Marie Christina is in Llangollen from Japan

The women choristers were due to visit the festival in the summer of 1995, but were prevented when the disaster struck Kobe the previous January.

Around 6,500 people were killed and 250,000 homes destroyed in the quake - the worst natural disaster to hit the country for 50 years.

Marie Christina, who lives an hours drive away from Kobe, said she will never forget that fateful morning.

"It was very sad. It was very early morning and outside was very dark suddenly you are upside down and there is a big noise," she said.

"The ground was shaking, shaking, shaking and I'm not sure how long that went on for.

"After the earthquake, outside was very dark and there was an awful smell of gas.

Members of the choir live near Kobe

"There was no electric and we were so nervous.

"My apartment was fine really but many people from private houses died and it was very, very sad."

The choir of 27 members last visited Llangollen in 1992.

Marie Christina said she had been disappointed that they could not leave Kobe eight years ago.

"We couldn't go because there was too much damage but now we are so happy," she said.

"I'm very happy to be in Llangollen, they are nice people and they are so kind."