A tree of peace has been launched at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod to celebrate the founding vision of the festival.

The tree of peace idea was launched at the eisteddfod yesterday by its president, human rights campaigner Terry Waite CBE. In exchange for a small donation, people can dedicate their own messages to the concept of peace which is pinned on the tree – the funds will go to the eisteddfod.

These messages will be collected at the end of the festival and recorded in a booklet available for people to purchase – the proceeds of which will allow the eisteddfod to continue its work in bringing the nations of the world together.

Mr Waite was the first to pin a message to the tree. It read: “Let us seek for peace and justice.”

Mr Waite said it was poignant to be at the event at a time when a British general and Welsh guards had lost their lives in Afghanistan.

He said: “I express my deepest sympathy to the families of those who have lost those for whom they have great care and affection, not only for our guards but all who have suffered.

“It is very sad indeed we resort to war before any other option has been tried. War should be an absolute last resort.”

Mr Waite went on to praise the eisteddfod and said he remembered music during his time in captivity to get “inner harmony”.

The launch also included a performance by Virginia Barrett who performed One Voice which she composed especially for the eisteddfod.

She said: “I came here last year and I was so inspired by the event and its commitment to peace. I wrote this song which the organisers seem to have taken to their hearts.”

Mr Waite went on to receive a £2,000 cheque on behalf of the eisteddfod committee from Lions Club International, who’s donation helped bring a group from the Czech Republic to the festival.

He also received a wooden bench from Soroptimist International, in memory of Linda Bond, a member in Nantwich.