VIOLINIST Nigel Kennedy returns after 12 years to the all-star line-up of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod.

He will be joined this year by Welsh singing sensations Only Men Aloud, four-piece string band Bond, composer and musician Karl Jenkins and classical pianist Llyr Williams.

A dozen years after his Llangollen debut, Nigel Kennedy is back for the Sunday night closing concert featuring music from Bach to Duke Ellington.

Making their Llangollen debut on the Friday night of the festival, which runs from July 5-11, are Only Men Aloud who have wowed audiences with their sell-out UK tour and chart-topping albums.

Bond, featuring Cardiff-born Eos Chater, take to the eisteddfod stage on the Thursday with a musical extravaganza entitled Shine.

Karl Jenkins is one of Wales’s most distinguished composers and musicians, with work encompassing classical, jazz and rock.

In a concert on the Tuesday night, he conducts his own Mass for Peace with a Wales and the World choir.

This will also feature a performance by the gifted local pianist Llyr Williams.

The celebrity opening gala concert takes place the Monday and the welcome ceremony and procession of performers through the pavilion is on the Wednesday.

For full details see tomorrow’s Leader.