The Llangollen International Eisteddfod is dancing for joy after revealing the annual festival attracted more visitors than in recent years.

For 73 years, the 3,500 residents of Llangollen welcome the world to Wales with the week-long music and dance festival that promotes peace and goodwill between nations.

A spokesman for the festival said: "Despite disappointing pre-sales, the weather has been glorious and helped us attract 33,000 visitors throughout the week, with over 20 per cent increase on daytime visitors compared to last year and the highest number of participants for over four years. "Specific highlights for us include the wonderful launch to the week with Jools Holland playing with his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra and quoted as saying, ‘this is by far my favourite festival in the world’, as well as welcoming new international groups from as far flung as Ghana, Indonesia, Hong Kong and the United States.

“The competitions reached a climax on Saturday night with local choir, John’s Boys from Rhosllanerchrugog winning Choir of the World. It is only the third time that a Welsh choir has won the coveted title.

"Our finale all-day party on Sunday, Llanfest, celebrated the end to an amazing week and we couldn’t be prouder of the entire festival team, especially our 800 volunteers who have worked tirelessly, without them our International Eisteddfod wouldn't exist.”