**Several Children Hospitalised After Sudden Illness at Celebrated Llangollen Music Festival**
A routine day at one of Wales’ most renowned cultural events was unexpectedly interrupted this week after multiple children were taken ill, prompting the cancellation of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod on Wednesday evening. Organisers described the situation as an “extraordinary medical incident,” after attendees – primarily children – began displaying symptoms suggestive of a rapidly spreading, flu-like illness.
Public Health Wales released a statement on Thursday confirming that a small group of visiting children had been affected. While the number of those hospitalised has not been publicly disclosed, officials emphasised that the affected children were undergoing medical assessment and that, most importantly, none were considered to be in serious condition.
Dr Chris Williams, Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health Wales, sought to reassure the public: “We are aware that a small group of children who were visiting the Eisteddfod at Llangollen were taken to hospital [on Wednesday] evening. Currently, the children are being medically assessed for mild respiratory symptoms, but they are not seriously unwell.” His statement underlined the nature of the symptoms and the international concern that often follows a sudden illness outbreak at a public event.
The Eisteddfod, which is now in its 78th year, draws performers and supporters from across the globe, having established a reputation for international cultural exchange and artistic achievement. In previous years, renowned artists such as Luciano Pavarotti, Julian Lloyd Webber, and Katherine Jenkins have graced its stages, contributing to attendances that routinely exceed 50,000 over the course of a week. Given this scale, the organisers have a long-standing focus on public safety and swift incident management.
After consultation with the Welsh Ambulance Service and public health authorities, festival officials made the unprecedented decision to cancel the remainder of the day’s programme. A spokesperson for the organisers expressed gratitude for the decisive action and empathetic approach demonstrated by emergency responders and medical staff onsite. “The Llangollen International Eisteddfod takes the safety of its audience, competitors, performers, and volunteers extremely seriously. Therefore, following advice, we were forced to cancel an event in this way for the first time in our history,” read an official statement.
While the acute phase of this “extraordinary incident” appears to have been handled with efficiency, the impact of the last-minute cancellation reverberated throughout the wider community of performers, spectators, and volunteers. Many families, some of whom had travelled considerable distances, were left disappointed, but most have voiced support for the organisers’ commitment to prioritising health and wellbeing.
In an optimistic development, the festival’s premises were declared safe for reopening on Thursday morning following a thorough review. Operations resumed as scheduled at 9am, allowing the Eisteddfod to continue its tradition of international friendship and artistic display. Organisers expressed relief and thanked both the staff and volunteers whose quick thinking ensured that the risk to others was minimised. “We’d like to thank our staff, medical staff and our volunteers for their swift response this evening,” the spokesperson added.
Several eyewitnesses and festival goers commented on the professional and calm response from event staff, crediting them for managing the situation with clear communication and effective crowd management. There was a visible presence of medical teams throughout the area, which many said offered an additional layer of reassurance amid the uncertainty.
As investigations into the origin and nature of the illness continue, Public Health Wales has indicated that no further risk to festival-goers is anticipated. Routine health and safety procedures remain in place, and the incident will likely prompt further review of emergency protocols for large-scale public gatherings in Scotland and beyond.
For now, the Eisteddfod community is rallying to return to normal while remaining watchful. As the festival moves forward, the organisers have reiterated their apology for any inconvenience and their gratitude for the understanding and cooperation shown by all involved.