Renowned singer and actor Alfie Boe says he "can't wait" to return to North Wales as he gets set to headline Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod this summer.
Alfie, who has appeared at the cultural festival on several occasions, said fans will be treated to "fantastic bloody music" with a hand-picked programme created just for Llangollen.
The star will open the event alongside Britain's Got Talent semi-finalists Welsh of the West End at a glitzy evening concert on Tuesday, July 4.
Supported by Welsh of the West End - which is made up of some of Wales' own home-grown talent - Alfie said fans are in for a great night.
He said: "Performing in Llangollen is very exciting because it's a real buzz.
"There's a great musical atmosphere - everybody's there from around the world celebrating music and culture and it's a wonderful thing to be a part of.
"The last few times I've been, I've loved every minute.”
Alfie is gearing up for his UK tour this September and said he has lots in the pipeline including a book and a new album.
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Welsh of the West End star Steffan Hughes from Llangwyfan near Denbigh, who has been a Youth Ambassador for Llangollen Eisteddfod and also presented the S4C coverage of the festival in 2019, said appearing at the festival with Alfie is a real "full circle moment" having competed in the event for many years growing up.
He said: "The Llangollen International Eisteddfod holds a dear place in my heart. A truly unique festival, that I had the privilege of representing as a youth ambassador in my teens.
"We represented Wales on an international stage through our appearance on Britain’s Got Talent, but there’s truly no place like home - and as a Denbighshire boy myself, I’m thrilled to be singing on home turf. We'll be performing some of our favourite songs from the world of musical theatre and film."
Fellow members, Jade Davies from Denbigh, sister of Love Island winner Amber Davies, and Mared Wiliams from Llannefydd, who alongside Steffan, all went to Ysgol Glan Clwyd in St Asaph said they are also excited for the event.
Llangollen Eisteddfod executive producer Camilla King said: "There was a lot of excitement last year when we came back for the first time since 2019 but people then were still cautious about covid and travel, whereas this year, everyone's ready to be back out there celebrating.”
On the Eisteddfod line-up will be well known jazz performer and conductor, Guy Barker with his Big Band on Friday, July 7, collaborating with top soloists such as Tommy Blaize, lead singer on Strictly Come Dancing, and soul and jazz musicians, Clare Teal, Giacomo Smith and Vanessa Haynes performing a one-off set.
Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod runs between July 4 and 9, and features a combination of competition and performance with choirs competing for the coveted Choir of the World title and the Pavarotti Trophy.
Each year around 4,000 participants take to the stage with around 25,000 visitors attending.
The Eisteddfod will also crown the 2023 dance champions with the Lucille Armstrong Trophy, in addition to the Pendine International Voice of the Future event.
Tickets are available online at www.llangollen.net or on 01978 862001.
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