Stars from six continents heading for Llangollen

* The eisteddfod will once again have a truly international flavour.

Thousands of performers from 28 countries across six continents will descend on Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod from July 3-8.

The eisteddfod’s team has curated a final line up of 84 vibrant, varied and talented international acts from hundreds of applicants who have been invited to perform in competitions at this year’s festival or appear in non-competitive showcases.

Music director Vicky Yannoula said: “It truly was a momentous task. The calibre of applicants was extremely high and the international prestige of performing at the International Eisteddfod meant that we were, as ever, inundated with applications from dance and choral groups of an exceptional standard.

“Visitors to this year’s festival will be treated to everything from traditional Indian and Greek dancing, to vocal performances from six different continents.”

Amongst those appearing are:

KorRey - Iceland

Originally a traditional church choir, Kor Reyðarfjörður (KorRey for short) from East Iceland has expanded into a community choir of 21 singers, aged from 24 to 70. The choir has also performed with the Manchester Community Choir, who encouraged them to apply to perform at the International Eisteddfod this year.

Manchester Community Choir - England

Returning to the International Eisteddfod for a third non-competitive visit, the 110-strong Manchester Community Choir - who have been performing together for almost 20 years - will treat festival visitors to a range of a cappella world music. They even hope to enjoy a joint performance with their friends in Icelandic Choir, KorRey.

Stellensbosch University Choir - South Africa 

A formidable choir from Stellenbosch in South Africa, this university ensemble comprises 115 singers aged between 18 and 24. Established in 1936, the choir is the oldest in South Africa and will be performing a cappella, but with an African flavour.

Aroha Junior Choir - India

The first ever Indian choral group set to come to the International Eisteddfod, Aroha Junior Choir are from Shillong, North East India and have been performing together for two years. An eclectic singing group, they offer something for everyone, performing Gospel music, R ‘n’ B, Classical and Folk music. 

Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir - North Wales 

Based a short distance from Llangollen, the Fron Male Voice Choir was formed in 1947 specifically to compete at the very first International Eisteddfod. The choir’s 72 choristers come from all walks of life and include policemen, undertakers, teachers, cooks, bankers, accountants, bakers, construction workers and retirees. Two of the Fron’s founding members are also still singing in the choir today.

Reine Mannersache Zellhausen - Germany 

The Reine Mannersache Zellhausen is made up of 30 active singers aged between 19 and 84 years old and was formed from two choirs that were rivals for more than one hundred years. Formed in 2014 the choir has 15 singers from each choir and performs mainly a cappella pieces spanning epoch and genre. 

British Columbia Girls’ Choir - Canada 

Appearing at the Llangollen Eisteddfod for the first time this summer, the choir features 40 singers aged 13 to 18 who perform in a wide range of languages and also champion Canadian music. Epitomising the diversity and multiculturalism that the International Eisteddfod is famous for, the families of the BC Girls’ Choir came to Canada from all over the world within one or two generations, representing 30 countries from Brazil to Bosnia, Croatia to Kenya, Sweden to South Africa and China to Costa Rica. There are even families hailing from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Within the group.

Kyklos Hellenic Performing and Literary Arts Group - Canada

A Greek Folk dance group from Canada, Kyklos is committed to preserving and promoting the Hellenic performing arts and has been active since 1983. The group presents authentic dances from throughout Greece and Cyprus, often singing with live music to accompany its performances.

Hallmark of Harmony - England

A Barbershop singing group from Sheffield, Hallmark of Harmony is celebrating its 40th anniversary and fourth visit to the International Eisteddfod. Its 70 members range in age from 18 to 80 years old.

Gimnazija Kranj Girls’ Choir - Slovenia 

A high school choir from Slovenia, a quarter of the Gimnazija Kranj Girls’ Choir changes each year, with most singers spending four years with the choir. The best singers then go on to join the renowned female chamber choir, Carmen Manet, which was named Eurovision Choir of the Year in 2017.

Mother Touch Dance Group - Zimbabwe 

Formed as an extra-curricular school activity, Mother Touch Dance Group have delighted International Eisteddfod visitors with previous appearances. The group has members aged between six and 16 years old and they perform captivating traditional songs and dances and play the African marimba.

Phoenix Girls’ Chorus, Cantabile - USA 

Performing classical style and American folk, as well as spiritual and gospel style pieces, this is the choir’s first visit to the International Eisteddfod.  Their last European tour began in New York City at Carnegie Hall debut and travelled to Spain where we performed at the Abbey of Monserrat and La Sagrada Familia. The choir’s Artistic Director, Danya Tiller, also sings professionally with the Grammy-Award winning Phoenix Chorale.

