McFly and Lulu set for Llangollen International Eisteddfod

Chart-topping pop band McFly will appear at this year's Llangollen International Eisteddfod, organisers have announced.

And singer and presenter Lulu will also take to the stage at this year's extravaganza.

Organisers hope having McFly at the cultural festival, which runs from July 4 to July 10, will attract a younger audience.

Also on this year's bill is leading opera singer Russell Watson and West End performer Ruthie Henshall.

Mervyn Cousins, chief executive for the eisteddfod, said: "With McFly joining our fantastic line up this year we expect a surge in our numbers of young audience members, taking our festival to new heights.

He added: "We've been wanting to take a brave leap forward with our headline concerts for some time now. We feel that McFly are just perfect for this coveted slot to close our eisteddfod. Sunday is all about McFly."

Stifyn Parri, from the festival, added: "Llangollen eisteddfod celebrates its 65th birthday this year with a rocking line-up including McFly, Russell Watson, Ruthie Henshall and Lulu.

"It is the festival's promise to offer a programme of various musical genres, and this year is no exception. For one week this North Wales town will proudly host some of the best names in the business."

Russell Watson said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be following in the footsteps of so many international stars at what is known as the most famous eisteddfod in the world.

"This festival really 'keeps a welcome in the hillside' and I cannot wait to set foot on the pavilion stage and perform."

This year more than 4,000 competitors from more than 50 countries including some rare visitors from South Korea, China, Moldova and Slovakia will take part.