Llangollen Eisteddfod hopeful over financial future

Rick Parfitt and Francis Rossi of Status Quo will bring the event to a rousing close on Sunday

Organisers of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod say they believe its fortunes are heading in the right financial direction.

Status Quo, jazz singer Caro Emerald and a tribute to Nelson Mandela are among the attractions in Llangollen this week.

Organisers are hoping for good weather and crowds of up to 40,000 people in the Denbighshire town.

Two thousand singers from 48 countries will take part in choral competitions.

The festival has been staged in Llangollen every year since 1947 and its chief executive David Neal said the aim was to be both "eclectic and universal".

He said a move to popular big name acts was having a positive affect on the festival's bank balances, after several difficulties in previous years.

"This year we think that we shall be in a sound financial position rather than a very good one," said Mr Neal.

"We can never say until the event ends... but at the moment we are quietly confident that the worst of the financial crisis, from our point of view, is over."

The festival kicked off on Monday with the Stephen Sondheim musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street featuring opera star Bryn Terfel and is brought to a close on Sunday with Status Quo's concert.

Dutch singer Caro Emerald brings a touch of jazz to Llangollen

Bryn Terfel performed in Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd

Llangollen attracts performers from around the world

Karl Jenkins will conduct the world premiere of Adiemus Colores