Home EisteddfodJools Holland and Opera Stars to Headline Llangollen’s 80th Anniversary

Jools Holland and Opera Stars to Headline Llangollen’s 80th Anniversary

by Love Wrexham Magazine
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Jools Holland, Sir Bryn Terfel and other star performers will headline two concerts marking the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod’s 80th anniversary in 2027.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has unveiled the first events for its landmark 2027 anniversary year. Global music icon Jools Holland will headline the first event. Llangollen 80: Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra plays the Llangollen Pavilion on Thursday 8 July. Vocalists Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka will join him on the night.

Jools Holland (cc Michael Leckie) - Jools Holland and Opera Stars to Headline Llangollen's 80th Anniversary
Jools Holland (cc Michael Leckie)

A Gala Celebrating Eight Decades

Two days later, the Llangollen 80: Anniversary Gala Concert takes place on Saturday 10 July. Opera stars Sir Bryn Terfel, Natalya Romaniw and Noah Stewart headline the night. The Llangollen International Orchestra and massed male voice choirs will join them on stage. Together, the two concerts mark the first major announcement in a wider anniversary programme, with further events still to come.

Jools Holland brings more than four decades of experience to the stage. His career began with early success in Squeeze. It later grew through his long-running BBC series, Later… with Jools Holland. As a long-standing Vice-President of the Eisteddfod, his return carries particular significance for the festival.

Noah Stewart - Jools Holland and Opera Stars to Headline Llangollen's 80th Anniversary
Noah Stewart

John Gambles, Chairman of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, called the anniversary a once-in-a-generation moment. “These will be two truly special world-class events that will launch our anniversary celebrations in spectacular style,” he said.

Artistic Director Dave Danford also welcomed the line-up. “Jools Holland has a wonderful connection with Llangollen and always creates an incredible atmosphere,” he said. He added that Sir Bryn Terfel’s return makes the anniversary year “even more special.”

Natalya Romaniw (cc Frances Marshall) - Jools Holland and Opera Stars to Headline Llangollen's 80th Anniversary
Natalya Romaniw (cc Frances Marshall)

Tickets and Information

Fans can join the pre-sale from 10am on Wednesday 29 July. Friends of the Eisteddfod gain early access the day before, on Tuesday 28 July. General sale then opens on Friday 31 July. All tickets are available via llangollen.net.

Since 1947, Llangollen has welcomed performers and audiences from around the world. Its unique festival celebrates competition and international friendship alike. Past legends to grace its stage include Luciano Pavarotti, José Carreras and Dame Shirley Bassey.

Llangollen Eisteddfod - Jools Holland and Opera Stars to Headline Llangollen's 80th Anniversary
Llangollen Eisteddfod

Feature image: Bryn Terfel.

We hope you enjoyed reading about Llangollen’s 80th anniversary concerts. Click here for more articles about Llangollen and Welsh culture.

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