West End and Broadway sensation Alfie Boe will open the Llangollen International Eisteddfod today as the first of the headliners at the festival.
The theatre award-winning actor - best known for his performances as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables the musical - will be joined by his ensemble of musicians , performing his best loved songs.
This year’s event, which runs from Tuesday, July 3 until Sunday, July 8 will see as many as 50,000 visitors from around the world coming to the picturesque Denbighshire town.
The full programme of events includes live performances from chart toppers the Kaiser Cheifs, legendary Irish singer/songwriter Van Morrison and hit rockers Toploader.
Spanning “genres and generations”, this year’s lineup has been dreamt up by new music director and Greek pianist Vicky Yannoula.
The 39-year-old who replaced former MD Eilir Griffiths earlier this year said the 2018 lineup “reflects the musical excellence and diversity” of the event.
The musical extravaganza also features baroque instrumental group Red Priest and award-winning Welsh folk band Calan.
Once again, the annual festival will see performances from the finalists of the renowned International Voice of the Future Competition.
Competitors will battle it out for the prestigious classical title, and a share of the £10,000 prize fund.
International competitors from across the globe will unite for the third day of the festival for the famous Procession of the Nations, which sees thousands of giant flags parade through the town.
Winners of the week’s main choral competitions will compete for the titles of Choir of the World 2018 and the Pavarotti Trophy in a heated finale on July 7.
Emerging bands, other musicians and street performers from across the globe will also put on live performances over the week-long event.
Sunday, July 8 will see the finale party Llanfest kick off with performances from multi-platinum indie pop legends Kaiser Chiefs, supported by renowned pop rock band, The Hoosiers and nineties icons, Toploader.
Julia Baird, John Lennon’s sister, will also be the first person ever to be honoured as the Day President for Llanfest, the closing day of the International Eisteddfod. The day also marks the 50th anniversary of the release of Yellow Submarine.
Last year's event marked the 70th anniversary of the event, and saw a spectacular live performance from Welsh rockers Manic Street Preachers.
The Llangollen International Eisteddfod runs from July 3 - 8. You can view the full programme of events and book tickets here .
