A TASTE of the world came to Llangollen yesterday afternoon as the traditional Parade of Nations passed through the town centre to officially launch this year’s International Eisteddfod in style.

Thousands of people lined the streets and the famous bridge over the River Dee to see scores of colourfully dressed competitors from a host of nations go by.

In the lead was the Mayor of Llangollen, Mike Pugh, waving from the open roof of a vintage car.

Following close behind to provide the march tempo was Llangollen Silver Band.

Next in line, singing and waving the Stars and Stripes were members of the Seattle Children's Choir from the USA.

Arabia was represented by a group of traditionally-clad singers and dancers and following them was a group of singers from Australia.

South African choristers came next in the parade, singing a they went.

Right behind was a group of Buddhist performers.

Before stepping onto the bridge a troupe of folk dancers from Northern Ireland stopped to give an impromptu performance for delighted onlookers.

Then came a party of French dancers proudly waving their tricolor flag.

Close behind was eisteddfod president Terry Waite who waved to the crowds from his seat in an open-topped vintage car.

Broadland Youth Choir from England burst into an aptly-chosen chorus of Down by the Riverside as they passed over the bridge.

A youth choir from New York was next followed by the Nidus Children’s Choir from wales.

One of the most colourful groups to pass by in their dazzling national costumes was the Sound Academy Choir from Sri Lanka.

Bringing up the rear was the Karamba Samba Band who had earlier been delighting crowds on the eisteddfod field with their rhythmic drumming sounds.

For the first time in its 60-year history the parade made the return journey from the town to the field.

Those who followed it back were granted admission to the festival for the reduced price of £1.