The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is to host an international themed St David’s Day Event to raise money to help fund overseas competitors to the festival.

The event will be held on March 1, and Llangollen Eisteddfod ex-chairman, Gethin Davies, will be Master of Ceremonies sharing messages of support from the festival’s overseas competitors, as well as festival President and humanitarian, Terry Waite CBE.

The traditional format of the Cymanfa Ganu, the congregational singing of hymns, will be conducted by Leigh Mason of Côr Meibion Froncysyllte, and will have an extra international dimension as well as musical items from the Llangollen Silver Band and the James Lambert Singers.

Music director of the festival, Dr Edward-Rhys Harry, said: “The Saint David’s Day event will help to raise vital funds for the bursary fund ensuring that we can welcome as many international competitors to Llangollen in July as possible. It is great to see such talented local performers giving their time to support this cause.

“It is definitely going to be a traditional event not to be missed and is most certainly the perfect excuse to celebrate both Welsh culture and international inclusivity.”

Dr Rhys Davies said: “After a very busy but exciting few weeks at the Llangollen Eisteddfod announcing our full line-up for 2019 and tickets going on sale, we are looking forward to hosting a special twist to this St David’s Day tradition.

“We’re thrilled with this year’s festival line-up and our St David’s Day fundraiser will bring people together to take part in a musical celebration, which is what the Eisteddfod is all about. It promises to be a great evening”.

The celebration will take place at 7pm at St Collen’s Church in Llangollen and everybody is welcome.

Tickets for the St David’s Day celebration are available from the Eisteddfod box office by calling 01978 862 001 or from the tourist information centre in Llangollen.

Tickets are priced at £5, which includes entry, a programme and a wide range of refreshments. For further information please visit www.llangollen.net.