part in the organisation's as it had been proved to be therapeutic as well as enjoyable.

"We have always got something musical going on including the 11-year project with the Halle Orchestra and Live Music Now, through which professional artistes come in to perform," she said.

“This is the first time for a youth choir to come from Llangollen and it was clear how much they were appreciated.

“The arts in general and music in particular provide the golden thread that runs through everything we do at Pendine Park to enrich the lives of residents and staff across the generations.”

Varied programme of entertainment on and off the field

* Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir at the St Collen's lunchtime concert.

* The Linkoping Male Voice Choir sing in St Collen's Church.

* Indonesian dancers go through their stylish routine in Centenary Square.

* The choir from Ysgol Maes Hyfryd Specialist School sing in the Ampitheatre. 

Throughout the week St Collen's Church has been hosting a series of lunchtime concerts featuring performers in town for the eisteddfod.

Yesterday there was a double-bill, with first the Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir singing - the first time they have performed in Wales after being formed 40 years ago by ex-pats of Welsh origin in the former British colony.

They were followed by the Linkoping University Male Voice Choir who showed off their broad repertoire from classical choral music to new works and what they describe as "high-spirited escapades".

The Hong Kong choristers left their Swedish counterparts with the perfect link by belting out their version of Abba's Take a Chance on Me.

The concerts continue today (Friday) with appearances by guitarist Achille Jones and the Coro Serpeddi choir from Sinnai in Italy (pictured below).

Out on Centenary Square yesterday there was another packed programme of free entertainment which included an Indian bhangra dance troupe and dancers from Indonesia.

Up on the field an attraction in the Ampitheatre just before lunchtime was a spirited performance by the choir from Ysgol Maes Hyfryd Specialist School in Flint.         

Eisteddfod shows off its colourful international appeal

* The Procession of Nations featured in last night's concert.

* Jamie Smith's Mabon take the main stage.

The Pavilion was alive with intoxicating melodies thanks to an energetic repertoire of Welsh folk music from Jamie Smith’s Mabon at last night's eisteddfod concert.

The band headlined the festival’s International Celebration evening which showcased a vibrant carnival of cultures. 

The Procession of Nations saw international performers weaving spectacularly through the audience, waving their national flags as they celebrated the eisteddfod’s key values of international unity and friendship.

Mabon dazzled with an outstanding original mix of upbeat folk which offered the audience a swirling blend of upbeat Celtic jigs and cheerful lyrics.

Before their performance Mabon hosted The Gathering, an impromptu festival dance event when their blending of distinctive Welsh melodies with a contemporary twist got the festival field dancing in a twmpath which is similar to a ceilidh.

* More information on this year’s festival and online ticket purchases can be found at www.llangollen.net or via the box office on 01978 862001.

Shaolin Monks dazzle on the field

* The Shaolin Monks in action at the eisteddfod. 

One of the most eye-catching performances yesterday at the eisteddfod came from The Southern Temple Shaolin Monks who travelled from China to perform.

They said they had been inspired to return to Llangollen following a visit last March thanks to the “peacefulness and beauty” of Wales and the “warmth of the people”. 

The performance group, whose members are a young as nine years old, train six hours a day, six days a week at the monastery in Putian.

The eisteddfod has welcomed 4,000 performers this week, with groups travelling from as far away as Ghana, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Ivory Coast. 

This afternoon's traditional parade will see thousands of performers dancing through the streets of Llangollen.

Panjabi group hit by string of bad luck dances on

* Despite their bad luck the Heritage Dance Academy

from the Panjab delighted crowds when they danced in Centenary Square.

A dance group from India hasn’t enjoyed the best of luck on its first visit to the Llangollen Eisteddfod.

An 18-strong party of the colourful troupe were due to fly from their home in the Panjab to compete in the traditional folk dance competition at the festival on Wednesday.

First setback for the Heritage Dance Academy came when they discovered that only 18 of them would be granted visas for the trip which meant that six of the group would have to stay at home.

