Thousands of competitors from across the world were today arriving on the Shropshire/Welsh border for this year’s Llangollen’s International Musical Eisteddfod.

The six-day extravaganza brings together some of the top names of the classical music scene, with the best amateur choirs and dance groups from around the globe.

Two of the highlights of the 2008 festival are tomorrow’s gala opening concert, starring West End favourite, Elaine Page, and the concert featuring all girl classical group, All Angels, with Shropshire’s Melanie Nakhla.

The Eisteddfod opens with a Children’s Day when about 8,000 youngsters are expected to pour on the festival field and into the Royal International Pavilion. Children from village schools along the north Shropshire/Welsh border, including Penley and Hanmer, will deliver the annual peace message.

Wednesday is the traditional Folk Day at the Eisteddfod with Thursday a Youth Day and Friday the now popular Celtic Day. Saturday is a Family Day on the festival field as well as the competition for the male voice choirs during the day and prestigious Choir of the World competition.The Eisteddfod ends on Sunday with opera featuring Alfie Boe, Elin Manahan Thomas and David Kempster.