Calling all dog walkers!

Sunday 3rd May 2009, 2pm

The Floral Committee of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is holding a sponsored canal towpath walk in aid of stage refurbishments. The five mile route is from the Penddol Entrance to the Eisteddfod Field to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, now a World Heritage Site. Walkers are invited to bring their dogs - who can also be sponsored!

Following the walkers will be one of the narrowboats belonging to the Canal Boat Trust, a voluntary organisation based in the town, which provides holidays for disabled people. It will be driven by Eisteddfod Chairman, Phil Davies who said: "What better way to raise funds and help a worthy cause by keeping you and your dog fit,  in the most beautiful surroundings. With the current financial climate, we appreciate even more so, every penny raised! A big thank you to our volunteers and supporters once again for supporting Llangollen Eisteddfod. Walk on!" The boat will be on hand to provide refreshments and water for both walkers and their dogs (and can pick up any stragglers).

The walk is trying to raise at least £1000 out of a total of £5000 required for the necessary stage refurbishments.

All welcome – even if you don’t have a dog! Please contact the Eisteddfod office (01978 862000) for a sponsorship form.

Donation line: Please call the Eisteddfod office (01978 862000) and ask to speak to Andi or Sue.

Thanks to Decantae of Kimnel Bay for donating water to the walkers and their pooches, and to Farm and Pet Place of Gledrid for supplies of necessary dog walking accessories.

Notes to Editor

Sandie Attenburrow, Chairman of the Floral Committee and the Sponsored Walk Organiser, is the Walk’s contact on the day - 07811 735207 (not for general release – press use only on the day)
 
Interviews and more detail available from Mr Producer
02920 916 667
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Also, any reporters wishing to travel alongside on the narrowboat please contact Lydia at Mr Producer 02920 916667

For more information on the Canal Boat Trust please visit www.canalboattrust.org.uk

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod: 6th - 12th July 2009

For one week, in one town, over fifty countries gather for one of Wales’ most unique experiences. This July over 4000 performers and festival goers from all over the world will visit Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in the picturesque Dee Valley, North Wales. This cool and cultural event, considered as 'Wales’ gift to the World' was established in 1947 to promote peace and goodwill between nations through music and dance. Still thriving today Llangollen Eisteddfod has become one of the world’s most colourful festivals. During each themed day the festival field is a hive of activity with main stage competitions, outside stage performances, workshops, and impromptu singing and dancing from every corner of the world, in national and regional costume. The evening Gala concerts over the years have attracted some of show-business’ biggest names such as Pavarotti, Michael Ball, Elaine Page, Domingo, Katherine Jenkins and Dame Shirley Bassey. This year is no exception with concerts by Barbara Dickson, Sir Willard White, Blake, Natasha Marsh, and even The Music of James Bond, with guest stars including Honor Blackman, aka Pussy Galore! What a cocktail...Prepare to be shaken and stirred! Join the rest of the world, join the party. For more information, telephone 01978 862001 or visit the website at www.llangollen209.com

This year’s Eisteddfod also sees the exciting addition a new Opening Gala concert to take place on Monday 6th July. The Opening Gala has a star line-up including young singing sensation Faryl Smith, BBC One’s ‘Your Country Needs You’ finalist Mark Evans and the award-winning Fron Male Voice Choir. Also performing will be reigning Llangollen Male Choir champions Côr Godre’r Aran, male-voice choir Cantorion Colin Jones and young tenor, Alexei Kalvecs. The concert will support Llangollen’s ‘Competitor Bursary Appeal Fund’ which aims to offer financial support to competitor groups who travel from all over the world.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod: General Information

The International Eisteddfod provides a platform for people of all nations to meet and communicate through the international languages of music and dance, thereby promoting peace, harmony and a greater understanding of world culture.

The festival has very strong links to the United Nations and was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.

The International Eisteddfod’s Patron is H.R.H. Prince Charles and Terry Waite CBE is the current President.

Established in 1947 by volunteers to promote peace and goodwill between nations through music and dance, Llangollen International Eisteddfod has become one of the world’s great festivals.

Its professional evening concerts and daily premier competitions are now combined with innovative field activities and outreach work.

Based in the beautiful Dee Valley in the county of Denbighshire, North Wales.

Many of the world’s greatest stars have sung at Llangollen with some beginning their careers on the North Wales stage. The late Luciano Pavarotti was a competition winner in 1955 and returned as the world’s most famous tenor to perform in an evening concert in 1995.  

The festival field is filled with colour and sound, with outside stage performances, workshops, and impromptu singing and dancing from every corner of the world.

50 countries competed in the Eisteddfod last year.

Just fewer than 4000 competitors appeared on the Pavilion stage in 2008.

2009 Schedule

Monday 6th July: Opening Gala - Faryl Smith, Mark Evans, Fron Male Voice Choir, Cantorion Colin Jones, Côr Godre’r Aran, Alexei Kalvecs

Tuesday 7th July: Barbara Dickson – Live at Llangollen

Wednesday 8th July: Llangollen Peace Concert hosted by LIME President – Terry Waite CBE

Thursday 9th July: Sir Willard White

Friday 10th July: Blake and Natasha Marsh

Saturday 11th July: Choir of the World

Sunday 12th July: ‘Licensed to Thrill’ - Carl Davies presents the music of James Bond, hosted by Honor Blackman.

Tuesday:  International Children’s Day
Wednesday:  International Song and Dance Day
Thursday:  International Youth Day
Friday:   International Celtic and Folk Day
Saturday:  International Family Day
Sunday (New):  A programme of music and events on the Eisteddfod field and in the town of Llangollen
 
For tickets and/or further information call 01978 862001 or visit www.llangollen2009.com

Additional Info: Full Season Ticket holders can choose one of the best seats in the house to enjoy the Eisteddfod competitions and concerts from Wednesday through Saturday for just £125 - an amazing 23% discount. Plus, claim an exclusive discount on tickets for Tuesday evening’s concert - purchase a £35 ticket for £30. Season Ticket holders also receive a free Eisteddfod Souvenir Programme.