Llangollen Eisteddfod launches Gift to the World scheme
On Tuesday 5 July, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod launches a new Gift to the World scheme. The innovative venture is designed to help fund overseas competitors visiting the cultural festival and to contribute to the costs of travel and visas.
The announcement, held at the 65th cultural celebration in Llangollen, comes as competitors from South Africa, India and Greece were forced to pull out of competing at the Eisteddfod due to the high financial costs of travelling to Wales.
Following the recent global recession, travel and visa costs have increased making it difficult for overseas competitors to take part in the International Musical Eisteddfod.
As little as a £10 donation can buy a competitor’s accommodation with a local family for one night. Other financial donations can contribute towards paying for transport, food, a UK visa, prize money and competition trophies.
Christine Dukes, Llangollen’s Income Generation Manager, “Gift of the World is innovative in the way that the donator can decide where their money goes in helping future competitors of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
“We have a rich 65-year history of welcoming people from all around the world to the colour, culture and vibrancy of our town in North Wales and we long for that tradition to continue in years to come. This scheme enables anyone to donate directly to the competitor fund and bring people from all walks of life and cultures to Llangollen to experience the Eisteddfod.”
This year, competitors from countries including Wales, Ukraine, Ghana, Ireland, USA, Australia, Algeria, Finland, Canada, China, Taiwan and the Basque Country will perform and compete at Llangollen.
Visitors to the Eisteddfod field during the week can donate or receive more information about the Gift of the World campaign by visiting the fundraising tent.
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Editor’s Notes
Help more international competitors to experience the magic that is Llangollen. Any sum, large or small, will help make an international competitor’s journey to Llangollen a reality.
Gift 1
£10 buys a competitor’s accommodation with a local family for one night.
Gift 2
£20 buys three meals a day for a competitor on the Eisteddfod field.
Gift 3
£25 buys a competitor’s coach transfer from Manchester airport to Llangollen.
Gift 4
£100 buys a visa to the UK for one competitor.
Gift 5
£200 will buy the trophy for a competition winner.
Gift 6
£300+ will contribute to the prize money for competition winners.