The Llangollen and Corwen Railway is partnering with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for next month’s music festival in the town.

In addition to musical performances in the town during Eisteddfod Week, train passengers will be entertained during the festival, which runs from Wednesday, 8th July to Sunday, 12th July.

Before then, the Llangollen Railway is holding a Classic Transport Weekend on Saturday, 4th July. As part of that event, the world-famous Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir will perform at a Party in the Park at Glyndyfrdwy Station. The choir was founded in 1947 for the first International Eisteddfod, and it takes place exactly one year after the choir performed on the railway for Nicoletta Mantovani, the widow of Luciano Pavarotti. The Eisteddfod’s link with the railway dates back to the founding of the Eisteddfod.

At the time of the first festival in 1947, Llangollen welcomed thousands of competitors and visitors from around the world, who arrived by train. That tradition continues, with performers once again travelling by train through the Dee Valley.

During the festival, groups of international performers are expected to travel on trains departing from Llangollen at 10.00 am, 12.20 pm and 3.15 pm, and from Corwen at 11.05 am, 1.45 pm and 4.20 pm. The railway suggests that visitors should park at Corwen, enjoy the music, culture, and atmosphere as they travel to Llangollen with one international group, then return to Corwen later to enjoy performances by a different international group.

During the festival, groups of international performers are expected to travel on trains departing from Llangollen at 10.00 am, 12.20 pm and 3.15 pm, and on arrival at Corwen, perform on the station platform at Corwen for approximately 15 minutes. Return trains, with international performers on board, will depart from Corwen at 11.05 am, 1.45 pm and 4.20 pm.

The railway suggests that visitors should park at Corwen, enjoy the music, culture, and atmosphere as they travel to Llangollen with one international group, then return to Corwen later to enjoy performances by a different international group.

On Sunday, the prestigious Male Voice Choir Competition is being sponsored by the Llangollen and Corwen Railway, with the winners being presented with their trophy by Wayne Ronneback, the Corwen Station Master, and his wife, Sue.

At the beginning of June, the Llangollen Railway partnered with a garden railway festival held in the town.

“Corwen Station is a gateway to the Dee Valley, and we’re delighted to welcome performers from around the world to our platform. Visitors will be able to enjoy outstanding music and dance in a unique setting while travelling on one of Britain’s most scenic heritage railways. With international performances, special guests and plenty of surprises planned throughout the week, there will be something new to discover every day. “It will also be a great honour for Sue and I to present the trophy to the winners of the Male Voice Choir Competition on behalf of the railway, further strengthening the links between our two organisations.”

Wayne Ronneback, Corwen Station Master