Gipsy Kings featuring Andre Reyes in Llangollen

The Gipsy Kings featuring Andre Reyes, France’s most successful group of all time, will be sambaing down the streets of Llangollen this Friday, hot on the heels from their sell-out concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

The group will bring their energetic set with infectious Latin rhythms to Llangollen Eisteddfod for the very first time on Friday 5th July. Audiences will be wowed by a heady concoction of rumba, flamenco and salsa combined with contemporary pop music, perfect for anybody who loves to dance.

Hailing from the south of France, they first captured the world’s imagination in 1987 with a self-titled album that became a genuine phenomenon, certified gold and platinum around the globe. Throughout their hugely successful career they’ve introduced millions of listeners to a unique, irresistible blend of traditional flamenco styles with Western pop and Latin rhythms through globally-popular singles such as Bamboléo and Volare.

The week-long festival line-up features some of the world’s most internationally renowned musicians including French-Mexican star tenor, Rolando Villazón, Uk’s most popular pianist, Jools Holland, and award-winning Celtic music band, Jamie Smith’s MABON.

Music Director of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod , Edward-Rhys Harry, said: “We are proud that this year’s festival line-up spans genres and generations, crossing the boundaries of age, culture and creed. There really is something for everyone.”

Tickets can be purchased online at www.llangollen.net or via the box office.

Full evening concert line-up:

Monday 1^st July – Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra

Sponsored by Kronospan 

Returning festival favourite and Vice President of the Eisteddfod, Jools Holland, will entertain the Royal Pavilion audience with his legendary Rhythm and Blues Orchestra on Monday 1^st July. The jazz, blues and swing showstopper will launch the 2019 concert series with an unforgettable toe-tapping extravaganza of live music.

Tuesday 2^nd July – Classical Gala with Rolando Villazón and guests

Sponsored by Pendine Park 

One of the music world’s most critically acclaimed tenors, Rolando Villazón will debut his phenomenal voice on the Llangollen stage. Villazón, who is known for his uniquely compelling performances with leading opera houses around the world, will be joined by the magnificent Welsh lyric soprano Rhian Lois for a spectacular evening of operatic greats.

Wednesday 3^rd July – Saints and Singers: The Music of Wales

Wales has a world-wide reputation for its choral music, and Wednesday’s evening performance will showcase the Land of Song at its very best, with supreme Welsh vocalists Shân Cothi and Rhodri Prys Jones, accompanied by the British Sinfonietta Orchestra. Audiences will be treated to two rare opportunities: the premiere of a brand new piece for tenor, chorus and orchestra by Dr Edward-Rhys Harry, and the sheer majesty of the incredible cantata ‘Saint Teilo’ by William Mathias CBE. The evening promises to be a tremendously dramatic celebration of traditional music from Wales, bursting with glorious melodies and powerful operatic choruses.

Thursday 4^th July – International Celebration with Jamie Smith’s MABON 

Sponsored by Denbighshire County Council and Westminster Stone 

International competitors from all over the world will come together in a vibrant carnival of cultures to showcase the very best from across the globe, as they weave through the audience with their giant flags in a vivacious display of international unity and friendship.

The evening will commemorate the International Eisteddfod’s unique founding values of sharing music, dance, peace and friendship, with the poignant Peace Message and the annual Rotary Peace Award.

Special guests for the evening, multi-award winning band, Jamie Smith’s MABON, will bring their distinctive self-styled sound to get feet tapping with their interpretation of Celtic traditions, refreshingly combining heritage with their contemporary sound.

Friday 5^th July – Gipsy Kings featuring Andre Reyes 

Sponsored by Linguassist

 Hailing from the south of France, the group will bring their energetic set with infectious Latin rhythms to Llangollen for the very first time. Their music is warm, exuberant and hugely popular with trademark hits such as Bamboleo and Volare.

Audiences will be wowed by a heady concoction of rumba, flamenco and salsa combined with contemporary pop music, perfect for anybody who loves to dance.

Saturday 6^th July – Choir of the World

Sponsored by Aldi 

In a live televised concert, the festival’s competitions will reach their exciting climax on Saturday, with the finest choirs from across the globe battling for the highly sought after Choir of the World 2019 title and the prestigious Pavarotti Trophy. Those taking part in the dance categories will participate in the breath-taking Dance Champions of the World 2019 finals, competing for the coveted Lucille Armstrong Dance Award. The evening will include a very special appearance from Royal Harpist, Catrin Finch.

Sunday 7^th July – Llanfest 2019

Scottish indie rockers The Fratellis, best known for their worldwide smash Chelsea Dagger, Mistress Mabel and Whistle for the Choir, will headline Llanfest alongside Merseyside music legends The Coral, with their chart-topping tracks Dreaming of You, Pass it On and In the Morning.

Joining the high energy line-up will be Leeds-based indie icons The Pigeon Detectives, with the likes of This is an Emergency, Take Her Back and I Found Out, as well as pop rock trio Dodgy, with nostalgic nineties hits Staying out for the Summer and Good Enough to open the main stage headliners.