A STRIKING stainless steel sculpture has been unveiled in Llangollen by Welsh Assembly Minister of Culture Alun Pugh.
The 12ft-high creation is in the shape of a harp with a circle of doves at the top and represents the ethos of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod - peace and international friendship through music. It is situated at the entrance to the festival field on Abbey Road and is the first of a pair of 'gateway' sculptures planned for the town.
Eisteddfod chief executive Gwyn L Williams said: 'Although this is a 'gateway' to the town of Llangollen, it is extremely fitting that such an impressive monument should be erected at the International Eisteddfod site in the year the festival was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
'It is obvious that a tremendous amount of skill and dedication has gone into the creation of this wonderful landmark and it is therefore only right that it be enjoyed by both locals and peoples from all over the world.'
The sculpture was made by Craig and Mary Matthews of Wirral-based Camm Design.
Jeremy Knibbs, rural business action officer for the Dee Valley, said: 'The 'Gateways' project has been under development for the past two years and we have been successful in attracting financial support from both the WDA and the Arts Council of Wales, which has brought us to this very exciting moment.'
