Latest news with #InternationalEisteddfod
Leader Live
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Treat at Llangollen takes Pavarotti's widow 'back in time'
Nicoletta Mantovani was served a white chocolate and strawberry tart during a recent visit to the festival. The dessert was a tribute to her late husband's 1995 visit to the festival, where he enjoyed the same treat during his stay at the Bryn Howell Hotel. The white chocolate and strawberry tarts, a tribute to Pavarotti's 1995 visit to the festival, where he enjoyed the same treat (Image: Rick Matthews) Mrs Mantovani said: "They are beautiful, such sweet, delicious flavour. "But it is not just the tarts that are beautiful, it is the memories they bring with them. "So many memories can be triggered by our senses of taste and smell that when I tasted these it was like being back in 1995. "It was such a generous thought to recreate this dish which Luciano loved. "Llangollen and the International Eisteddfod always held a special place in his heart and I am so delighted to be back here experiencing the festival again 30 years later." The 1995 visit marked Pavarotti's return to Llangollen, 40 years after first performing there in 1955 with his father's choir, Chorus Rossini. The dessert served this year was created by Keith Tapping, executive chef of the Wild Pheasant Hotel. It was part of a reception organised by Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, of Pendine Park. The occasion also brought back memories for Mr and Mrs Kreft, who witnessed Pavarotti's visit to the eisteddfod 30 years ago. The couple were among those watching his sell-out concert on a giant screen outside on the Eisteddfod field. The Krefts also accompanied Mrs Mantovani and her husband, Alberto Tinarelli, on a train journey from Corwen to Llangollen as part of their visit. 17-year-old Moli Jones, a general assistant at the Wild Pheasant Hotel, said: "This is a great occasion, with so many well-known guests. "It's been a pleasure serving our menu to them. "I have always been proud of the community ethos generated by the Llangollen Eisteddfod. "I have been here so many times and I have friends and neighbours who have volunteered here in the past. "It is such a fantastic event to be a part of and always creates magical memories for anyone who comes here." Becky Shields, general manager of the Wild Pheasant Hotel, said: "It has been our privilege to cater for such a special occasion as this and at what is the biggest cultural festival in Europe." Following the reception, Mrs Mantovani presented the Pendine International Voice of the Future award, a silver salver and a £3,000 prize, to winning tenor Andrew Henley. Also in attendance was Sir Terry Waite, long-serving former president of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
Wales Online
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Prettiest town in Wales with stunning landscapes and pubs overlooking river
Prettiest town in Wales with stunning landscapes and pubs overlooking river The picturesque town is famous for its International Eisteddfod, but there's so much more to discover in and around Llangollen - from a 'stream in the sky' to white water rapids Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in the Vale of Llangollen (Image: AlasdairJames via Getty Images ) Nestled on the River Dee in Denbighshire, the delightful town of Llangollen seamlessly blends industrial heritage and Welsh folklore with a cosmopolitan vibe and strong community spirit, all set against a scenic riverside backdrop. Here lies the narrowest part of the Dee Valley, which cuts through a landscape recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This beautiful geographical location is deemed an 'Outstanding Universal Value' by UNESCO and encompasses an eleven-mile stretch of canal from Gledrid to the Horseshoe Falls, passing over the impressive Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. The broader valley area is peppered with historical and religious relics, including a substantial Gothic bridge, Cistercian abbeys, and the medieval ruins of Castell Dinas Bran. Llangollen, situated at the heart of the valley by the river, is renowned as Wales's festival capital. The charming town annually hosts the international Music Eisteddfod, embracing the quirks of festival culture and its devotees. It's not uncommon to encounter quilted bridges, loud town criers, and ladies adorned with feather boas parading on stilts. Things to do Canals and aqueducts Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is 'the stream in the sky' (Image: Getty ) Article continues below In 2009, UNESCO designated the eleven-mile canal from Chirk Bank to the magnificent Horseshoe Falls as a World Heritage site, recognising its engineering features and historical significance. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a must-see destination for civil engineering enthusiasts and stands as one of the most remarkable feats of the Industrial Revolution. At 38 metres above the Dee Valley, the 'stream in the sky' is not only the highest navigable aqueduct globally but also the oldest in Britain. This architectural wonder, designed and constructed by Thomas Telford and Williams Jessop, remains operational over 200 years since its inception. