Luciano Pavarotti has performed in Llangollen twice before

Opera singer Luciano Pavarotti will perform at Llangollen's International Musical Eisteddfod, eight years after his last visit.

Pavarotti first appeared at the festival in 1955 at the age of 19 and came back 40 years later in 1995 to perform in front of a sell-out crowd.

The Maestro has agreed to return to the world-renowned Eisteddfod on Saturday 5th July, for the first in a series of farewell concerts before his retirement in 2005.

The Llangollen Eisteddfod is a major event in the music calendar, attracting 80,000 visitors each year.

Cardiff-born superstar Shirley Bassey will also perform at the Eisteddfod's gala night on Sunday, 13 July.

Farewell concert

When Luciano Pavarotti first visited Llangollen he travelled with his father as a member of the Chorale Rossini, a male chorus from his hometown of Modena.

When the Italians won first prize in the male chorus competition the young artist enjoyed public recognition for the first time.

International Musical Eisteddfod Chairman Gethin Davies said he is looking forward to welcoming the tenor back.

"It is extremely fitting that the Maestro should choose to perform the first of his farewell concerts here in Llangollen, the place where his career truly began," he said.

"It has taken many months of detailed negotiations with promoters Tibor Rudas to get to this stage but now we can all sit back and look forward to a wonderful evening."

Shirley Bassey has confirmed she will perform in north Wales

Pavarotti made two visits to the UK last year: to the Birmingham NEC in October and the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, in January.

Eisteddfod Chief Executive Gwyn L.Williams said he is looking forward to Pavarotti's return.

"It promises to be an evening to remember," he said.

"Maestro Pavarotti has honoured us by not only requesting to return and perform a farewell concert this year but also by being one of our vice presidents since 1993.

"His association with ourselves has lasted almost 50 years, a point not lost on the great man in his choice of venue for this farewell concert."

Pavarotti's father, who had previously accompanied him twice to Llangollen, died last year.