Latest update from in and around the Eisteddfod ...

llanblogger brings you the first of its daily Eisteddfod updates from in town and around the field yesterday (Thursday) ...

* Five of the dance groups at the Eisteddfod took part in a preliminary round of the Dancing in the Street competition in Centenary Square during the afternoon, which was a big hit with people who turned up to watch. Pictures above: Kurly Mawaha

... and the winners were the Kurdish Folk Dance Group. Picture: Theo Smallthwaite.

* Arctic Voices from Norway performing a lunchtime concert at St Collen's Church. Picture: Kurly Mawaha

* Competitor Non Prys in a preliminary round the Young Voice of the Future held at Llangollen Town Hall. Pictures above and below: Kurly Mawaha

* Students helping out with the Eisteddfod find shelter from the sun in Castle Street.

* A Ukrainian choir perform on the Pavilion's main stage. Picture: Tom Cusworth.

Sir Terry Waite returns to praise Eisteddfod and speak of his new work

* John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen Eisteddfod (left) and 2026 President Sir Karl Jenkins (centre) welcome Sir Terry Waite to Llangollen.

Six years after he gave up its presidency Sir Terry Waite was back at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod on its 2026 opening day, speaking of its vital role in the world and of his continuing humanitarian work in many areas.

Sir Terry rose to international fame when he was held hostage for nearly five years after being captured in Beirut in 1987 while attempting to negotiate the release of other hostages and was ultimately freed in 1991.

Now in his late eighties, he has since devoted his energies to a number of humanitarian causes with the emphasis on bringing peace to a troubled world and its people.

He took on the role of president of the Llangollen Eisteddfod in 2006, became much loved and respected and eventually stepped down in 2020. But he has been a regular visitor to the festival ever since.

He was back once again this year to be greeted by a warm reception from trustees and volunteers and also Sir Karl Jenkins who has become the 2026 Eisteddfod president and was about to feature in the evening’s opening  concert, Uniting Nations: One World.

Sir Terry said: “It's great to be back again because the International Eisteddfod has got a very important role to play in the world by bringing people from different communities together.

“The Eisteddfod has had a very rough time, during Covid and beyond. But it has managed to get back on its feet and it has been absolutely vital that international music goes on.”

He added: “Over the years - and I saw it when I was president -  this festival has faced some very unusual challenges.

“One of them has been getting the people we want to come here from countries that are, some would say, beyond the pale politically, and getting visas for such people is exceptionally difficult and the team here struggle with that problem.

“I remember years ago we got hold of the chief officer in charge of visas in London. We invited him here to speak to us. He saw what was happening and understood the problem. But like all civil servants he was moved on.

“We’re now in an even more complex situation and some of our politicians - I can’t say who but certainly those in prominent people - have not necessarily helped matters at all.

“But I've often said that music has the capacity to breathe harmony into the soul and that's something that Llangollen certainly does.”

Since leaving the Eisteddfod presidency, Sir Terry has continued in his numerous other roles, including as co-founder and president of Hostage International and president of homeless charity Emmaus.

He said: “With Hostage International, one hour before coming here this afternoon I was talking to someone who has been held in arbitrary detention in Iraq for the last five years. I've been trying to help him and we've been giving support to his family. And that's just one of 100 cases that we have.

“Then with the homeless, there's also a lot of work to do. I'm still involved in this. We started off with the portable building and we now have 30 communities around England, Wales and Scotland.

“Then there’s the work I do with the children of war who are often left without parents and left without education. Sometimes they are also highly traumatised.

“When you see what's happening in places like Gaza and others, my goodness ,  so many children  will grow up with no parents, no home, no education, nothing and we have to try and do something about this.”

Tom Grennan makes young fan's dream come true

* Izzy Busby meets her idol Tom Grennan backstage at the Pavilion. PICTURES: CUFFE & TAYLOR

Eight-year-old Izzy Busby had her biggest dream come true when she got to meet her musical hero Tom Grennan, backstage at the TK Maxx presents Live At Llangollen Pavilion on Sunday - just days before undergoing life-changing surgery. 

Diagnosed with scoliosis shortly after her sixth birthday due to a heart condition Izzy, from Wrexham, has endured years of hospital appointments, X-rays, MRIs, sleep studies and daily pain while waiting for surgery at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

 

A huge Tom Grennan fan, Izzy had previously missed the chance to see him perform in Manchester after becoming too unwell to attend. So, when her family discovered he was playing closer to home in Llangollen they seized the opportunity – and thanks to Tom and his team, she was invited backstage for a special surprise.

 

Charlotte Busby, Izzy’s mum, said: "We were supposed to see Tom in Manchester last year, but Izzy was too poorly to go. As soon as we saw he was playing in Llangollen, we knew we had to get tickets.

* Izzy with her parents ready to meet Tom Grennan.

 

"Watching her meet her idol was just amazing. I was in floods of tears the whole time. Thank you to everyone who made this possible – it doesn't happen to people like us, and we're just so grateful.

