The idea behind the formation of the International Eisteddfod was first conceived in 1946, immediately after the Second World War, by Harold Tudor, a journalist with the 'Liverpool Daily Post' who was also a regional officer of the British Council. Tudor discussed his idea of holding such an event at Llangollen with W.S. Gwynn Williams, a leading figure in Welsh musical circles and the National Eisteddfod, who was also a music publisher. The two approached the chairman of Llangollen Urban District Council and the proposition was greeted with great enthusiasm. The first International Eisteddfod took place in the town in June 1946 and the event has been held annually in Llangollen ever since.

Every year thousands of people descend on the tiny village of Llangollen for seven magical days of folk music, song and dance by performers from over 50 nations at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and each year 900 volunteers play their part in ensuring that the Eisteddfod runs smoothly thereby giving pure pleasure to numerous fans of the event.As well as the colorful daytime competitions; there are special performances each evening from both competitors and world-renowned artists.

This year The festival ran from July 6-11 and featured musicians from around the world. During each festival at Llangollen's International Pavilion visitors rub shoulders with musicians from across the globe - and all the entertainers wear national dress. In recent years the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has evolved to welcome big name acts for gala concerts onto its previously humble stage.

Pavarotti reportedly calls this small Welsh town his 'spiritual home' after performing there in 1995, 40 years after he first performed publicly at Llangollen in his local choir. Nigel Kennedy, Lesley Garrett and Shirley Bassey have also graced the stage in recent years and last week's festivities saw Aled Jones, the Opera Babes and Michael Ball performing classical and Broadway favourites.

This evolution has been positive for audience figures and necessary for the festival to survive, but the core of the event is still the hundreds of performers who travel from across the globe for the chance to show off their culture.World Music received the most support and organizers have drawn up a programme of these types of events for next year.

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