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One World brings a message of hope to Llangollen

* Sir Karl Jenkins One World was the perfect way to start the Llangollen International Eisteddfod 2026. 

There are concerts that entertain, there are concerts that inspire, and then there are concerts that become moments in history. 

Sir Karl Jenkins' long-awaited Uniting Nations: One World opening concert at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod was undoubtedly the latter.

 

Following the heartbreaking postponement of last year's performance, there was an unmistakable sense of anticipation inside a busy Pavilion as audiences finally witnessed the concert they had waited more than a year to experience. 

Thanks to the generous support of Arts Council of Wales and the James Pantyfedwen Foundation, that wait proved more than worthwhile.

 

The evening began with the world premiere of Greeting the Dawn, a newly-commissioned bilingual work by emerging Welsh composer Sam Buttler. 

Warmly received by the audience, the stirring new composition earned Sam rapturous applause and marked a fitting opening to another Eisteddfod celebrating new musical talent.

 

Following the premiere, Artistic Director Dave Danford formally declared the 2026 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod open, welcoming audiences from near and far to a festival built on music, peace and international friendship.

 

The opening half also featured a moving performance of Peace Child: The Musical, conducted by Anthony Gabriele. Placing young people at the heart of a story about peace, understanding and hope, the production was brought vividly to life by an outstanding cast, including Shea Ferron, a member of Johns' Boys, a long-standing Eisteddfod volunteer and one of the festival's own - whose performance was warmly received by the audience.

 

Following the interval, Sir Karl Jenkins, this year's President of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, stepped onto the podium to conduct One World. 

Greeted with warm and heartfelt applause, he led an international massed chorus comprising WorldChoir and NEW Voices, accompanied by the Llangollen International Orchestra, in a performance that was both musically thrilling and deeply moving.

 

At its heart, One World explores conflict, climate change, political division, truth, human rights and ultimately hope, taking the audience on a remarkable emotional journey from darkness to light.

 

The outstanding soloists brought Jenkins' powerful score vividly to life. Soprano Shimona Rose and mezzo-soprano Eirlys Myfanwy Davies delivered performances of exceptional beauty and sensitivity, while baritone Njabulo Madlala sang with warmth, authority and conviction.

Celebrated session player and multi-instrumentalist Zands Duggan, who frequently performs and records alongside Sir Karl Jenkins, was outstanding on percussion, providing colour, drama and energy throughout the performance.

 

From the dramatic opening depiction of creation in In the Beginning to the rhythmic drive of Let's Go! the multilingual optimism of Unus Mundus, the haunting beauty of Ad Pacem and the deeply reflective Tikkun Olam, Sir Karl's music demonstrated why he remains one of the world's most celebrated living composers.

 

The final movements offered a powerful sense of optimism. Sakura - Spring Has Come symbolised renewal before The Golden Age Begins Anew brought the work to a triumphant conclusion, leaving audiences with an enduring message that peace, equality and hope remain ideals worth striving for.

 

However, one of the evening's most unforgettable moments came at the close of the concert.

 

Following an extended standing ovation, the audience was treated to a moving encore of Benedictus, the hauntingly beautiful penultimate movement from Sir Karl Jenkins' much-loved anti-war masterpiece, The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace. 

Its soaring opening melody filled the Pavilion, played by the outstanding Cellist Beatrice Newman, and the audience responded with prolonged, rapturous applause, bringing an emotional and fitting conclusion to an unforgettable opening night.

 

For many in the audience, the evening was about much more than music. It was a celebration of resilience following last year's postponement, a tribute to everyone who worked tirelessly to bring the concert back, and a reminder of the founding ideals of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod - that music has the power to unite people across cultures, nations and generations. 

The festival also expressed its sincere gratitude to Arts Council of Wales and the James Pantyfedwen Foundation, whose generous support made the return of this landmark concert possible.

 

As Sir Karl Jenkins begins his year as President of the Eisteddfod, Uniting Nations: One World will surely be remembered as one of the defining opening concerts in the festival's history. 

In a world too often divided, Llangollen once again demonstrated that music remains one of humanity's most powerful languages of peace, hope and international friendship.