 

"I've been playing Tom's music for years and Izzy’s become a huge fan herself. She's even made her own playlist for hospital that’s made up entirely of Tom's albums."

 

Speaking about Izzy's journey, Charlotte added: "Izzy was diagnosed with scoliosis shortly after her sixth birthday due to a heart condition. She undergoes so many tests, X-rays, MRIs and recently a sleep study before surgery. Every day she's in pain, but she still smiles through it all, knowing very soon she will be 'straight and fixed', in her own words. She remains my inspiration every single day."

 

Global Rhythms: Made in Wales strikes chord with Pavilion audience

* By the time headliner N’famady Kouyaté stepped onto the stage, the Pavilion was already buzzing.

There are some evenings at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod that perfectly capture the spirit of the festival. Global Rhythms: Made in Wales was undoubtedly one of them, bringing together outstanding Welsh talent, global influences and an atmosphere that transformed the Pavilion into one enormous celebration. 

The evening opened with Band Pres Llareggub, who describe themselves as a "Bronx hip hop-inspired, New Orleans-tinged North Walian brass band with attitude". It is a bold claim, but one they more than lived up to. 

Their infectious blend of driving brass, hip hop grooves and New Orleans flair had the audience moving from the opening number, while their outstanding musicianship was evident throughout a set that was both polished and exhilarating.

 

A few songs in, the band peeled off their trademark jackets to reveal matching "STRAIGHT OUTTA LLAREGGUB" T-shirts. It was a moment that perfectly summed up their irreverent sense of fun and drew a huge cheer from the audience, but the gimmick never overshadowed the quality of the performance. Every player impressed, delivering a tight, energetic set that combined technical excellence with infectious enthusiasm.

* The evening opened with Band Pres Llareggub.

 

They were joined by Sage Todz, whose distinctive flow and commanding stage presence added another exciting dimension to the performance. The collaboration between brass and hip hop felt fresh, inventive and completely natural, showcasing the confidence and creativity of Wales's contemporary music scene.

 

Earlier in the evening, the Young Choir of the World Final once again showcased the extraordinary standard of young singers from across the globe. Warm congratulations go to Côr Iau ABC, whose outstanding performances earned them the coveted Young Choir of the World title.

 

The trophy was presented by Dr Rhys Davies. Dr Davies and his wife have generously donated the prize money for the Young Choir of the World Awards in memory of their son, Owen Davies, adding a deeply personal and poignant note to one of the festival's most prestigious competitions. Their generosity continues to support and celebrate outstanding young choral talent from around the world.

 

By the time headliner N’famady Kouyaté stepped onto the stage, the Pavilion was already buzzing, but he took the atmosphere to another level. Opening with the title track from his latest EP, "Aros I Fi Yna", Kouyaté first strapped on an electric guitar, immediately demonstrating that he is far more than a virtuoso balafon player. Later in the set, he switched seamlessly to the balafon, the traditional West African wooden xylophone that lies at the heart of his musical heritage.

 

Originally from Guinea and now based in Cardiff, Kouyaté is a gifted multi-instrumentalist whose music draws on his family's griot tradition while embracing jazz, indie, pop and funk influences. His growing reputation has seen him emerge as one of Wales's brightest musical talents, winning the prestigious Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition before earning a coveted Pyramid Stage slot. It is easy to understand why. 

Throughout a set featuring "Nadjeli", "When I See You", "Ti a Fi", "Demousolini", "Balafô Douma" and "Tama", he demonstrated remarkable versatility, with the shimmering sound of the balafon intertwining effortlessly with guitars, percussion and soaring vocals.

 

There was a particularly poignant moment during "Balafô Douma", a song that celebrates the instrument that has shaped his musical journey since childhood. Taught to play the balafon by his parents, Kouyaté performed with the pride of someone carrying a cherished family tradition onto the international stage. It was a performance rooted in heritage, yet entirely contemporary in its sound and outlook.

 

What stood out most, however, was the sheer joy of the performance. Kouyaté's infectious smile and boundless energy radiated across the Pavilion, encouraging the audience to clap, dance and sing along. Before long, dozens of competitors from around the world had gathered in front of the stage, transforming the Pavilion into one huge party. It was impossible not to be swept along by the optimism that runs through his music, a reminder that the finest performances do more than entertain; they bring people together.

Global Rhythms: Made in Wales was more than a concert.

 

It was a celebration of a modern, confident Wales that embraces its own traditions while welcoming influences from around the world. From the swagger and precision of Band Pres Llareggub, to the lyrical brilliance of Sage Todz and the irresistible rhythms of N'famady Kouyaté, this was an evening that left the audience smiling long after the final notes had faded.

Eisteddfod second day update

With the 2026 festival now properly underway, llanblogger brings you the first of its daily Eisteddfod updates from in town and around the field ...

* Arioso, Seattle Children's Chorus from the USA sing in an Eisteddfod outreach performance at St Collen's Church. Pictures above and below: Kurly Mawaha 

* Palmdale High School Choral of the USA at St Collen's.

