Eisteddfod ticket sales bucking recession

Bosses at Llangollen's internationally renowned eisteddfod are hoping for a record number of visitors as people opt to holiday at home because of the recession.

The annual Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod will take place from July 6 to 12.

Mervyn Cousins, eisteddfod executive director, said: "Ticket sales for this year's festival are selling well with almost all tickets sold for International Children's Day on the Tuesday, July 7.

"We have also seen an increase on ticket sales for Wednesday's International Song and Dance Day and Saturday's International Family Day compared with sales for this time last year.

"The uptake on ticket sales for Saturday's Family Day suggests families are choosing to spend their holiday time in the UK."

Mr Cousins said this year festival bosses had made a conscious effort to appeal to their local audience.

"We have extended this year's festival programme with an extra day of activities on July 12, free to Sunday concert ticket holders, and the opening gala on July 6 is also an exciting new addition for the evening concert schedule," he said.

"We are hoping this year's programme will appeal to our local and regional communities, as well as our many overseas visitors.

"This year there will be more overseas performers due to the improved cost levels of visas making it easier for competitors to travel."

Alun Ffred Jones, Assembly heritage minister, said: "Llangollen Festival has always had a large impact on the tourist map of Wales, with 50,000 international performers and festival-goers visiting Llangollen each year."