On June 5th, approximately 1000 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod volunteers will receive recognition for their hard work in a special “Thank you” event organised by the festival’s Executive Director, Mervyn Cousins to coincide with National Volunteers’ Week, which is this year celebrating its 25th anniversary. During its 63-year existence, the Llangollen Festival has always been dependant on the generosity and hard work of volunteers, without which, the festival could not exist.

Llangollen Executive Director, Mervyn Cousins and Chairman, Phil Davies, have long been wishing to acknowledge the thousands of hours that the volunteers contribute so willingly every year. Mervyn Cousins said: “The festival has a volunteer base which is second to none – we have almost 1000 people who help in one way or the other, and they range from those who come to Llangollen for the week itself to those who help drive the festival forward through their membership of the various committees. Some are in the office most days all year-round. We frankly couldn’t do it without them and we hope that this event will go some way to thanking them. It will also be a great opportunity to show our gratitude to the staff who go far beyond the call of duty.”

Eisteddfod Chairman, Phil Davies, who is, in fact, a volunteer himself believes that “volunteering is a way of life for the people of Llangollen and the festival is living proof that volunteering is an all-age activity with visitors often surprised and impressed by the numbers of young people and students who help during Eisteddfod Week in particular. And you don’t necessarily need to live in and around Llangollen to be involved – volunteers come from all parts of the UK each year to be part of the atmosphere and buzz on and around the Eisteddfod field with some even coming from abroad, further adding to the Festival’s aims to promote understanding and cooperation between nations.”

It is the lifetime commitment of people such as Bob Attenburrow, who drew the very first Eisteddfod poster in 1947, and will be completing his 50th year of service on the Board of the Eisteddfod this year, that ensures the success of the festival. Another invaluable member of the Llangollen volunteering family is Les Potts who volunteers on the tickets committee and has attended every Eisteddfod since it started in 1947, except for 2 that he missed while doing national service.

Ann Ankers, who has been a committed volunteer for almost 50 years, has compiled a book of short stories and witty tales of volunteer life in Llangollen over the years, entitled ‘Miscellany Medley’. (Available from the Eisteddfod Office and at the festival itself, priced £3). According to Ann: “We all just get on with our various jobs. I always think of it as a huge jigsaw where we all have some pieces, some might have only 1 and others might have a 1000, but it isn't until they are all put together that this event works. So I think that we are all equally important.”

The volunteers are this year launching a new range of merchandise that will coincide with the earlier raising of the flags of all the competing countries that adorn the bridge and Castle Street. The new range of merchandise will consist of sweatshirts, t-shirts and polo shirts all bearing the Eisteddfod logo. There will also be a range of 99p items for children. All items will be available to buy from the Eisteddfod shop or by mail order from the website (www.llangollen2009.com)

Publicity Committee chairman, Ian Lebbon said "This new range is very attractive and also good value for money. I just hope that we have ordered enough supplies!"