MUSICAL THEATRE ROYALTY MICHAEL BALL TO HEADLINE LLANGOLLEN EISTEDDFOD
- Desh Kapur
- Oct 28
- 4 min read
MUSICAL THEATRE ROYALTY MICHAEL BALL
TO HEADLINE LLANGOLLEN EISTEDDFOD
SATURDAY JULY 11
World-renowned musical theatre star and multi-platinum-selling artist
Michael Ball is heading to North Wales next summer to headline the
Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod on Saturday July 11.
The double Olivier Award-winning, GRAMMY-nominated performer will make his
highly anticipated return to the iconic Llangollen Pavilion for the first
time in more than 20 years, having last performed there in 2004. Audiences
can expect a spectacular, fully seated show celebrating the entertainer's
remarkable career, as part of the traditional Eisteddfod week.
Friends of Llangollen International Eisteddfod can access pre-sale tickets
from 10am on Tuesday via <http://www.llangollen.net/> llangollen.net and
tickets go on general sale at 10am on Wednesday.
In a video message speaking about his return to Llangollen, Michael Ball said: "I cannot wait to be coming back to Llangollen for the Eisteddfod. Me singing, talking, you
providing a welcome in the hillside. I love performing in the Eisteddfod and
I'm so honoured to be invited back. I hope you can come and see me there,
we'll have a fabulous night."
It has already been revealed that global music icon Emeli Sandé will
headline the festival on Friday 10 July with a spectacular bespoke concert,
reimagining her greatest hits and fan favourites in brand-new symphonic
arrangements performed live with The Absolute Orchestra. Tickets for that
show are on sale now.
Following a record-breaking 2025, organisers anticipate 2026 to be the
Eisteddfod's biggest and most exciting year yet. For the first time, the
iconic Choir of the World final will take place on the Sunday evening,
bringing the historic festival to a close- a spectacular climax to the
week's performances and competitions.
Ahead of the closing night, Michael Ball will light up the Pavillion on
Saturday evening. A performer who has been at the forefront of musical
theatre for more than four decades, Michael Ball is a beloved household
star. He originated the roles of Marius in Les Misérables and Edna Turnblad
in Hairspray on the West End - the latter earning him the first of two
Olivier Awards for Best Actor in a Musical. His illustrious career spans
many of the most iconic shows of all time, including The Phantom of the
Opera, Chess, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and his second Olivier Award-winning
turn in the title role of Sweeney Todd.
His extraordinary career extends far beyond the stage, spanning radio,
television, and the recording studio. In 2024, Michael became the latest
presenter of Love Songs on BBC Radio 2, bringing his signature warmth and
charm to the long-running Sunday morning favourite. On screen, he's a
familiar and much-loved presence - from The Michael Ball Show on ITV1 to his
travelogue series Wonderful Wales on Channel 5, and a special Easter Sunday
programme for the BBC earlier this year.
Alongside his stage and screen success, Michael has also enjoyed a
chart-topping recording career, selling millions of albums and performing to
sold-out arenas around the world. In 2007, he made history as the first
musical theatre star to headline a solo concert at the BBC Proms with An
Evening with Michael Ball at the Royal Albert Hall.
His long-standing collaboration with close friend Alfie Boe has become a
phenomenon in its own right. Together, they've released six hit albums -
including four UK No.1s - and sold more than 1.6 million records, earning
two Classic BRIT Awards and fronting three ITV specials. Michael is also a
bestselling author, with his debut novel The Empire and follow-up A
Backstage Betrayal both hitting the Sunday Times charts, alongside his
memoir Different Aspects.
Fans in Llangollen can expect an unforgettable night featuring songs from
Michael's best-loved roles, timeless show tunes, and career highlights that
have made him one of the UK's most cherished entertainers.
Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Dave
Danford added: "We can't wait to welcome Michael Ball back to the Eisteddfod
next summer. Since he last performed here more than 20 years ago, he's
continued performing at the highest level. He is rightly regarded as
Britain's leading musical theatre star, with a succession of major awards to
his name. I've no doubt this will be a night to remember."
Founded in 1947, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is one of
the world's most vibrant celebrations of music, dance, and international
friendship. Held annually in the heart of North East Wales, the week-long
festival welcomes thousands of performers and visitors from across the
globe, uniting cultures through creativity and competition. In 2026 the
festivities will end on Sunday July 12 with the Choir of the World marking
the culmination of the Eisteddfod's competitive schedule and include the
presentation of the coveted Pavarotti Trophy, named in honour of the
legendary tenor who sang in Llangollen twice: first in 1955 with his
hometown choir from Modena, and again in a landmark solo concert in 1995.
For more information and to purchase tickets go to
TK MAXX PRESENTS LIVE AT LLANGOLLEN PAVILION 2026
JUN 25 Pete Tong Ibiza Classics
JUN 26 David Gray + The Divine Comedy
JUN 27 Billy Ocean + Marti Pellow
JUL 5 Tom Grennan
LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL EISTEDDFOD
JUL 10 Emeli Sande & The Absolute Orchestra
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