Tring Park 16 - England

Comprising 16 pupils aged 16 to 18 from Tring in Hertfordshire, the group performs a capella with a contemporary classical repertoire. None of the choristers specialise in classical singing, instead they come from an acting, commercial music or musical theatre background. The choir also boasts some extremely diverse hobbies outside of singing, including a ju-jitsu fighter, a scuba diver, two saxophonists, a ukulele player and one gymnast.

Sapat Dance Group - Kyrgyz Republic 

A mixed troupe of children and adults, the Sapat Dance Group have been performing traditional dance together for almost 10 years, visiting the International Eisteddfod twice in that time. They seek to represent the unique culture of the Kyrgyz Republic while also learning about the culture and traditions of the different people and helping to unite the world.

21 Strings Guzheng Ensemble - China 

Hailing from Dongguan City in China this instrumental group all play the Guzheng - a traditional Chinese plucked string instrument, also known as a Chinese zither, which has a 2,500-year history. The ensemble, which has been established for five years, performs Chinese Folk music.

As well as a series of evening concerts featuring Alfie Boe, Van Morrison and Kaiser Chiefs, The Hoosiers and Toploader, there will also be live performances from competitors, emerging bands, musicians and street performers from across the globe, as well as activities to entertain the children and food, drink and local craft stalls.

* For more information or to book tickets visit www.llangollen.net or contact the box office. For regular news and updates about the Festival follow us on Twitter @llangollen_Eist or like the Facebook page Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Message from Walking Festival organisers

If you joined us last weekend in Llangollen - A HUGE THANK YOU for coming, we really enjoy sharing our beautiful part of North Wales with you.

We'd like to say the weather is alway so wonderful but... however, the views and walks are always brilliant!

We already have some great new walks and talks planned for 2019 PLUS - a lovely NEW start Café, more news to follow.

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Regards Mike Smart - Organiser

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AM questions North Wales transport connectivity

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has called for the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates AM, to work with the North Wales Growth Board in relation to transport connectivity with the rail network.

Mr Isherwood (pictured) made the plea when speaking in the Assembly Chamber following the Cabinet Secretary’s Statement on ‘Ambitions for Great Western and North Wales Main Lines’.

He said: “I endorse your Statement fully that if the UK Government makes the right choices on the Crewe hub, et cetera, then HS2 will have a significant economic benefit for North Wales. But, my question, given your reference in your statement to working with Growth Track 360 (*), which of course I also fully support, is why you've made no reference to the North Wales Growth Board, established to finalize the Growth Deal and manage its delivery once it's agreed with the two Governments? So, what work, in the context of transport connectivity with the rail network, are you undertaking directly with the Growth Board?”

The Cabinet Secretary had earlier claimed that the UK Government had “underinvested in our railway infrastructure to the tune of it being only 1 per cent of investment across the UK in the latest control period, in spite of the fact we've got 10 to 11 per cent of track miles”.

Responding to this Mr Isherwood added: “You referred to the 1 per cent expenditure. The Office of Rail and Road Annual Report on UK Rail Industry Financial Information, published last year, found that Wales actually receives 9.6 per cent of net UK Government funding for franchised train operations and Network Rail, and 6.4 per cent of total net UK Government funding for Network Rail routes, as submitted in evidence to the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee after we highlighted similar concerns.”

Search for eisteddfod star attracts record entries

* Voice of the Future 2017 winner Sian Dicker is presented with the Pendine Trophy by Mario Kreft.

A global search to find a new international singing star has attracted a record number of entries.

The prestigious Pendine International Voice of the Future competition will be one of the highlights of the week-long Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod which gets underway on Tuesday, July 3.

The aim of the annual competition which started in 2013 is to advance the careers of the world’s most gifted young singers.

Each year the beautiful town of Llangollen in the Dee Valley, North Wales, welcomes talented International Voice of the Future entrants for the first two days of the festival, as competitors battle for the coveted Pendine Trophy through the preliminary rounds and the grand final on Wednesday, July 4.

For the second year running arts-loving care organisation Pendine Park, a long-standing supporter of the festival, are contributing £5,000 to the prize fund via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust which was established to support cultural and community initiatives.

The rest of the £10,000 prize pot is being donated by the Sir Bryn Terfel Foundation and Llangollen Eisteddfod.

The aim of the competition is to showcase and nurture young talent by raising their profile and giving their budding careers a financial boost.

Winners are also given the opportunity to perform in future Eisteddfod concerts with established international stars. 

Previous winners include Meinir Wyn Roberts, who was a special guest at last year’s 70^th anniversary opening concert, Elsa Roux Chamoux and Eirlys Myfanwy Davies, who performed with Sir Bryn Terfel and the world-renowned Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja at the festival in 2016.

The Pendine International Voice of the Future competition is open to singers over 19 and under the age of 28, with entries closing in early March annually.

The competition, now in its fifth year, has attracted a record number of 43 entries as its popularity continues to grow.

Pendine Park proprietor Mario Kreft MBE said: “We established the Pendine Arts and Community Trust to enhance our ongoing support to more than 20 arts organisations and a host of good causes in the community.

