KEN Skates MS, who represents Clwyd South in the Senedd and is the new Cabinet Minister for Transport and North Wales can’t wait for the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod this summer.   

Ken, also a Vice-President of the festival, has met up with Eisteddfod organisers for an update as they step up plans for the biggest Eisteddfod for generations.  

This year, the Llangollen Eisteddfod has partnered with promoters Cuffe and Taylor, and are bringing some of the World’s biggest artists to the town with Bryan Adams arriving in just 50 days-time. 

In June and July, the likes of Kaiser Chiefs, Jess Glynne, Nile Rodgers & Chic and Simple Minds are all heading to Llangollen. 

There are major concerts before and after the core Eisteddfod. The core Eisteddfod takes place from 2-7 July – with Tom Jones making his Llangollen debut, followed by concerts by Welsh folk heroes Calan, Britain’s Got Talent Semi-Finalists Johns Boys Chorus, West End stars Kerry Ellis and John Owen-Jones, double GRAMMY award winning Gregory Porter, the internationally renowned Choir of the World, finishing with a Gala Concert from Katherine Jenkins. 

The Eisteddfod will also welcome over 3,000 competitors from over 30 countries with its popular Parade of Nations, it’s Children’s Day, popular outdoor stages and much more.

Ken Skates MS is a Paloma Faith fan and is looking forward to seeing local choir – John’s Boy’s Chorus. 

Ken said: “Everyone in Llangollen and North Wales is super excited about this year’s changes at International Musical Eisteddfod.  I can’t wait to attend. It is a fantastic occasion and this year is going to better than ever.”

When quizzed about which concert he is looking forward to – Ken said, “I’ve been to see Paloma Faith before – so I’m going to say Paloma Faith because she is phenomenal. Coming from North Wales, how could I not mention as well – Johns Boys!”

Llangollen Eisteddfod Board Member David Hennigan said: “It was great to update Ken on our exciting plans for this summer. 

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"Ken has been and remains a huge supporter of our peace festival.  We were pleased to congratulate him on becoming Cabinet Minister for North Wales and Transport. 

"This year, we are set to welcome tens of thousands of extra visitors to our wonderful town and we are pleased to enjoy continued support from the Senedd. 

"Every summer since 1947, something magical happens in Llangollen - we are a small town with a big voice and this year our festival will be bigger and better.”