The Llangollen Eisteddfod is celebrating the ninth year of its Inclusion Project with the commission of a new performance piece and a prestigious Arts & Business Cymru Award nomination.

The project, which promotes unity, diversity and accessibility for all, will return to the festival’s main stage on Wednesday 5th July with a new, specially commissioned piece called Making Waves.

Performed by The KIM Choir from Holywell, SCOPE Flamenco Group from Chester, WISP Dance Club from Mold and Amigos y Gymuned from Wrexham, Making Waves focuses on the free flowing emotion of the sea and how it can connect people of diverse backgrounds from shore to shore and was written by poet Aled Lewis Evans with the input of members from all four groups.

The groups represent a diverse mix of the local community and would not usually have an opportunity to perform at an event such as the Eisteddfod. All of the groups have overcome different challenges to be part of the project, such as learning to sing in a choir for the first time, singing in a second language and some members have a range of physical disabilities, special educational needs and mental health issues, will be joined by students from the University of Chester who will act as dance assistants and a string quartet from the University of Bangor.

Committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity within the performing arts, ScottishPower Foundation who funded last year’s project As One was shortlisted in the Community category at the Wales Arts & Business Cymru Awards.

Music Director of the Llangollen Eisteddfod, Eilir Owen Griffiths, said: “Promoting opportunities for all and reducing inequality of opportunities is core to the ethos of the International Eisteddfod, as well as being something I’m incredibly passionate about. That is why the Inclusion Project is so close to my heart.

“Thanks to the ScottishPower Foundation’s continued support and funding the Inclusion Project has been able to continue its good work and enable people from all walks of life to perform of the Eisteddfod stage.

“Each year we work with passionate, hardworking and talented people which our award nomination is testament to. Judging from the recent rehearsal, which was the first time the groups all came together; this year is no exception to that rule.

“ScottishPower Foundation to be shortlisted for the Arts & Business Cymru in the Community Award is an incredible honour for Llangollen Eisteddfod.”

Ann McKechin Executive Officer and Trustee ScottishPower Foundation added: “ScottishPower Foundation is committed to supporting the Arts and Culture and on the 70th anniversary of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod we are delighted to fund Making Waves.

“The project has brought together a group who have a diverse range of abilities and will perform the specially commissioned piece, which will be performed on the main stage of the festival.”

Making Waves was composed by Owain Llwyd and the performance has been choreographed by Angharad Harrop, with Leslie Churchill Ward as Artistic Coordinator.

Notes to Editors:

• Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is an annual festival of music, dance and culture, which includes competitions showcasing choirs and dance troupes from across the globe
• Founded in 1947 the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod will be celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2017
• Each year attracts approximately 4,000 performers and as many as 50,000 visitors across the week
• The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod promotes peace and goodwill between nations to provide education and knowledge of the arts through an annual festival of music, folklore and dance
• Acknowledged as one of the foremost world festivals, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has been nominated for a number of awards, including the Nobel Prize for Peace
• HRH The Prince of Wales is the Patron and Terry Waite CBE is the President of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod
• The first day of the festival is referred to as Children’s Day. Attended by a large number of pupils from local schools, the day is marked by the delivery of The Peace Message
• For more information about the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod visit www.llangollen.net