MORE than 4,000 dance, choral and instrumental artists from around the world are set to perform at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in 2020.

Competition entries soon open for the annual festival of traditional arts and culture which returns to the Dee Valley town for the 73rd next year. Organisers have welcomed artists from 50 countries since it was established in the aftermath of the Second World War in 1947 with the aim to use the ancient traditional Welsh eisteddfod to encourage international reconciliation.

It is staged in fields around the Llangollen Pavilion and at different locations in the town.

To mark the International Day of Peace on Saturday, September 21 the Eisteddfod will launch its application process for its traditional musical competitions including male and female voice choirs, instrumentalist ensembles, the conductor’s prize, young instrumentalists, children’s choirs and the prestigious best overall choir.

There are also dancing competitions including choreographed and contemporary dance, traditional folk-dance groups, traditional street dance and the overall dance champions.

Dr Edward-Rhys Harry, artistic director of the Eisteddfod, said: “The arts have always been an influential means to bring people of all nationalities together and we have been showcasing outstanding talent now for over 70 years.

"It is always important for the festival to encourage and promote the message of peace throughout the week so we are delighted to launch our competitions on International Day of Peace.

“The Eisteddfod truly is a unique week where lifelong friendships are made and Wales welcomes the world to our beautiful home in Llangollen.”

A highlight of the 2019 festival was the Cultural Showcase award, won by the Loughgiel Folk Dancers from Northern Ireland, followed by the Mother Touch Dance Group from Zimbabwe. Meanwhile the top Choir of the World title was claimed by the Johns’ Boys Male Chorus from Rhosllannerchrugog, in south Clwyd.

Application deadlines vary from November to April depending on the competition.

For more information and to apply, visit www.eisteddfodcompetitions.co.uk or call the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod on 01978 862000.