THE Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is to host an international themed St David’s Day Event on Friday, March 1 to raise money to help fund overseas competitors to the festival.

The celebration will take place from 7pm at St Collen’s Church in Llangollen and everybody is welcome.

Music director of the festival Dr Edward-Rhys Harry said: “The St David’s Day event will help to raise vital funds for the bursary fund ensuring that we can welcome as many international competitors to Llangollen in July as possible.

"It is great to see such talented local performers giving their time to support this cause.

“It is definitely going to be a traditional event not to be missed and is most certainly the perfect excuse to celebrate both Welsh culture and international inclusivity.”

The traditional format of the Cymanfa Ganu, the congregational singing of hymns, will be conducted by Leigh Mason, of Côr Meibion Froncysyllte.

It will have an extra international dimension as well as musical items from the Llangollen Silver Band and the James Lambert Singers.

Ex-chairman of the Llangollen Eisteddfod Gethin Davies will be the master of ceremonies sharing messages of support from the festival’s overseas competitors, as well as festival president and humanitarian Terry Waite.

St David’s Day holds a special place in the hearts of many Welsh people.

On this day, villages and towns all over Wales, and indeed in Welsh societies across the world, celebrate the birth and life of the patron saint by holding many special events and parades that celebrate Welsh history and culture.

Llangollen Eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies said: “After a very busy but exciting few weeks at the Llangollen Eisteddfod announcing our full line-up for 2019 and tickets going on sale, we are looking forward to hosting a special twist to this St David’s Day tradition.

“We’re thrilled with this year’s festival line-up and our St David’s Day fundraiser will bring people together to take part in a musical celebration, which is what the Eisteddfod is all about.

"It promises to be a great evening.”

Tickets for the St David’s Day celebration are available from the Eisteddfod box office by calling 01978 862001 or from the Tourist Information Centre in Llangollen.

They are priced at £5, which includes entry, a programme and a wide range of refreshments.

For further information, pay a visit to www.llangollen.net

For regular news and updates about the festival, follow @llangollen_Eist on Twitter, like the Facebook page Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod or follow them on Instagram @llangollen_eisteddfod