 

The Eisteddfod continues throughout the week with a packed programme of competitions, concerts and cultural celebrations.

Highlights include Global Rhythms: Made in Wales, the Orchestral Qawwali Project, Emeli Sandé with the Absolute Orchestra, An Evening with Michael Ball, the colourful Parade of Nations, and the prestigious Choir of the World competition, alongside hundreds of performances from visiting groups representing countries from across the globe.

 

* For the full programme, latest results and tickets, visit llangollen.net.

* Anthony Gabriele, known as The Maestro, conducted the first half of the concert including the world premiere of Greeting the Dawn.

* The audience at the Eisteddfod were in raptures on its opening night.

Well-known local figures speak for and against new National Park to BBC

* Town crier Chem is interviewed by the BBC on the station in April.

Three well-known Llangollen figures have had their say about plans for the proposed new Glyndwr National Park which would include this area.

Back in April David Hennigan, trust manager of Llangollen & Corwen Railway and also a director of the Eisteddfod, Austin 'Chem' Cheminais, the town crier, and Phil Robinson, who runs llanblogger, were all interviewed about the controversial proposal in a special BBC Wales programme aired yesterday (Monday).

In it former BBC Radio Wales Country Focus presenter Mel Doel OBE delved deeper into the communities who may find themselves near or inside the planned fourth Welsh National Park, gathering voices that reveal both affection for the landscape and unease about what designation might bring.

In Llangollen she spoke first to David Hennigan during another busy day on the railway.

He said he was for the new park on the basis that it would attract new opportunities and tourists, adding that the railway was ready to embrace these opportunities.

"It would bring the infrastructure together and we are thoroughly for it," he stressed.

* Producer Mel Dole speaks to Phil Robinson on the station platform.

Taking the opposing view was Phil Robinson who said that most of the local authorities within the area of the park had already rejected the proposal, including Llangollen Town Council, of which he is a member and where had spoken against when it came up for discussion.

On a sunny day when the town was packed with visitors, he said: "On a day like today the traffic system is overwhelmed as are the public toilets. We can't cope already.

"There are advantages in terms of preserving and enhancing the environment and the landscape but these are greatly outweighed by the disadvantages of so many more tourists coming to a town which is already thronging."

* David Henningan welcomes the BBC crew to Llangollen.

Town crier Chem admitted he had mixed feelings about the plan, explaining: "I understand the arguments against it because on a day like today there is a continuous line of traffic looking for parking.

"But on balance I am in favour  in terms of the resources it might bring to help us manage. I think if money comes with the National Park it must stay in Llangollen and the surrounding area.

"We are already in a Site of Scientific Interest, we have a World Heritage site and we are also an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so it would help us manage all these things."

The producer later boarded a train from Llangollen bound for Corwen where she spoke to more people both for and against the park.

* To listen to the programme, go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002yhqt    

Honda keeps things simple with e:HEV's switchgear

Honda Civic e:HEV drive by Steve Rogers

We all like the simple things in life. A day out at the seaside, wide parking spaces in supermarket car parks… and cars that still have switches!

Trust me these cars are few and far between as the Chinese way of modelling a huge touchscreen on smartphone technology seems to be consuming the car industry.

And then there is Honda (along with a few others) which is bang up to date with technology but prefers to keep it simple with a scattering of switches along the Civic's dashboard. Here is a car you can jump into and drive away without staring at a screen trying to figure out how to demist the windscreen or tune to a favourite radio station.

Civic is in its 11th generation, or 54 years old, and has had a few cosmetic tweaks to tidy things up although it will take a sharp eye to pick them out. Anyway I will tell you. The fog lights are gone to improve aero efficiency, Honda says new LED headlight technology provides ample cover, and the front grilles have a fresh design.

The big change to Civic is just one engine option, a 2-litre self-charging hybrid that just happens to be one of the most refined on the market delivering impressive fuel economy and sharp performance through a combination of petrol engine and electric motors.

Let’s dig a little deeper into the Civic’s economy credentials. Officially the average is 56mpg but I was beating that all the time and on one lazy Sunday afternoon trip topped 70mpg over 50 odd miles. My week’s average was 60.4mpg and this from a car that doesn't need eight seconds to hit 60mph.