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is 'the stream in the sky' (Image: North Wales Daily Post ) It's a canal spectacle that seems almost inconceivable. Eighteen arched stone pillars uphold deep cast-iron troughs filled with water, creating a river in the sky accessible by foot or boat. Numerous local firms offer canal boat trips or hire out canal boats for stylish journeys along the canal and across Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Local outfit Bearded Men Adventures provides guided kayaking excursions across the Aqueduct, offering breathtaking views as you paddle across. Horse-drawn boats Step back in time and savour a leisurely, traditional horse-drawn boat journey from Llangollen's canal wharf towards the Horseshoe Falls. Constructed around 1808 by Thomas Telford, these falls supply water to the Llangollen Canal. Enjoy the serene, tree-lined waters as your boat glides silently, towed by one of the sturdy horses. White water rafting Kayakers paddling River Dee rapids (Image: Nick Daly via Getty Images ) With its rugged mountain peaks, rocky coastlines, and some of the UK's best rafting rivers, it's no surprise that North Wales is hailed as the adventure capital of the UK. Embark on a guided rafting adventure with Bearded Men Adventures down the extensive River Dee in Llangollen. Experience the thrill of battling against the surging rapids, which range from grades 2 to 4. Locally, these swift sections are referred to as Serpent's Tail, Tombstones, and the iconic Town Falls. It's recommended that they be navigated with the assistance of qualified guides as part of a planned adventure activity. Relish in the picturesque valley views as you navigate through rapid waves, glide over shallow waters, and dive into deep pools on a river that oscillates between turbulent and serene. Llangollen Railway Llangollen Railway is the only standard-gauge heritage railway in North Wales. It takes visitors on a vintage voyage through captivating Welsh scenery. (Image: Ceidiog Communications ) The Llangollen Railway is North Wales' sole standard-gauge heritage railway, offering visitors a nostalgic journey through enchanting landscapes. Hop aboard a 1950s carriage pulled by a traditional steam engine and indulge in a bit of nostalgia as the train traces the river and ascends the curves of a verdant landscape. This railway line is a testament to passion and dedication. For over four decades, rail enthusiasts have painstakingly restored 10 miles of neglected lines and stations between Llangollen and Corwen. The result is a magnificent community asset that provides a unique family day out on the Welsh rails. Offa's Dyke Path The most dramatic stretch of the 177-mile Offa's Dyke path traverses the Vale of Llangollen, with shorter sections also available for eager walkers visiting the region. Local folklore suggests that this path was constructed by a medieval king as a display of power to deter his foes. In addition to its legendary status, the path showcases some of Wales' most stunning landscapes and historic castles, loosely tracing the border between Wales and England. Day trippers can tackle the 13-mile stretch from Llangollen to Llandegla, taking in highlights such as the Llangollen Canal, Castell Dinas Bran and UNESCO landscapes. Discover Plas Newydd At the southern edge of Llangollen is the medieval chocolate box house of Plas Newydd, (Image: Ian Cooper ) Nestled on the southern fringe of Llangollen is the medieval gem, Plas Newydd. This was the home of the famed 'Ladies of Llangollen', Sarah Ponsonby and Lady Eleanor Butler, who in 1780 fled their aristocratic Irish families. They embarked on a bohemian lifestyle together, shunning the drab confines of societal norms in favour of intellectual pursuits. Their choice to don top hats and men's attire and decorate their dwelling in gothic chic caused quite a stir in rural society of the time. Their cosmopolitan home welcomed illustrious guests such as Robert Southee, William Wordsworth, and statesmen like the Duke of Wellington. Today, the house and its well-kept gardens serve as an unexpected tourist attraction and a quaint museum for visitors. Their grandeur and non-conformist spirit set the tone for the town's free-spirited and accepting nature. Where to dine Llangollen Oggie Shop (Image: Portia Jones ) This scenic town offers a plethora of dining options for peckish visitors. From cosy country pubs and cafes to sophisticated wine bars, there's something to cater to all budgets. For dining by the water, The Corn Mill boasts a large outdoor terrace overlooking the river and serves up pub favourites, including fish and chips, steak and pies. The Wharf Tea Room, situated next to the canal, offers homemade cakes, scones and hearty cooked breakfasts. For a taste of local cuisine, drop by Llangollen Oggie Shop and Fine Foods for Welsh oggies (the Welsh answer to the Cornish pasty). Don't miss their artisan sausage rolls, scotch eggs, cakes and full dairy Welsh ice cream. Gales Wine Bar and Hotel is an excellent spot for a drink or two in its grand wood-panelled wine bar. They also serve a variety of seasonal dishes featuring fresh local produce and delicacies. For homemade country fare and afternoon tea, make your way to Cottage