The Llangollen International Eisteddfod has opened applications for soloists and instrumentalists for next year's festival.

The festival will take place from July 8 to 13, 2025.

It will feature seven solo competitions, 18 group competitions, and four non-competitive ways for musicians to take part.

The festival has also introduced youth versions of its Voice of the Future and Voice of Musical Theatre competitions to encourage younger singers to participate.

The decision was made following overwhelming feedback from audiences and competitors in 2024.

The Eisteddfod’s International Voice of the Future competition is always one of the highlights of the festival, which has existed since 1947 to promote peace through music and dance.

The 2024 Pendine International Voice of the Future winner was Shimona Rose, a soprano from Singapore, with the competition being sponsored by Pendine Park, a care organisation that supports numerous cultural initiatives locally.

The Voice of Musical Theatre competition was won in 2024 by Shea Ferron, a member of celebrated local choir Johns’ Boys Male Chorus.

The Llangollen International Eisteddfod opened its group applications last month.

Applications have already been received from choirs from the USA, Zimbabwe, Philippines, Denmark, Portugal, and Canada, as well as dance groups from Burundi, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Morocco, and the Republic of Congo, and ensembles from Australia and Ghana.

Dave Danford, artistic director of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, said: "Every year our festival attracts some of the most talented singers, dancers, musicians and choirs from around the world.

"We've been delighted with the response from every corner of the globe for our group competitions this year, and we are now pleased to be opening applications for our solo competitions.

"After listening to feedback from our audiences, we have launched exciting new competitions for young people.

"We want to bring the best young talent in the world to Llangollen and our standards remain incredibly high.

"We look forward to welcoming all our competitors next July, as North East Wales once again becomes a vibrant destination for music and dance."