MORE details have been released of a major cultural festival for 2011.

As well as hosting the National Eisteddfod, Wrexham will put on more than 200 other events to showcase the best the area has to offer.

Dubbed Wrexham Year of Culture 2011, the programme will feature concerts, ballet, opera, exhibitions and other events designed to appeal to all ages.

And the region’s tourism industry could benefit from a massive boost as a result.

Organisers say that by raising the profile of the area, the project is expected to attract thousands of extra visitors and give residents with the chance to enjoy some of the best cultural experiences in Wales.

It will all get underway on Friday, January 21 with a parade through Wrexham town centre featuring lanterns, music and dance. This will be followed by a performance by the Fron Choir at Llwyn Isaf together with a firework display.

Acts signed up tp perform throughout the year including the Three Welsh Tenors – Aled Hall, Alun Rhys-Jenkins and Rhys Meirion – and the Welsh National Opera.

The showpiece event will be the National Eisteddfod running from July 30 to August 6.

Interest in the Eisteddfod is growing throughout Wrexham and this summer hundreds of people gathered in the town for the proclamation ceremony welcoming the festival for 2011.

Eisteddfod organiser Hywel Wyn Edwards said: “Next year will be very special for us at the National Eisteddfod as we will be celebrating 150 years in our current form.

“I know the Wrexham area is excited and looking forward to hosting what will be an important Eisteddfod.”

For more details or to suggest events for the Year of Culture, call Wrexham Council’s economic development section on 01978 667320 or email economicdevelopment@wrexham.gov.uk.

The Rev and Mrs Bob Jones, of Kenyon Avenue, Wrexham, have thanked all those who sponsored them on their motorcycle ride around Wales in aid of next year’s National Eisteddfod. They raised more than £1,000.