The curtain has come down on this year’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, but organisers are already looking ahead to a landmark celebration in 2027 as the festival prepares to mark its 80th anniversary.

The first major events for the milestone year have now been announced, with global music icon Jools Holland and internationally acclaimed opera stars Sir Bryn Terfel, Natalya Romaniw and Noah Stewart set to headline two spectacular concerts at the Llangollen Pavilion.

The special anniversary programme will celebrate eight decades of music, friendship and international understanding, while recognising the festival’s unique place on the world stage.

The first event unveiled will be Llangollen 80: Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, taking place on Thursday July 8, 2027.

Jools Holland will be joined by special guest Roachford, alongside acclaimed vocalists Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka, for an evening featuring the celebrated mix of rhythm and blues, jazz, boogie-woogie and rock ‘n’ roll that has made him one of Britain’s most popular performers.

A musician, pianist, bandleader and broadcaster, Jools Holland has enjoyed a career spanning more than four decades, from his early success with Squeeze to his long-running BBC series Later... with Jools Holland.

His return to Llangollen will be particularly special, with Jools having a long-standing relationship with the festival as a supporter and Vice-President of the Eisteddfod, having performed to thousands of festival-goers over the years.

The anniversary celebrations will continue with the Llangollen 80: Anniversary Gala Concert on Saturday July 10, 2027.

The spectacular event will bring together some of the finest voices in opera, with Sir Bryn Terfel, Natalya Romaniw and Noah Stewart performing alongside the Llangollen International Orchestra and massed male voice choirs.

The specially curated programme will feature operatic favourites, great choral works and unique collaborations, reflecting the rich musical heritage of the Eisteddfod and its continued ability to bring performers and audiences together from across the globe.

The two concerts represent the first major announcement for the festival’s 80th anniversary celebrations, with further events expected to be revealed in the coming months.

Tickets will be available through a phased release. Friends of the Eisteddfod will have access from 10am on Tuesday July 28, followed by a pre-sale from 10am on Wednesday July 29. General ticket sales will open at 10am on Friday July 31 through the festival website.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Chairman John Gambles said the anniversary year represented a unique opportunity to celebrate the festival’s history and future.

He said: “Our 80th anniversary is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Llangollen so special, and these two concerts perfectly reflect both our heritage and our future.

“These will be two truly special world-class events that will launch our anniversary celebrations in spectacular style, and we're delighted to welcome such outstanding artists to Llangollen as we celebrate 80 remarkable years.”

Artistic Director Dave Danford said the concerts would highlight the festival’s long-standing musical traditions while bringing some of the world’s finest performers to the town.

He said: “Jools Holland has a wonderful connection with Llangollen and always creates an incredible atmosphere, while our Anniversary Gala Concert brings together some of the finest voices in opera alongside the proud Welsh choral tradition that has always been at the heart of our festival.

“We're also thrilled to welcome back Sir Bryn Terfel, whose unforgettable celebration of sea songs and Welsh heritage was one of the highlights of last year's Eisteddfod. As one of Wales' greatest musical ambassadors and a longstanding friend of Llangollen, his return makes this anniversary year even more special.”

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod’s 80th anniversary in 2027 will mark another chapter in the festival’s remarkable history, continuing its tradition of using music and culture to unite communities and nations from around the world.