The second blow came when a large bag containing all their traditional instruments went missing somewhere during the journey.

And that meant that they were unable to take part in competition C3 against other groups from Malaysia, India, Zimbabwe, Northern Ireland and Wales because backing tracks cannot be used in place of live music.

But, undaunted by their bad luck, yesterday (Thursday) afternoon the group, minus a third of its members, still went through their stylish paces to the delight of scores of onlookers in Llangollen’s Centenary Square.

Group leader Ranbir Singh said: “We just left it too late to get the visas from the Indian government so only 12 of us were able to leave for Wales.

“Then, somewhere on the trip, a large bag containing all our instruments went missing. These were traditional ones made of wood or iron and a drum made from goat skin.

“We had still hoped to compete at the eisteddfod but, quite understandably, they wouldn’t let us because the instruments are all part of what we do and we couldn’t use backing tracks.

“We still wanted to dance somewhere, so when we were asked to perform in the town square I searched the internet for suitable bhangra backing music to download. We then played that over the sound system and the dance went ahead.”

Ranbir, who is flying home with the group on Sunday, added: “This was our first time in Llangollen and we’ve had some bad luck. Things got even worse for me because on my own flight my bag went missing.

“But despite all that we’ve had a great time here and are really glad we came.

“We definitely intend to come back next year - and this time we’ll be applying in good time for our visas.”

Concert featured feast of Welsh music

* Shân Cothi and tenor Rhodri Prys Jones during the concert.

Llangollen Eisteddfod hosted a night of Welsh music starring soprano Shân Cothi and tenor Rhodri Prys Jones yesterday (Wednesday).

They were accompanied by the British Sinfonietta Orchestra which also performed with international classical sensation Rolando Villazón for Tuesday night’s classical gala.

The audience were treated to two rare musical opportunities as the Eisteddfod premièred performances at the Saints and Singers concert, which included the cantata ‘Saint Teilo’ by William Mathias CBE. This was accompanied by a masquerade dance performed by Llangollen-based New Dance Company.

This was the first time Shân Cothi and Rhodri Prys Jones performed together. Their voices offered the audience an emotive and enjoyable experience as they showcased their equally impressive vocal ranges.

The evening offered the perfect opportunity to perform The Land of Song to an international audience. A powerful massed choir made up of the London Welsh Chorale, Liverpool Welsh Choral, Palmdale High School Chamber Choir and Wrexham Music Cooperative also joined the Welsh vocalists.

In memory of the Welsh tenor Kenneth Bowen, who died last year, the eisteddfod hosted the world première of The Spring of Vision, composed by the festival’s music director and friend of Bowen, Dr Edward-Rhys Harry.

The Spring of Vision encapsulates the dream of Taliesin who, on questioning the state of humanity and our future is taken on a journey through wars, conflict and then finally arriving at the one act that defines humanity, the act of Christ on the cross.

Edward-Rhys Harry said: “Wednesday is the centre of the week-long festival and I wanted Welsh music to be at the heart of this year’s Eisteddfod.”

The audience were also treated to the crowning of the Pendine International Voice of the Future, which went to Erin Rossington from Abergele.

* Tickets for this year’s festival can still be purchased online at www.llangollen.net or via the box office on 01978 862001.

Eisteddfod entrance slashed to £1 tomorrow afternoon

The eisteddfod has just announced that the entrance to the ground will be reduced to a £1 after the Parade tomorrow afternoon.

A spokesperson said: "Ground for a £1 means people will be able to enjoy all the entertainment on the outside stages, food and craft stalls and soak up the atmosphere around the field."

Teenagers go on Peace Walk through town

* Teenagers from Plas Madoc celebrate the eisteddfod’s 

Youth Day with a Peace Walk through the town.

Following a series of workshops with secondary school students, Llangollen Eisteddfod organised a Peace Walk through the town centre to promote the festival’s core message of international peace yesterday (Wednesday). 

Showcasing banners made by the group of students, the walk was a demonstration of the Eisteddfod’s vision of peace among nations and giving a voice to the younger generation.