Tearooms and Bistro. Nestled in a natural courtyard less than 100m from the iconic Llangollen Bridge, these quaint, whitewashed tearooms are a favourite spot for cream tea in a historic setting. Where to stay The town of Llangollen (Image: stockinasia via Getty Images ) Charming Llangollen boasts modern and historic hotels, B&Bs and even a 16th-century drovers' inn for a peaceful night's sleep. For a boutique bed and breakfast experience near the River Dee, consider booking the beautifully refurbished Riversdale House. Winners of the North Wales Tourism Awards in 2023, this chic Victorian townhouse B&B features spacious, stylish rooms with views and a continental breakfast delivered to your door each morning. Further afield, there are a host of luxury properties within easy reach of the Llangollen valley. The nearby five-star Chester Grosvenor Hotel provides a luxurious stay with individually decorated rooms, spa facilities, a Michelin-starred restaurant and hatted doormen. Dating from 1865, the Chester Grosvenor is a historic and sumptuously furnished hotel, adorned in understated hues of ivory, champagne, and gold, and boasting a grand columned façade. Article continues below Another lavish accommodation option near Llangollen is the unique Pale Hall, an 18-bedroom historic country house. Under new management, it has been skilfully converted into a luxury destination hotel complete with fine dining.
North Wales Live
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
A giant 150ft mural of Pavarotti has appeared on a North Wales hillside
The widow of the great Luciano Pavarotti has given her seal of approval to a massive 150ft mural of her late husband. The chalk profile was created in just 24 hours on a hillside in North Wales. The artwork was create to celebrate Pavarotti's first appearance 70 years ago at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Denbighshire. To mark the anniversary, his widow Nicoletta Mantovani was a guest of honour at this year's festival. She attended the mural's unveiling alongside members of the Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir – the choir that first hosted Luciano and his father Fernando in 1955. She arrived in the town on board a vintage steam train from Corwen where the choir serenaded her with a Welsh song special to her late husband. Nicoletta said she shed a tear when she heard the world-famous choir perform. The 45-metre by 30-metre artwork is visible from the Eisteddfod Pavilion below and from Castell Dinas Brân above – a ruined medieval castle built by the Welsh Princes. It's hosted by Wern Isaf campsite on Donkey Hill overlooking the Eisteddfod grounds. Nicoletta was given a clear view of the stunning chalk sculpture, which depicts the Maestro in full voice. It was designed in partnership with record label Decca. She said it was 'really great', adding: 'It is good that it is there for people to see someone who was so closely connected to the festival.' David Hennigan, Eisteddfod board director, said the mural has become an instant tourism attraction in the town. 'The reaction from eisteddfod concertgoers has been overwhelming,' he said. 'People have been standing in the car park to view the sculture and the comments have been amazing. 'We thought it would be well received but the response has been even better than we expected. It's been a very worthwhile project.' Nicoletta, who was married to the singing legend until his death in 2007, journeyed from Italy to celebrate three major milestones at this week's International Eisteddfod. Pavarotti was just 19 and a trainee teacher when he came to the Llangollen in 1955 with his father, Fernando, as part of Chorus Rossini from their home city of Modena. He returned as a global star in 1995 to perform a sell-out concert. This year would have been his 90th birthday. Today (Saturday, July 12) she will be on the famous Pavilion stage to help present the Pavarotti Trophy, named in honour of her late husband, to the winners of the Choir of the World Competition. In another coup for the festival, on Sunday evening Nicoletta will hand over the coveted Pendine Trophy to the winner of the International Voice of the Future competition. She will sharing the presentation with sponsors Mario and Gill Kreft and another megastar of the opera world, Sir Bryn Terfel. Songs performed by Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir as Nicoletta arrived in Denbighshire included We'll Keep a Welcome in the Hillside, which Pavarotti loved. At Llangollen train station she was also entertained by Italian and Bulgarian groups competing at the festival, both in colourful national costumes. She said: 'My arrival was incredible. It was exactly the way Luciano told me how the people of Wales are so warm and friendly. And to hear the Fron Choir perform – especially the welcome song that was a favourite of his – I cried. 'Travelling on the train was also very special, seeing the countryside and when we arrived at Llangollen station, I enjoyed the choir and the dancers who greeted us. I knew one of the songs and mimed along to it. 'At the Eisteddfod it was fantastic to meet the volunteers. It is really important and so precious for people from all different countries to come together in the name of culture and music.'
