A packed programme of music gigs and a visit from a foreign delegation kick-off a celebration of three decades of Ruthin Festival.

Festivities will launch with a concert by Welsh folk supergroup Pedair and Bala folk singers Eryrod Meirion and there is a full schedule of events throughout the week.

Among the visitors will be a 35-strong delegation from Ruthin's twin town of Briec, in Brittany, which has been connected to Ruthin for 31 years.

They bring with them the Briec Bagad - a traditional Breton bagpipe band who will perform at the Festival - including at the closing Top of the Town event.

"I’m delighted our friends from Briec will be with us in Ruthin once again," said Ruthin Mayor, Cllr Jabez Oakes.

"They will be performing at local schools and venues during the festival, as well as enjoying some of the delights of Ruthin and North Wales."

The visit has been supported by Ruthin Artisan Markets, which is planning major renovation work to the Market Hall and Town Hall complex in the town centre to bring it back into community use. 

‘The Breton delegation, including the Bagad, attending the festival is great for the town," said Ruthin Festival committee Vice Chair Jim Bryan. "It is widely hoped the visit will generate new interest in Ruthin’s link with Briec."

As part of the visit, a new football kit will be unveiled as part of a partnership between Ruthin Town Football Club and Ruthin Festival. Featuring both Welsh and Breton symbols, it was designed by a pupil at Ysgol Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd.

Pedair and Eryrod Meirion get the Ruthin Festival underway at Theatr John Ambrose on Friday, June 21.

Events will then take place right through until Saturday, June 29 celebrating Welsh poetry, singing and music and finishing with the Top of the Town event.

"We have a really good programme of events this year culminating in the Top of Town event on St Peters Square," said Festival Chair Gwion Tomos-Jones.

"The committee of volunteers that organises the festival has worked particularly hard to organise a fantastic week and a number of new projects."

Festival merchandise and a full programme of events is available at www.gwylrhuthunfest.cymru.