HUNDREDS of excited youngsters from schools across North Wales packed into the Pavilion on Tuesday to hear Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod’s peace message delivered from the main stage.

The message represents the ethos of the Eisteddfod, which was founded in 1947 to foster peace and reconciliation through music in the aftermath of World War Two, and is a highlight of Children’s Day on the festival’s first day.

Written this year by Eisteddfod volunteer Elen Mair Roberts, the peace message was delivered by the pupils of three schools in the area – Ysgol Pentre, Froncysyllte County Primary and Garth Primary.

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It began: “Peace is like a calm river that flows gently through our lives, bringing harmony and happiness. It means treating each other with kindness, respect and understanding.”

It finished: “Even small acts of kindness, like helping a friend or sharing a smile, can make a big difference.

“We should embrace diversity and celebrate our differences. Each person is unique, and that’s what makes our world so beautiful.”

The message ended with the song We Are the Future of Tomorrow, by Patsy Ford Simms, arranged for the Eisteddfod by Elen Mair Roberts and orchestrated by Eisteddfod artistic director, Dave Danford.

Earlier, the young crowd had been treated to performances by Indian martial arts group Paallam Arts CIC, which saw the children cheer loudly as they went through a hectic fighting routine with sticks.

This was followed by a song-and-dance routine from the Pathway Group of Zimbabwe and an interactive bilingual performance by storyteller Tamar Eluned Williams, accompanied by a four-piece ensemble of musicians from Sinfonia Cymru on harp, violin, percussion and guitar.

This told a tale from deep in the woods of long ago and had the children in the audience joining in loudly – in English and Welsh – whenever promoted from the stage. 

The same performances and the peace message were repeated for an equally large group of children later in the day.

Dave Danford said: “The annual peace message is a wonderful tradition going back to the very beginning of the festival which embodies the true ethos of the Eisteddfod; that of peace and understanding through music and dance. 

“This year, it was beautifully and thoughtfully delivered by young people themselves to two very large and appreciative audiences.”