The Llangollen International Eisteddfod has opened applications for soloists and instrumentalists for its 2025 festival.

The festival, which will be held between Tuesday, July 8 and Sunday, July 13 2025, will feature seven solo competitions, 18 group contests, and four non-competitive participation opportunities.

It is open to 'the world's best soloists and musicians.'

Youth versions of the Voice of the Future and Voice of Musical Theatre competitions have been launched this year to encourage more young singers to participate.

The International Voice of the Future competition is a major highlight of the festival, which has been used to 'promote peace through music and dance' since 1947.

Last year, the Pendine International Voice of the Future was won by Shimona Rose, a soprano from Singapore.

The Voice of Musical Theatre was won in 2024 by Shea Ferron, a member of the local choir Johns’ Boys Male Chorus.

The Eisteddfod opened its group applications last month and has already received entries from choirs around the world, including the USA, Zimbabwe, the Philippines, Denmark, Portugal, and Canada.

Dance groups from Burundi, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Morocco, and the Republic of Congo, as well as ensembles from Australia and Ghana, have also applied.

Dave Danford, artistic director of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, said: "Every year our festival attracts some of the most talented singers, dancers, musicians and choirs from around the world.

"We've been delighted with the response from every corner of the globe for our group competitions this year, and we are now pleased to be opening applications for our solo competitions.

"After listening to feedback from our audiences, we have launched exciting new competitions for young people.

"We want to bring the best young talent in the world to Llangollen and our standards remain incredibly high.

"We look forward to welcoming all our competitors next July, as North East Wales once again becomes a vibrant destination for music and dance."