PRESS RELEASE Tuesday 2 ^nd June 2009

Llangollen Festival celebrates National Volunteers Week:

June 1 ^st 7 ^th

Mervyn Cousins gives special thanks to 1000

Llangollen Volunteers

On June 5 ^th , approximately 1000 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod volunteers will receive recognition for their hard work in a special Thank you event organised by the festivals Executive Director, Mervyn Cousins to coincide with National Volunteers Week, which is this year celebrating its 25 ^th 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 couldnt 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 dont 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 Festivals 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 (see image), and will be completing his 50 ^th 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!"

-Ends-

Notes to Editor

Interviews available upon request.

Press and Media Enquiries

For further information please contact: Lydia Jones at Mr Producer

Tel: 02920 916 667

Email: llangollen@mrproducer.co.uk

Volunteers Week

For more information please visit www.volunteerswe ek.org.uk

General Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Information

For one week, in one town, over fifty countries gather for one of Wales most unique experiences. This July over 50 000 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 worlds 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 http://www.llangollen2009.com/

This years Festival 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 Ones Your Country Needs You finalist Mark Evans and the award-winning Fron Male Voice Choir . Also performing will be reigning Llangollen Male Choir champions Cr Godrer Aran, male-voice choir Cantorion Colin Jones and young tenor, Alexei Kalvecs. The concert will support Llangollens Competitor Bursary Appeal Fund which aims to offer financial support to competitor groups who travel from all over the world.

The spectacular Licensed to Thrill concert on Sunday 12th July will see the music of James Bond performed by the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera , conducted by Carl Davis and hosted by Bond Girl Honor Blackman a.k.a Pussy Galore. The audience will be treated to a glittering evening of fabulous orchestral sounds and favourite melodies including Goldfinger , You Only Live Twice , and the iconic Bond Theme. The concert will culminate in a spectacular firework display which will be the finale to the Festival. Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod have also been promised Aston Martins for the night by Stratstone of Wimslow and Guest of Honour will be David Pender Richards - Chairman of Aston Martin.

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 International Eisteddfods 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 worlds 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 worlds greatest stars have sung at Llangollen with some beginning their careers on the North Wales stage.
• 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 6 ^th July: Opening Gala - Faryl Smith, Mark Evans, Fron Male Voice Choir,

Tuesday 7 ^h July: Barbara Dickson Live at Llangollen

Wednesday 8 ^th July: Llangollen Peace Concert

Thursday 9 ^th July: Sir Willard White

Friday 10 ^th July: Blake and Natasha Marsh

Saturday 11 ^th July: Choir of the World

Tuesday: International Childrens Day

Wednesday: International Song and Dance Day

Thursday: International Youth Day

Friday: International Celtic and Folk Day

Saturday: International Family Day

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 evenings concert - purchase a 35 ticket for 30. Season Ticket holders also receive a free Eisteddfod Souvenir Programme.