Elaine Paige is appearing at the Faenol festival in August

Paige, famous for her role in the long-running musical "Cats", joins Spanish opera star Jose Carreras as a major attraction in next month's festival on the north Wales country estate.

Faenol, now in its fourth year, is the brainchild of Welsh baritone Bryn Terfel, who was eager to bring musical giants to Gwynedd, where he grew up.

"I'm so pleased that Elaine has agreed to come to Faenol this year.," said Terfel.

"To be able to feature international artists of the calibre of Jos� Carreras and Elaine Paige each year is a true recognition of our growing status on the international festival circuit.

Paige will star at the "Music Under The Stars" evening which opens the festival on 23 August, Bank Holiday Saturday.

Festival founder Bryn Terfel

The star will perform with Terfel and other West End stars, Sally Ann Triplett, Simon Bowman and James Graeme performing an evening of showstoppers from many of the world's favourite musicals.

In an almost unrivalled setting at the foot of Snowdon, the Faenol has developed an established presence among the timetable of summer events in Wales.

More than 20,000 visitors are expected, with concertgoers bringing picnics to extend their time and each evening ends with a fireworks display.

In 2001 the Faenol received the accolade of "The Greatest Show in Wales" at the Welsh Tourism Awards.

Terfel has already rearranged the programme to accommodate Jos� Carreras on the festival's Opera Night on Sunday.

The concert will introduce Hayley Westenra from New Zealand, already a stage veteran at 16.

The third Dragon's Fire night of the festival will feature Welsh rock bands.

Last year, former soap stars Martine McCutcheon and Claire Sweeney starred at the concert.