Wales Online
10-07-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Health update issued after multiple children fall ill at festival
Health update issued after multiple children fall ill at festival The children have been assessed and Public Health Wales has shared the results The Llangollen Pavilion which hosts the International Eisteddfod (Image: International Eisteddfod ) Public Health Wales has issued an update after multiple children fell ill at Llangollen International Eisteddfod. On Wednesday organisers of the festival confirmed that the "extraordinary medical incident" was a "flu-like outbreak" which involved several people reporting the same symptoms. On Thursday Public Health Wales confirmed that a "small group of children" were affected by the symptoms. The body said the children are in hospital being assessed, but confirmed they are not seriously ill. In a further update on Thursday Public Health Wales confirmed tests carried out on the children indicate the presence of "common respiratory viruses", adding that they are due to be discharged this morning. Dr Giri Shankar, Director of Health Protection for Public Health Wales said: "The visitors to the Llangollen International Eisteddfod who were assessed in hospital last night will be discharged this morning. "Tests carried out on these children have indicated the presence of common respiratory viruses, including flu. They are being treated appropriately and are recovering. The risk to the public remains low." The festival confirmed that the event had been cleared to run as normal on Thursday morning. It is hosted annually over six days and sees singers and dancers from around the world compete in more than 20 competitions. Article continues below It has a huge attendance of over 50,000 over the event and previous performers have included Luciano Pavarotti, Julian Lloyd Webber and Katherine Jenkins. On Wednesday festival organisers shared: "We can confirm that following the declaration of an extraordinary incident by the Welsh Ambulance Service, following Public Health Wales advice - the incident related to a flu-like outbreak and related to multiple people with similar symptoms. "The extraordinary incident was called by the Welsh Ambulance Service due to the number of people who presented ill at one time. "The Llangollen International Eisteddfod takes the safety of its audience, competitors, performers and volunteers extremely seriously. "Therefore, following advice - we were forced to cancel an event in this way for the first time in our history. "We are pleased to report our site has been cleared to re-open tomorrow at 9am, as we continue to welcome the world to Wales. Article continues below "We'd like to thank our staff, medical staff and our volunteers for their swift response this evening." Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here .
Leader Live
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
WATCH: Llangollen Eisteddfod Parade of Nations 2025
On Wednesday, July 9, visitors were treated as groups from across the world participated in this year's annual colourful spectacle. The procession began at the Eisteddfod grounds before following a one-way route through the town starting with Castle Street bridge. Competitors including choirs, dance groups, ensembles and soloists from across the globe took part and flags of all nations were proudly on display while participants danced, sang and waved back at the crowds. Everyone was thrilled to see competitors from Canada, Morocco, India, South Africa, USA and Zimbabwe alongside dozens of groups from Wales and the rest of UK. The Parade of Nations remains one of the central parts of the festival which continues this week. The spectacle was proudly led by the Llangollen Silver Band and Llangollen Town Crier, Austin Cheminais. The parade was followed by a huge party on the Eisteddfod field, where visitors were given access to the Eisteddfod site for just one pound. Last year, over 8,000 people came out to welcome the international competitors meaning this year's expectations were even higher. A recent partnership with Cuffe and Taylor is continuing to enable festival organisers to bring some truly amazing artists to Llangollen, such as James, Olly Murs and The Script. Overseeing the event was Dave Danford, the Eisteddfod's Artistic Director. He said: "The International Eisteddfod itself remains the central part of everything we do here, and we're delighted to be welcoming so many international competitors and visitors. MOST READ Wrexham school hosts messy colour run to fund life-saving defibrillator "It's always great to see the Llangollen and the wider community come out to support our festival.' Unfortunately, an "extraordinary medical incident" saw the 'Uniting Nations: One World concert' cancelled last night (Wednesday, July 9) after organisers confirmed a "flu-like outbreak". However, in an update, Llangollen International Eisteddfod said scheduled events will continue as normal today (Thursday, July 10), with the grounds open from 9am. The celebrations continue this evening with award-winning and Grammy-nominated artist KT Tunstall.
