Eisteddfod ready to welcome the world
The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod welcomes the world next week for six days of song and dance from across the globe.
Preparations are in full swing for the 67th event, with some of the competitors beginning their long journeys from as far away as Indonesia and Russia, while volunteers are moving on to the Royal International Pavilion grounds to get them ready.
This year 12 groups are being helped to travel with grants totalling over £25,000 through their Gift To The World scheme.
The man responsible for administering the fund is Brian Evans, the competitors' liaison officer.
He said: "Most of the money we use comes from the Friends of the Eisteddfod and we aim to use it to help groups who would otherwise be unable to come.
"We restrict each donation to about £2,000. We give preference to those from low-income countries and those who have a long distance to travel as well as those who need visas to travel here because they cost about £100 each.
"In return we expect that they will make a contribution to the event by performing on the outside stages.
"Often a small amount makes the difference between a group coming or staying at home," he added.
This year the Eisteddfod Gift To The World grants have gone to groups from the Philippines, China, Estonia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Russia, South Africa and the Basque country of Spain.
The event begins on Tuesday, kicking off with International Children's Day including interactive performances from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the colourful procession of the competitors to the Royal International Pavilion, led by Eisteddfod President Terry Waite.
The evening features four of Wales's finest male voice choirs, the Rhos Orpheus, Cor Godre'r Aran, Cor y Brythoniaid and the chart topping Fron Choir, joined by the St Melodians Steel Band, from Trinidad and international competitors.
Wednesday night will feature an evening with Scottish percussionist Evelyn Glennie, tenor Noah Stewart and harpist Claire Jones along with the Eisteddfod Orchestra and the Santo Tomas Choir from the Philippines.
Thursday will be Strictly Cuban, a celebration of Latin dance rhythms with James and Ola Jordan and the Buena Vista Social Club.
Friday will see VERDI 200, a performance of Verdi's Requiem by to mark the 200th anniversary of the composer's birth.
Saturday is the Choir of the World competition with guests Only Men Aloud while on Sunday keyboard king Jools Holland will bring the curtain down with his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra and a special guest.
