Llangollen Eisteddfod seeks diverse groups for 2025 festival

Supported by Arts Council Wales, the Community Rhythms and Roots project seeks to explore the multicultural and multilingual landscape of modern Wales and unlock the creative potential of its communities.

The project reflects the Llangollen International Eisteddfod’s heritage and is aligned with the organisation’s ambition of using arts and culture to unite diverse communities in a 'spirit of peace and friendship.'

Organisers are seeking diverse groups and communities across Wales interested in sharing their stories with both Wales and the world through music, dance, and literature.

The six selected applicants will present their performances at the 2025 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Each group will be supported by professional artists who will provide each group with dance, music, and literature training.

All six groups will work with external partners such as the National Dance Company of Wales, Literature Across Frontiers, other professional partners, and freelance artists.

They will receive expert support to develop their storytelling skills and goals, along with financial assistance to help present their productions at Llangollen in July 2025.

Project director Garffild Lloyd Lewis said: "In 2024, our pilot project gave three groups from the Newport Chinese Community, the Cardiff Sudanese Community and a youth group from Wrexham the opportunity to perform at one of Wales’ most prestigious festivals.

The Urdd Group were selected to perform as part of the pilot project in 2024  (Image: Supplied) "This year, we have really stepped things up and we can’t wait to work with six groups from across multi-cultural Wales.

"Every community has an amazing story to tell and we are delighted to be giving them the opportunity on one of the biggest stages in Wales.

"The project leaders will provide all the support and assistance that groups need – all we need is a creative idea from your group that will represent a multicultural, multilingual and diverse community in Wales.

"All we want is a commitment to a timetable that will involve rehearsals from January 2025 onwards, a community performance in early summer and a showcase event staged at the Llangollen Eisteddfod on Wednesday the 9th of July, 2025."

Groups wanting to represent their communities on a world stage, experiment with different art forms and perform in their own language can learn more at international-eisteddfod.co.uk/get-involved/community-rhythm-and-roots.