The bad news is the peerless Type R version has been dropped but that is not to say you can’t have a bit of fun in this Civic. Honda has tuned the suspension and steering to offer a balance between comfort and agility. It hangs on beautifully through corners with precise steering and good body control and is a cracking car for the spirited driver but will keep granny comfortable under calmer conditions.

Let’s get back to the interior. First up it is spacious for a hatchback this size with ample legroom front and back. The dipping coupe roofline means headroom is a tad tight for lanky passengers but even that is a bit nit-picking.

The boot is equally impressive, not the biggest in its class, a few litres behind the Peugeot 308, while no one can match the Skoda Octavia, but plenty big enough for a family’s holiday luggage. Drop the seats and there is an expansive flat loading area.

My wife picked up on the pair of full grip handles to pull down the tailgate, the usual cut out method is not practical for heavy tailgates and can break a nail apparently. Another casualty of the low slung body style is Honda’s famed cinema style lift up rear seat cushions that provides floor to ceiling storage for tall objects.

As for the dashboard this will please those who just don’t want to cope with the reliance on a touchscreen for everything. You still get a digital drivers display with a lot of information accessed via steering wheel buttons along with a central touchscreen with clear graphics for infotainment and smartphone connectivity but there are chunky

switches for the heating controls and a volume switch for the radio. I am going to shoot myself in the foot here but dare I say the screen is a little too small and does not have room for a surround camera.

There are lots to commend the Civic but the efficiency of the hybrid engine, especially in urban driving, makes it an attractive option for drivers looking to reduce costs without switching to a fully electric car.

So Civic is outstanding but not quite perfect. Economy, performance, comfort, space and quality all earn five stars but there is only one engine option, no plug-in hybrid and its price tag is higher than some key rivals offering more choice.

Fast facts

Civic Advance

£39,995 (starts £34,325)

2-litre hybrid; 181bhp

0-62mph 8.1secs; 112mph

56.5mph combined

102g/km. 1st VED £405

Boot: 404-814 litres

Insurance group 2

Eisteddfod now has its own free official app

* Members of the Eisteddfod's floral team think the new app is great!

Visitors, competitors and music lovers from around the world can now experience Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod like never before with the launch of the festival's new official mobile app. 

Available now on both the Apple App Store and Google Play and switchable between English and Welsh languages, the free app has been designed to put everything visitors need in one convenient place, making it easier than ever to plan a visit, follow the competitions and stay connected throughout the festival.

Whether attending for a day, supporting family and friends, volunteering or enjoying the full week of music and culture, the app offers instant access to everything happening across the Eisteddfod site. 

Users can browse the full programme of concerts and events, view competition schedules, receive live competition results as they happen, access tickets, explore the interactive festival map and receive instant notifications with the latest festival news and updates.

The app also features exclusive interviews with artists and performers, behind-the-scenes content, live social media updates and a wealth of practical information to help visitors make the most of their Eisteddfod experience.

* Everything you need to know about the Eisteddfod is on the new app.

Rhys Davies, Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: "Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has always been about bringing people together, and our new app is another exciting step forward in making the festival more accessible than ever before.

"Whether you're following the competitions, attending our world-class concerts, supporting friends and family, or simply exploring everything the festival has to offer, the app puts all the information you need right in your pocket. From live results and exclusive interviews to maps, tickets and instant updates, it's the perfect companion for everyone visiting Llangollen this week.

"We want people to spend less time searching for information and more time enjoying the unique atmosphere of one of the world's greatest cultural festivals."

The app is free to download and is available now by searching 'Llangollen' on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

The Official Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod App includes:

🎼 What's On Guide

🏆 Live Competition Schedules and Results

🎟️ Digital Ticket Access

🗺️ Interactive Festival Map

🔔 Live Notifications and Festival Updates

🎤 Exclusive Artist Interviews

📱 Live Social Media Feed

ℹ️ Visitor Information

🎶 And much more throughout the festival

* For more information about the festival, visit llangollen.net.

