Llangollen: Eisteddfod gains control of Pavilion, promising new opportunities

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is set to gain more control over the Llangollen Pavilion as a new management arrangement is introduced.

The change will allow the festival to expand its activities beyond its annual event and create opportunities for year-round entertainment in the town.

Currently, the Pavilion is managed by Denbighshire Leisure Limited (DLL), but under the new agreement, the Eisteddfod will assume responsibility through a lease from Denbighshire County Council, subject to agreed terms.

 The move is expected to give the festival greater flexibility to develop the venue and attract more events to benefit Llangollen and the wider northeast Wales region.

John Gambles, chairman of the International Musical Eisteddfod, welcomed the change: “We would like to thank Denbighshire Leisure Ltd. for being custodians of the Llangollen Pavilion and for their ready co-operation managing the transition. This new arrangement with Denbighshire County Council provides a huge opportunity for the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod as we move towards our aim of becoming an all-year-round organisation for the benefit of local people and visitors.”

The Pavilion is already set to host a range of major concerts this summer, with performances from Texas, Rag’n’Bone Man, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, James, The Script, Olly Murs, and The Human League.

The annual Eisteddfod, taking place from 8-13 July 2025, will see 4,000 competitors from 35 countries arrive in Llangollen. The festival’s concert lineup includes performances by Roger Daltrey, KT Tunstall, Il Divo, and Sir Bryn Terfel, as well as a special event celebrating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

With greater control over the Pavilion, the Eisteddfod will continue its collaboration with live music and event promoters Cuffe and Taylor to bring in more entertainment acts in the future. Gambles highlighted the economic benefits of past events: “Last summer’s concerts, including performances by Sir Tom Jones, Manic Street Preachers and Bryan Adams, delivered huge economic benefits to Llangollen. This is something we will expand for the benefit of our wider region.”

The new arrangement will not involve additional costs but will streamline management by reducing the number of parties involved.

DLL Managing Director Jamie Groves said: “The team has worked closely with Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Denbighshire County Council to ensure a seamless handover for everyone involved and we’re delighted that everything has transitioned so smoothly.”

Councillor Gwyneth Ellis, Denbighshire’s Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets, also expressed optimism: “Llangollen is already one of the jewels in Denbighshire’s crown and a top-class tourist destination. There are exciting prospects ahead for the town and the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod as it looks to expand the opportunities and the use of the Pavilion. This will bring significant benefits to the whole region.”

The Eisteddfod has assured that all existing bookings at the Pavilion for 2025 will be honoured and is working on additional projects to develop the venue’s future potential.