“We’re therefore proud to be working with the Sir Bryn Terfel Foundation to support such an exceptional competition which provides a catalyst for talented young individuals to reach new heights by launching their singing careers on a global stage.

“Music and the arts provide the golden thread that runs through everything we do at Pendine Park to enrich the lives of our residents and staff alike, so we’re delighted to be helping out by creating opportunities for gifted young singers by providing an international platform for their talent.”

Music Director at the International Eisteddfod, Vicky Yannoula, commented: “In my debut year as Music Director, I’m relishing the chance to discover the brightest young talent in association with Pendine Park and of course Sir Bryn Terfel’s Foundation.

“I’m looking forward to sharing the stage - as I join forces with the distinguished pianist, Peter Jablonski - to perform alongside our remarkable finalists in our Classical Collection evening concert on Wednesday 4th July. 

“From its introduction in 2013, the calibre of competition and prestige has continued to grow. We cannot wait to experience the extraordinary level of excellence this year’s participants are sure to offer.” 

Chief Constable leaves force for health board

North Wales’ most senior police officer, Chief Constable Mark Polin, has today announced that he is to retire in July.

Chief Constable Polin (pictured) has been a police officer for more than three decades, including nearly nine years as Chief Constable of North Wales Police.

He will leave his post in effect from late July to take up the role of Chairman of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board at the start of September.

He said: “I feel very fortunate to have led North Wales Police for close on nine years and I can honestly say I have enjoyed every day. It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside such professional, committed and skilled members of staff.

"Their resilience and understanding has been truly tremendous given the challenges we have tackled, not least in terms of pretty much continual change in the face of austerity and new demands and rising public expectations.

“We have been very successful together and in conjunction with our partners. Our performance has remained strong and indeed improved in key areas; we have never been found wanting in terms of critical and major incidents; we have invested in IT, estate and other infrastructure; continued to recruit high quality people and we have managed our finances and assets well – to name but a few things.”

Mr Polin started his career with the City of London Police where he worked up to the rank of Chief Inspector. In 1998 he transferred to Gwent Police as the Superintendent in charge of various central operational functions, including the Force Control Room and the firearms, public order and traffic units.

In December 1999, he was appointed as Chief Superintendent and Divisional Commander of Caerphilly Division, and in 2002 assumed responsibility for the Professional and Ethical Standards Department.

Before moving to North Wales as Chief Constable Mark was Deputy Chief Constable of Gloucestershire Constabulary.

In 2010 Mark received the Queen's Police Medal (QPM Award).

Mark said: “I have been assisted by a strong but appropriate relationship with the Police & Crime Commissioner and his office, who have supported the Force well. My life has also been made somewhat easier by a cohesive and high performing management team.

"I say to all our new recruits that families and friends play a crucial role in supporting us to do our jobs to the best of our ability and I know I could not have performed the role I have without my wife Karen and our two children Amy and James to whom I am indebted. I will miss hugely all the officers, staff and volunteers I have had the honour of leading for the last nine years.”

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones said: “I would like to thanks Chief Constable Mark Polin for his excellent leadership at a time when the Force has had to absorb substantial financial cutbacks whilst adapting to deal with new and emerging crimes.

“Mark has been a credit to North Wales Police and is held in the highest regard not just by his colleagues, but across the range of partners that the Force works with and the communities that it serves.

“He has made a significant impact on the area and through his leadership the force is now in a much better position to meet the challenging demands of modern policing which in turn ensures that North Wales remains a safe place to live, work and visit.

“I sincerely thank him and to wish him well for the future.

“We have now started the process of appointing a new Chief Constable. They are big shoes to fill but I am confident we will choose a worthy successor to carry on his good work.”

Deputy Chief Constable Gareth Pritchard will be the Acting Chief Constable until a new Chief is appointed.

He will be supported by Assistant Chief Constable Richard Debicki who will become the Acting Deputy Chief Constable and Chief Superintendent Neill Anderson who will become the Acting Assistant Chief Constable.

Appeal follows A494 accident

Update in relation to the road traffic collision on the A494 at Bala

Police have confirmed that the motorcyclist involved in the road traffic collision on the A494 at Bala yesterday (Monday) afternoon has died.

The family of the 57-year-old man, from the Wrexham area, have been informed, but no further details are said to be available at present.

The collision, involving the motorcycle and a car, happened at 3.09pm.

Sgt Nicola Grimes-Williams said: “We are keen to hear form anyone who may have seen the motorcyclist riding along the road prior to the collision this afternoon and we are appealing to any drivers who may have dashcam footage to come forward.”

* Anyone with any information is urged to call the Roads Policing Unit on 101 quoting reference W059333. Alternatively contact the Control Room via the new live web chat on http://www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/chat-support.aspx.