Cheers for colourful parade

Wednesday 11th July 2007, 11:46AM BST.

Irish competitors during the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod parade Thousands of spectators lined the streets of Llangollen for the annual spectacular opening parade of the International Musical Eisteddfod, featuring performers from around the globe.

They sung, danced and played music through the streets, which were closed off in in the town centre yesterday.

Spectators cheered and waved flags as the performers made their way from the eisteddfod ground and did a lap of honour around the town.

The parade was led by George Hughes, Llangollen mayor, inn a horse and carriage, followed by Llangollen primary school pupils and the Llangollen Silver Band.

Others in the parade included choirs from the Czech Republic, Iowa, Spain, dancers from Georgia and India and Terry Waite, eisteddfod president.

Gwyn L Williams, eisteddfod chief executive, said:”The best part of the day was the gospel choir performing on the outside stage, listened to by 1,500 primary school kids, and sitting on top of her bus was Joan Baez who was listening and enjoying the music. Where else but Llangollen would you get that?”

Today is International Song and Dance Day, with the Window of the World concert tonight.

Tens of thousands of people are for what organisers say is the “most colourful” day of the world-famous event. About 10,000 musicians, singers and visitors are set to flock to the second day of the annual event.

View more: Mid Wales news, Oswestry news.