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What have a milkman and the Nobel Peace Prize have in common?

To answer this little conundrum we have to go back to the village of Coedpoeth, near Wrexham, in 1946 in a world still recovering from the ravages of the Second World War.

It was here that a British Council officer by the name of Harold Tudor heard his local milkman singing on his rounds early one morning. Mr Tudor instantly had a vision of creating a festival that would bring all the nations of the world together in peace and harmony through music, an idea that lead to the creation of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

This unique festival, modelled on Wales's own National Eisteddfod, was a true community event held in a giant marquee on the towns green. The competitors from the 14 countries who took part in the inaugural event in 1947 were billeted with local families and it was a tremendous success.

Over 60 years on, the International Musical Eisteddfod is famous the world over with around 130 different countries having being represented.

No longer on the village green in a marquee, the event now has its own grounds and Royal International Pavilion, one of the most striking and original buildings throughout Wales.



Many stars have trod the Eisteddfod stage over the years. Pavarotti first competed in his father's choir in 1955 before making a triumphant return 40 years later as one of the greatest tenors that ever lived. His links with the festival are celebrated by the Pavarotti Trophy, an award given to the best choir of the festival.

Others have included Shirley Bassey, Bryn Terfel, Michael Ball, Katherine Jenkins and Jose Carreras.

Oh, and what about that Nobel Peace Prize?

The Festival was nominated by Terry Waite for the Prize in 2004 and reached the final six for consideration, which is some achievement. Will it be nominated again......let's wait and see.

For more information on this years Eisteddfod go to www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk