Llangollen Eisteddfod: Alfie Boe kicks off festival singalong

The Llangollen musical extravaganza will also be joining the NHS choir, staff and music stars from throughout the UK, in a national live singalong to celebrate the 70th birthday of the NHS.

A one-off, live ITV television programme tomorrow will capture the crowds in Llangollen, the NHS choir, celebrities and crowds coming together to try to beat a record for the biggest live sing along to be broadcast in the UK.

The festival began today with hundreds of schoolchildren descending on the Royal International Pavilion for the day and Alfie Boe starring in the evening opening concert.

The Wednesday singalong will take place as the finale to the Classical Collection concert with NHS staff able to apply for complimentary tickets to the concert thanks to its partnership with Pendine Park. The tickets can be claimed by registering details on the Eisteddfod Eventbrite page.

Chairman of the Eisteddfod, Rhys Davies, said: "We would encourage anyone and everyone to get involved. The concert will feature the final of the International Voice of the Future competition, two-piano fireworks from Vicky Yannoula and Peter Jablonski and a powerful showcase performance from Wrexham-based choir, the Sirenian Singers.

"The pavilion will come alive with The Beatles classic With a Little Help from my Friends, as the singalong finale, led by Colleen Nolan and friends, is broadcast live on ITV, connecting with other singalong sites across the country, including the Abbey Road Studios in London."

The festival will also be giving away free day tickets to all Welsh NHS staff on Thursday and provide 20 per cent off for the Thursday and Saturday evening concerts, in recognition of the special anniversary.

On Thursday the International Eisteddfod will honour Olwen Williams OBE, as day president. With a life-long inspirational NHS career in medicine, Olwen will present her stories and memories of working in the NHS to crowds at the festival. Olwen received her royal title in 2005 and was awarded Welsh Woman of the Year in 2000.

Rhys Davies said: “Having worked as a GP within the NHS I fully understand and respect the wonderful work the NHS provides. We are so excited to be supporting the nation’s celebration of the 70th anniversary of the NHS. It is a perfect synergy of values and even timings as the International Eisteddfod celebrated its 70th last year; the NHS has enriched all our lives with vital medical and our festival enriches lives though music."

Hundreds of competitors from 28 countries are taking part in the Eisteddfod.

Famous names taking part in evening concerts include Van Morrison on Friday and the Kaiser Chiefs, Toploader and the Hoosiers at Llanfest on Sunday.

For more information or to book tickets visit llangollen.net or contact the box office.