Colourful start as thousands flock to Eisteddfod's opening parade
The streets of Llangollen were packed as thousands of people turned out to watch the International Musical Eisteddfod's traditional opening parade.
With temperatures well into 80s competitors from across the globe marched through the heart of the town, watched by what organisers have described as one of the largest crowds in years.
The parade kicks off the international cultural festival every year in the picturesque town near the Shropshire border.
A rainbow array of banners and national flags fluttered above the crowds as singers and dancers from a host of nations walked in procession from the Eisteddfod field into the town centre where the main roads had been closed off for the occasion. Heading the parade, which took around 20 minutes to pass by, was the Welsh dragon flag.
Pace for the big parade was set by some stirring tunes from Llangollen Silver Band.
There was an especially warm welcome for Eisteddfod President Terry Waite who smiled broadly as he drove past in a red open-topped Triumph Herald.
Eisteddfod review - See today's Shropshire Star
