The Welsh town of Llangollen (pronounced "thlan-GOTH-lin") has for 60 years hosted the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod (pronounced eye-STETH-vod).
Each July, between 2,000 and 5,000 competitors from more than 50 countries come together for one week to compete in over 20 competitions, with as many as 50,000 visitors who come to witness the spectacle. Every evening, performers from that day's competition are chosen to share the stage in concert with professional artists, many of whom started their own careers in Llangollen.
Among the Welsh luminaries participating is native son Bryn Terfel, the world-renowned bass baritone. He will give a concert on July 4 with Llyr Williams, a Welsh pianist and with the conductor of the Welsh National Opera Gareth Jones who will conduct the Hallé Symphony Orchestra that played at the first Eisteddfod in 1947. Mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins will perform with the Welsh National Symphony Orchestra on Sunday July 9. For more information on the Llangollen Musical Eisteddfod, visit www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk or www.visitwales.com.
Learn How to Become A Travel Agent... Open your own Home Based Travel Agency