* Alfie Boe will headline at this year's Eisteddfod.
Superstar tenor Alfie
Boe says he "can't wait" to return to North Wales as he gets set
to headline Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod this summer.
The renowned English
singer and actor will open the event alongside Britain's Got Talent
semi-finalists Welsh of the West End at a glitzy evening concert on Tuesday,
July 4.
Alfie, who has appeared
at the cultural festival on several occasions, said fans will be treated to
"fantastic bloody music" with a hand-picked programme created just
for Llangollen.
Supported by Welsh of
the West End - which is made up of some of Wales' own home-grown talent - Alfie
said fans are in for a great night.
Speaking about his
return to the town, he said: "Performing in Llangollen is very exciting
because it's a real buzz.
"There's a great
musical atmosphere - everybody's there from around the world celebrating music
and culture and it's a wonderful thing to be a part of.
"The last few
times I've been, I've loved every minute.
"And when you get
to play the main stage and you have a day of your own, it's even better, I
can't wait."
Alfie, who has
collaborated with many choirs during his career said he's looking forward to
teaming up with Welsh of the West End - the musical theatre super-group
and Britain's Got Talent semi-finalists.
Commenting on what fans
can expect, Alfie said: "Fantastic bloody music - a good concert,
lots of fun and laughter.
"My aim is to
deliver a good show with lots of different music.
"It's always nice
to try new songs out with a festival crowd."
Alfie, who is gearing
up for his UK tour this September, said he has lots in the pipeline for
his loyal fans including a book and a new album.
"I just want to
keep coming up with ideas, keep working and doing the best I can. I'm trying my
hand at some original songs too so I'll be drip-feeding them to the
public."
Welsh of the West End
star Steffan Hughes from Llangwyfan near Denbigh, who has been a Youth Ambassador for
Llangollen Eisteddfod and also presented the S4C coverage of the festival in
2019, said appearing at the festival with Alfie is a real "full circle
moment" having competed in the event for many years growing up.
He said: "The Llangollen International Eisteddfod holds a
dear place in my heart. A truly unique festival, that I had the privilege of
representing as a youth ambassador in my teens.
"I
spent many years competing on that wonderful stage and enjoyed the most varied
and high-quality concerts there too. I’m so excited to be bringing Welsh
of the West End to Llangollen.
"We
represented Wales on an international stage through our appearance on Britain’s
Got Talent, but there’s truly no place like home - and as a Denbighshire boy
myself, I’m thrilled to be singing on home turf. We'll be performing some of
our favourite songs from the world of musical theatre and film."
Steffan added: "Sharing the stage with the wonderful Alfie
Boe is the icing on the cake. We were a guest act on his UK tour with Michael
Ball last year, so we're very excited to be reuniting with him once more."
Fellow members, Jade Davies from Denbigh, sister of Love Island
winner Amber Davies, and Mared Wiliams from Llannefydd, who
alongside Steffan, all went to Ysgol Glan Clwyd in St Asaph said they are
also excited for the event.
Jade, who has performed
in shows such as Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera said: "It's a dream come true to share the stage with Alfie
Boe - someone who I really admire. It'll be a joy to perform on that iconic
Llangollen stage."
Mared, who is a previous
winner of the Musical Theatre International Voice of the Future at Llangollen
said: "I'm thrilled to be singing at
the Llangollen International Eisteddfod again. Having grown up
competing and visiting the Eisteddfod, it's a lovely feeling to be coming back
to perform with professional musical theatre experience behind me."
The Eisteddfod will be
back for its 76th year this summer - the first full length festival to be held
since before the coronavirus pandemic.
And this year, the
Parade of Nations will be back for the first time since 2019.
Llangollen Eisteddfod
executive producer Camilla King said: "There was a lot of excitement last
year when we came back for the first time since 2019 but people then were still
cautious about covid and travel, whereas this year, everyone's ready to be back
out there celebrating.
"People can expect
to see a lot of the things that the festival has developed a reputation for -
fantastic world renowned artists, competitions which showcase performers from
around the world, exciting live finals like Choir of the World, Dance Champions
and Voice of the Future - where you'll see some of the top choirs, dance groups
and operatic soloists.
"There'll also be
spectacular international concerts which bring lots of different performers
together including The White Flower which sees massed forces of Welsh, Bosnian
and Ukrainian performers. We’re also delighted that the 2022 Pendine
International Voice of the Future winner, Emyr Lloyd Jones, will be joining us
on stage as a soloist for this concert.
On the Eisteddfod
line-up will be well known jazz performer and conductor, Guy Barker with his
Big Band on Friday 7 July, collaborating with top soloists such as Tommy
Blaize, lead singer on Strictly Come Dancing, and soul and jazz musicians,
Clare Teal, Giacomo Smith and Vanessa Haynes performing a one-off set.
"It's going to be
a real summer's evening party - if you're into jazz and you like that punchy
big band Sinatra sound, this is the night out for you," Camilla said.
Commenting about Alfie
Boe's return to Llangollen, Camilla added: "It's a few years since Alfie
has been to the Eisteddfod but he's a real favourite with our audience.
"It's also a
brilliant showcase for Welsh of the West End - really talented young Welsh
musical theatre stars.”
Llangollen
International Musical Eisteddfod runs between July 4 and 9, and features a
combination of competition and performance with choirs competing for the
coveted Choir of the World title and the Pavarotti Trophy.
Each year around 4,000
participants take to the stage with around 25,000 visitors attending.
There will also be lots
of entertainment on the outside site including workshops, talks, international
showcases, outdoor theatre performances and circus skills.
The Eisteddfod will
also crown the 2023 dance champions with the Lucille Armstrong Trophy, in
addition to the Pendine International Voice of the Future event.
Tickets are available
online at www.llangollen.net or on 01978 862001.
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