Elaine Paige for eisteddfod

West End musical star Elaine Paige and the popular All Angels are just some of the big names who will be performing at this year's Llangollen Eisteddfod, it was revealed today.

It will mean a chance to perform on stage close to her home for Shrewsbury's own All Angel, Melanie Nakhla.

She will be following in the footsteps of such great names as Pavarotti, Shirley Bassey and violinist Nigel Kennedy - all of whom have starred at the Eisteddfod.

Also appearing this year will be Chirk's David Kempster, English National Opera's principal baritone.

The week-long festival - one of the world's biggest global celebrations of music and dance - will play host to a glittering array of new and established international stars when it opens on July 8.

Elaine Paige, the First Lady of British musical theatre, will bring her Anniversary Concert to Llangollen for the first night gala evening, while the All Angels will perform at the Friday evening concert.

Llangollen's traditional season-ending Opera Gala Evening on Sunday, July 13, features three brilliant young soloists, Alfie Boe, Swansea' soprano Elin Manahan Thomas, and David Kempster from nearby Chirk performing with the acclaimed Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera.

Gwyn L Williams, outgoing chief executive of the Eisteddfod, said: "The ability Llangollen has continually to attract the very best of international performers, such as Elaine Paige, is a true recognition of the festival's reputation, both here and abroad."