Andrea Bocelli is set to return to Wales for the first time in 22 years as part of a new festival.

The Italian tenor will take to the Principality Stadium, in Cardiff, for the inaugural Land of Song Festival.

It has been billed as a celebration of the musical heritage of Wales featuring world-renowned artists and choirs, and was inspired by Wales’s reputation as the land of song.

The 67-year-old said he was “thrilled” to be making his first ever headline appearance in Wales on such an “unforgettable evening”.

Bocelli, who has been blind since the age of 12, is one of the most successful classical artists of all time and has won multiple major awards, six Grammy nominations and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during his almost four-decade career.

The classical musician has performed for the royal family, popes and many US presidents, and is famed for hits such as Time To Say Goodbye and The Prayer.

He has also performed at major events around the world, such as the Olympic Games and the World Cup.

Bocelli performed for Leicester fans at the King Power Stadium when the team won the Premier League title in 2016.

He said he called Leicester manager and fellow countryman Claudio Ranieri, and offered to sing in the “big fiesta”.

He said he was excited to add Cardiff to the “many extraordinary places around the world” that he had performed in.

He last came to Wales in 2005 as part of Bryn Terfel’s Faenol Festival alongside Van Morrison, Alison Moyet and Katherine Jenkins.

Bocelli added: “The country’s rich choral heritage and deep connection with music make this city a fitting setting for this special concert.”

The festival takes place in May 2027 and will also include the Cor World Choir event – which consists of more than 20,000 individuals.

It began in Cardiff in 1992, and is one of the largest celebrations of collective singing staged in Wales, honouring the country’s heritage and global choral tradition.

Jennifer Burke, Cardiff Council’s cabinet member for culture, parks and events, said: “Wales has a long and rich musical tradition and we’re looking forward to welcoming this new festival to Cardiff to be part of the city’s diverse and exciting musical future.”