Llangollen Eisteddfod parade day for royal couple

Gift aid envelopes were being handed out at the Royal International Pavilion as visitors were urged to help the eisteddfod tackle its financial problems.

It was announced last week that the festival was heading for a loss after disappointing ticket sales this year. An urgent global appeal was launched to raise £70,000 to secure the future of the international music event.

With the 70th anniversary on the horizon, organisers are confident the event has a bright long-term future but say they need the cash to get over their short-term difficulties.

A spokesman for the festival said that donations had already been coming in but bosses would not say how well the appeal was doing.

Visa problems have also dogged many of the eisteddfod's overseas competitors this year but last-minute intervention by the Home Office meant that most have reached Llangollen.

Today marks the third visit for the Prince of Wales, the festival's patron, and the second for the Duchess of Cornwall.

During their visit, on the traditional Children's Day, the couple were due to meet competitors before watching the opening day Parade of Nations led by Eisteddfod President Terry Waite. The Prince and the Duchess then watched as the parade set off on its annual route into the town.

It comes as part of a week-long trip to Wales for the royal couple. Among their visits will be a tour of a bakery in Wrexham.

Eisteddfod chairman Gethin Davies

said: "It is a great honour to have Prince Charles here again 30 years after his first visit."

This year will be the 69th year the festival will have been held since it was founded in the aftermath of the Second World War.

Highlights of tomorrow will include the debut of the International Young Musician of the Year and the Children's Choir of the World competitions before former royal harpist Catrin Finch takes to the stage in the evening.

Thursday's competitions include another first, the International Voice of Musical Theatre Trophy before the popular return of Alfie Boe to the evening stage.

Friday's concert star, singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, will be preceded by choral competitions, while the Blue Riband competition, the Choir of the World for the Pavarotti Trophy, is decided on Saturday night as well as the Lucile Armstrong Dance Final.

The eisteddfod will end on Sunday with the Llanfest band event in the afternoon before UB40's Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey reunite on stage.

More details about the Llangollen Eisteddfod is available on its website.