Llangollen’s International Musical Eisteddfod hit by recession

Wednesday 6th July 2011, 3:41PM BST.

Llangollen’s International Musical Eisteddfod has been hit by the world recession and visa problems.

Almost half of the 54 international groups that wanted to take part in the week-long festival have had to withdraw, many because of lack of money.

But organisers say the eisteddfod still has top quality competitors taking part.

Among the 20 choirs or dance troupes that pulled out were those from Greece and Algeria and the 50-strong Ekurhuleni Children’s Choir from South Africa.

Overseas liaison officer, Brian Davies said the British High Commission worked hard to ensure visa problems were smoothed out for choir members but choir leader, Neels Dercksen decided it was unfair to leave behind those who couldn’t afford the trip.

“He tried desperately hard to raise the money but in the end was still about £15,000 short. We hope they can come next year. We are in a global recession and people have struggled to find particularly the travel costs,” Mr Davies said. “But we still have most of the British based groups and a good selection of top overseas competitors.”

The sun shone through the economic gloom last night as hundreds of competitors took to the streets of the town for the opening parade, watched by thousands.

African dancers mingled with Asian choirs and Indian dancers while competitors from Australia Canada and the USA handed out flags and sweets to the children enjoying the spectacle Those from across Europe were also represented.

Terry Waite, president of the eisteddfod, joined the procession, accompanied in a vintage car by Alex Pascall, one of the leading lights in London’s Notting Hill Carnival.

l Voice – See Page 12

View more: Llangollen Eisteddfod news.