Bishop will lead Eisteddfod mass at Holy Cross Church

This Thursday the Roman Catholic Bishop of Wrexham, Peter Brignall, will celebrate the annual Llangollen International Eisteddfod Mass at Holy Cross Church, Llangollen, beginning at 5pm.

This much-loved annual celebration brings together faith, music and the international spirit of the Eisteddfod.

A message from the Diocese of Wrexham announcing the event on social media says: "We are delighted to welcome a visiting choir from overseas who will lead the music during the Mass, making it a truly special occasion.

"Bishop Peter warmly invites everyone to attend and join us in celebrating this beautiful tradition. All are very welcome."

Sir Karl Jenkins brings message of hope to Llangollen

 

* Sir Karl and Lady Carol Jenkins meet volunteers and staff at the railway.

Internationally acclaimed Welsh composer Sir Karl Jenkins believes the message at the heart of his major choral and orchestral work, One World, has never been more relevant, as conflict, climate change and political division continue to shape our world.

Sir Karl was speaking on a visit to Llangollen and Corwen Railway, where he and his wife Lady Carol Jenkins travelled on the awarding-winning heritage railway.

The composer, who is President of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for 2026, will conduct One World at tonight's (Tuesday) opening concert, Uniting Nations: One World. 

The haunting work explores the challenges of a fractured world while offering a hopeful vision of peace, equality and respect for the planet.

Earlier this year, Sir Karl's anti-war masterpiece, The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, was voted the nation's favourite classical work in the Classic FM Hall of Fame 2026. 

Based on the 15th-century French poem L'homme armé, the work has been performed thousands of times around the world over the past quarter of a century and remains one of the most powerful musical reflections on the devastating consequences of war.

Reflecting on the enduring importance of music's message of peace, Sir Karl said: "One World is really about peace and goodwill in the world, and I don't think that message has ever been more relevant than it is today. 

"We live in challenging times, but music has an extraordinary ability to bring people together, to inspire hope and remind us of our shared humanity.

"I'm also delighted to be back in Llangollen as President of the Eisteddfod. It is always a very special place, and I'd like to thank everyone at the Llangollen and Corwen Railway for their wonderful hospitality and for inviting Carol and me to enjoy such a memorable journey through the beautiful Dee Valley."

Sir Karl and his wife, Lady Carol Jenkins, are spending the week in Llangollen ahead of the opening of the Eisteddfod. 

On Sunday, they enjoyed a special steam journey on the Llangollen & Corwen Railway at the invitation of Trust Manager David Hennigan, taking in the spectacular scenery of the Dee Valley before a busy week of engagements.

During the visit Sir Karl spoke of his excitement at returning to Llangollen to conduct One World. The concert, which was postponed in 2025 due to circumstances beyond the control of the Eisteddfod, returns this year thanks to the support of Arts Council of Wales, giving audiences the opportunity to experience a performance many have been waiting a year to see.

Tonight's opening night concert promises to be one of the highlights of this year's festival. Alongside One World, audiences will enjoy a full staging of Peace Child: The Musical and the world premiere of Greeting the Dawn, a newly commissioned bilingual work by emerging Welsh composer Sam Buttler.

Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: "Sir Karl's music has always carried a message of peace, hope and humanity, values that have been at the heart of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod since its foundation almost 80 years ago.

"The fact that The Armed Man has just been voted the nation's favourite classical work is testament to its enduring relevance and emotional impact. It reminds us that music has a unique power to unite people across borders, cultures and generations.

"We are incredibly proud to welcome Sir Karl back to Llangollen as our President and to finally present One World to audiences following last year's postponement. Thanks to the support of Arts Council of Wales, this extraordinary concert can now take its rightful place at the opening of the festival.

"At a time when the world faces so many challenges, the message of One World could not be more timely. It is a powerful reminder that music can inspire hope, encourage understanding and bring people together – exactly what Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has been doing since 1947."

Founded in the aftermath of the Second World War, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod was created to promote peace and international friendship through music. Nearly 80 years later, those founding ideals remain at the heart of the festival, making Sir Karl Jenkins' presidency and the themes explored in One World a fitting centrepiece for Eisteddfod 2026.

Uniting Nations: One World takes place tonight (Tuesday July 7) at  Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

* For more information and tickets, visit: llangollen.net