A SPECTACULAR firework display brought a fitting end to the 2009 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. Launched from high on the valley-side overlooking the eisteddfod field, the glittering pyrotechnic show lasted for more than 15 minutes, with loud explosions reverberating around the area.
On the field, visitors had just revelled in to the magic of the festival's closing concert, Licensed to Thrill, an electrifying dash through the music of James Bond films over the past 40-odd years.
On the pavilion stage was the Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera, conducted by Carl Davis.
And the show was hosted by possibly the best-known Bond girl of all time, Honor Blackman.
She introduced two of the most talented singers from the West End stage and television, Mary Carewe and Simon Bowman.
The audience were treated to an evening of rich orchestral sounds and favourite melodies including Goldfinger, You Only Live Twice, and the iconic Bond Theme.
To create the right Bond atmosphere, there were two Aston Martin cars on show on the festival field throughout Sunday afternoon and evening, and guest of honour at the concert was David Pender Richards, chairman of Aston Martin.
Earlier on Sunday, the Friends of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod donated a record £28,250 to the festival, continuing their long history as the largest sponsors of the eisteddfod after the government.
Friends chairman, Barrie Potter, presented the cheque to the eisteddfod on the Royal Pavilion Stage on behalf of the charity which has approximately 2,000 members worldwide.
Among VIP guests to the festival was Welsh Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones AM.
His visit came after the Welsh Assembly's announcement last Monday that £1 million would be made available for maintenance and refurbishment of the Llangollen Royal Pavilion.
Denbighshire Council pledged a further £600,000 to upgrade the pavilion and secure the festival's long-term future as one of Wales' high-profile cultural events.
During his visit the Minister met the eisteddfod's day president, the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan; Llangollen president, Terry Waite, and festival chairman Phil Davies.
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