Thursday 8th: Evening Concert: Shine with BOND

A typically eclectic Llangollen mix, with a new twist.  Brilliant dancers perform Bhangra and Bollywood from one of Llangollen’s community day workshops. An international choir of 100 young children come together in peace and harmony, and then the upbeat string players of multi-million CD-selling BOND shine and sparkle.

Eos Chater (Cardiff-born BOND violinst): “Llangollen is celebrated the world over for a very good reason. It’s unique and has such an incredible atmosphere. The whole musical world gets together in this exquisite Welsh town and everyone always has an amazing time. We are so excited to be part of this year’s party and, for me, it’s particularly exciting to share Wales with the other BOND girls - we could not wait to get on that stage to strut our stuff!”

BOND:
Tania Davis – 1st Violin
Eos Chater – 2nd Violin
Elspeth Hanson – Viola
Gay-Yee Westerhoff – Cello

Friday 9th: Evening Concert: Only Men Aloud

The hugely popular and Classical Brit Award winners Only Men Aloud at Llangollen for the very first time! The boys sang Welsh favourites and other exciting pieces and were joined by musical friends from around the world. Only Men Aloud were awarded the NS&I Album of the Year Award at the 2010 Classical Brit Awards for their second album ‘Band of Brothers’.

Only Men Aloud’s Musical Director, Tim Rhys-Evans: “We’ve been on such a roller-coaster ride recently following the success of our number 1 second album and the accompanying tour and, of course, it’s been such a fantastic experience to take to the stage throughout Britain and the world but to be invited to sing at Llangollen for the first time is a great honour. This is such a special event and Llangollen Eisteddfod is justifiably respected throughout the world as a centre for musical excellence. So to headline a concert here is thrilling”.

Sunday 11th: Evening Concert: Nigel Kennedy

One of the world’s great musical stars, the inimitable Nigel Kennedy returns to the festival in spectacular style with his full orchestra and band to perform a smash-hit programme of Bach and Ellington which he is performing in Wales for the first time.

Nigel Kennedy: “Apart from Aston Villa winning the Premiership I really can’t think of many things that could give me as much pleasure as walking out on that huge Llangollen stage and being greeted by the unmistakable Welsh welcome! Last time I performed here was a blast and I thought to myself I must return as soon as possible, so here I am!”