BBC Wales asked me to sum up the International Eisteddfod in one word

What made people from all over the world come to Llangollen for the past 75 years?

My husband (Bill Kong) and I told our story on BBC Wales last night.

This is a story about curiosity, music, and friendship.

"What made you come to Llangollen?" Asked BBC Wales host, Sion Pennar.

Bill and I came to the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for the first time in 2013 because we heard that there is an amazing event in Llangollen called the International Eisteddfod. We decided to come here to enjoy a weekend of good music.

It turned out to be way more than just good music!

Over the past 10 years, we have been coming back to be field hosts for international competitors from all over the world. At first, we mainly looked after competitors from China who needed support with English interpretation. And we also supported choirs from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mainland China, and Singapore.

This year, we are so pleased that the International Eisteddodd has finally resumed after 2 years of COVID interruptions. However, the number of international competitors on-site has been reduced, due to visa issues, and travel restrictions. There is simply no choir flying over from Asia!

Nevertheless, the Palmdale High School Choral Union and their conductor Mike McCullough have flown over to Llangollen from California, USA. And it is his 9th International Eisteddfod. I witness the way he makes sure future generations understand the value of music as a human experience. For him, music makes people complete.

If I sum up the International Eisteddfod in one word, it is RELATIONSHIP.

Find out more about the Palmdale High School Choral Union on this blog here