Hundreds of young people hear Eisteddfod’s Peace Message delivered from Pavilion stage

Hundreds of excited youngsters from schools across north Wales packed into the Pavilion on Tuesday to hear Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod’s iconic Peace Message delivered from the main stage.

The message represents the true ethos of the Eisteddfod, which was founded in 1947 to foster peace and reconciliation through music in the aftermath of World War Two, and is a highlight of Children’s Day on the festival’s first day.

Written this year by Eisteddfod volunteer Elen Mair Roberts, the Peace Message was thoughtfully delivered by the pupils of three schools in the area – Ysgol Pentre, Froncysyllte County Primary and Garth Primary.

It began with the poignant words: “Peace is like a calm river that flows gently through our lives, bringing harmony and happiness. It means treating each other with kindness, respect and understanding,”

And it finished with powerful sentiment: “Even small acts of kindness, like helping a friend or sharing a smile, can make a big difference. We should embrace diversity and celebrate our differences. Each person is unique, and that’s what makes our world so beautiful.”

The message ended with the song, by Patsy Ford Simms and arranged for the Eisteddfod by Elen Mair Roberts and orchestrated by Eisteddfod Artistic Director Dave Danford, “We Are the Future of Tomorrow”.

Earlier the young crowd had been treated to special performances by Indian martial arts group Paallam Arts CIC, which the children cheered loudly as they went through a hectic fighting routine with sticks.

This was followed by a lively song-and-dance routine from the Pathway Group of Zimbabwe and an inter-active bilingual performance by award-winning storyteller Tamar Eluned Williams, accompanied by a four-piece ensemble of musicians from Sinfonia Cymru on harp, violin, percussion and guitar.

This told a tale from deep in the woods of long, long ago and had the children in the audience joining in loudly – in English and Welsh – whenever promoted from the stage.

The same performances and the Peace Message were repeated for an equally large group of children later in the day.
Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Dave Danford said: “The annual Peace Message is a wonderful tradition going back to the very beginning of the festival which embodies the true ethos of the Eisteddfod, that of peace and understanding through music and dance.

“This year it was beautifully and thoughtfully delivered by young people themselves to two very large and appreciative audiences.”

Top pic: Pupils from Garth, Pentre and Froncysyllte deliver the annual Peace Message from the Pavilion stage.