SINGING sensation Alfie Boe will open a major Denbighshire festival next summer.
The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has today announced the line-up for its first full-length festival since the pandemic.
Tenor Alfie will open the celebration on the evening of Tuesday, July 4 with a bang.
For one night only, he will be performing in a concert created just for Llangollen, joining forces with musical theatre super-group, Welsh of the West End.
Next year's Eisteddfod will run in Llangollen between July 4 and 9.
There will be a new improved Maes, while the annual parade will be back.
READ MORE: Peace Message performed at Llangollen Eisteddfod
Llangollen Eisteddfod executive producer Camilla King, who joined the organisation last November, said: “We enjoyed tremendous celebrations for the Eisteddfod’s 75th anniversary in July, and although we all face many challenges in the current climate, for 2023 we’ve brought together a festival programme of real ambition, scope and most importantly fun for everyone!
"Music, dance, culture, has the power to help us understand the world around us, and to lift our spirits, bringing people together in the joy of performance.
"This is what Llangollen was founded for, and what we strive to continue to do, 76 years later.”
Additional changes next year will include the launch of all new branding for the organisation, due to be presented in early 2023, and the festival makes a departure from its closing day Llanfest, in favour of new competitions with a contemporary edge.
It’s a time of change for the Eisteddfod, with Sarah Ecob - head of economy and culture at Conwy County Borough Council - elected as the charity’s first female chair of the board in August.
She said: “Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has been an important part of the cultural life of Wales and beyond for 76 years and I feel enormously privileged to have taken up the position of chair of the board this year.
"We have exciting plans in place for Llangollen 2023 which will highlight our message of peace and the important role that music can play in building bridges between nations.
"The gathering of choirs and dancers from around the globe will once again bring joy, hope and understanding to our participants and to audiences in Llangollen and around the world.
"We look forward to seeing you next summer at this unique and inspiring festival, whether you’re taking part in a dance-off, enjoying a concert in the Royal International Pavilion, or just fancy a cold drink while listening to the finest Welsh bands on one of our outdoor stages.”
Saturday, July 8 will be a busy day of competition at the festival.
Choral finalists compete for the coveted Choir of the World title and the Pavarotti Trophy.
Alongside this, the Eisteddfod will crown the 2023 dance champions with the Lucille Armstrong Trophy, in addition to the international voice of the future event.
The box office is open for priority booking from Tuesday, December 6.
Public booking for tickets opens on Tuesday, December 13.
Tickets can be booked online at www.llangollen.net or on 01978 862001.
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