Katherine Jenkins to star at this year’s Llangollen Festival

Jul 1 2010 Chester Chronicle

Opera sensation Katherine Jenkins is preparing for the Llangollen “thrill” as she gears up for this year’s opening gala concert.

The stunner, who has performed for the Queen, the Pope and former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, said nothing compares to performing on home turf.

Now she is on her way to North Wales to wow audiences at the Llangollen Festival on July 5.

“It’s such a thrill to be back at Llangollen,” said the star.

“The Llangollen International Eisteddfod is such a unique event because it brings so many people together from all over the world to create a wonderful week of international friendship and harmony – and it all takes place here in Wales.

“It makes me so proud. I really can’t wait to step out on that stage once again and be part of this fantastic festival.”

She added: “There’s always something special about singing in Wales, and especially in an International Welsh Eisteddfod.

“I was lucky to have been invited to sing at the National Eisteddfod in 2006 and, of course, in the Llangollen International Festival in the same year.

“Now I am truly honoured to be invited back to perform at the opening gala concert for this year’s Llangollen festival.”

Mervyn Cousins, executive director of the Llangollen Eisteddfod, said: “We’re so thrilled she’s decided to return to Llangollen to sing for us. It’s going to be a memorable night.”

He believes the opening gala concert is one of the festival’s most important events, adding: “It creates a keynote for the entire week so it’s vital we get it right.

“Of course, knowing a superstar of Katherine Jenkins’ status has agreed to sing for us means we will be treated to something very special indeed.

“The Llangollen pavilion is going to be buzzing with excitement, as it holds its very first concert since the refurbishment.”

Katherine has sold in excess of four million albums and is the only artist who has held numbers one, two, three and four in the classical album charts simultaneously.

The star, who hails from the small village of Neath in the Valleys, trained at the Royal College of Music.

She signed the biggest ever classical deal and has become the premier ambassador of bringing classical music to a mainstream audience.

Throughout her career Katherine has broken records, selling millions of albums worldwide, picking up numerous awards and has performed at every single high profile tournament on the British sporting calendar.

For tickets for the gala concert visit the website www.llangollen2010.co.uk or call 01978 862001.