* Krittapak Pankrut sings in the Friends of the Eisteddfod tent on the field.

* Mambo Jambo take the Unity stage on the field.

* Colourful folk dancers Nachda Punjab Youth Club from India take to the Globe stage. Picture: Kurly Mawaha 

Ruthin children deliver powerful Peace Message at the Eisteddfod

* The Ysgol Pen Barras children deliver the Peace Message from the main Pavilion stage.

* The flags of many nations was a fitting international setting for the Peace Message.

Hundreds of youngsters from schools across North Wales and Cheshire packed into the Pavilion at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod to hear the traditional Peace Message delivered during the annual Children’s Day matinee. 

With roots that go back to the Urdd in 1922, long before it was aired at the Eisteddfod first in 1949, a fresh message is composed each year and acted out by children.

 

It always contains a powerful message aimed at uniting children from across the world and empowering them to call for a fairer world, equality and peace.

 

This year it was the turn of 50 pupils from Ysgol Pen Barras in Ruthin using not only the spoken word but also songs and poems, in both Welsh and English, reflecting the Eisteddfod’s strong emphasis on bilingualism.  

 

The 2026 message, which was to be delivered twice more, on the afternoon of children’s day and also on the Saturday of the Eisteddfod, aims to draw attention to the importance of minority languages, encouraging people from all over the world to play their part in protecting and keeping these languages alive.

 

The Pen Barras children, decked out in their smart light-blue tee-shirts with a rainbow and peace dove motif, first asked how many languages are spoken around the world.

 

And, after some suggestions in the hundreds and the thousands, they revealed that the total number is actually 7,000, which was confirmed by a Professor from their ranks in a luxuriant curly wig.

 

More seriously, they also told of how some of these languages are facing extinction before the end of the century due to globalisation, migration and climate change. 

 

During the course of the message there was a haunting Welsh poem before it ended with a powerful direct appeal to the audience, which said: “For world peace, we must respect and celebrate our differences. And the truth is, peace speaks every single language.”

 

Elen Roberts, who co-ordinates the Peace Message for the Eisteddfod’s music committee, said: “It is important that the message is delivered as it’s an integral part of the whole festival and really why the Eisteddfod exists. 

 

“It’s been in existence since 1922, since before the Eisteddfod started after the end of the Second World War at a time when all that everyone was striving for was peace.

 

“It’s also a nice thing to be doing, getting schools from different areas to deliver it. We don’t just pick on the schools local to Llangollen. Last year we had a school from Mold and this year’s message has been delivered by the school from Ruthin, who gave us a lovely interpretation of it.” 

 

Railway children relive history by travelling into Eisteddfod by train

* There was a party atmosphere on the railway platform as the children arrived.

* All smiles and waves as the Ysgol Corwen and Ysgol Carrog kids pull into the station. 

 

Over 50 children from two Dee Valley community schools relived a local tradition when they arrived by train for a sunny day out at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. 

Youngsters from the Corwen and Carrog areas traditionally came by train from their local stations to the Eisteddfod’s children’ day each year but Dr Beeching ended the fun when he axed the Ruabon  to Barmouth line in the early 1960s. 

 

But thanks to the route’s revival as a thriving heritage line the Eisteddfod was able to team up with Llangollen & Corwen Railway to bring the annual outing back to life in 2019. 

This year’s band of happy railway children, who travelled aboard a vintage diesel train, came from Ysgol Corwen and Ysgol Carrog. 

 

After boarding at Corwen Station they lapped up every mile of the trip to Llangollen where they arrived just after 9am, waving at the windows of the carriages. 

 

On the platform they were officially greeted by people from the Eisteddfod and the railway and there was time for pictures – and even a couple of songs from the children – before they were shepherded from the station to the Eisteddfod field for an action-packed day. 

 

The Eisteddfod’s Ian Lebbon, who organises these sentimental journeys, said: “We see them as extremely important to the people in the communities at the other end of the heritage line, where the railway is part of their everyday lives. 

 

“The railway, of course, is one of the three great highways of the valley, along with the River Dee and the A5 road. Many of these children will never have travelled by train before, especially one as magnificent as the heritage one they came on today. 

 

“It’s also good for them to be able to see and enjoy the Eisteddfod. Many of them will be coming to the festival for the first time and we hope they will become regular visitors.” 

Becky Mollison-white, assistant headteacher at Ysgol Carrog, said: “It was an amazing experience for the children from the two schools and they were all very excited about it. 

 

“Corwen and Carrog both have stations on the heritage line and the children were very happy about getting the opportunity to travel on it.” 

 

Helping to guide the children to the field was a group of young people from Ysgol Dinas Bran in Llangollen and Ysgol Morgan Llwyd in Wrexham who work at the Eisteddfod each year as Welcome Hosts, which Ian Lebbon says he sees as a wonderful opportunity to boost their future career prospects.