Eisteddfod musical evening is latest casualty of virus fears

* The eisteddfod's musical evening at St Collen's
on March 27 has been cancelled. 

A special musical evening to be hosted by Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod at St Collen’s Church is the latest victim of the coronavirus crisis.

The aim of the Cymanfa Ganu, due to be held on Friday March 27, was to celebrate Welsh culture and raise money for the 2020 festival.

But in a statement this afternoon (Monday) the eisteddfod says: “We have been monitoring developments around coronavirus (COVID-19) and have come to the decision to cancel our scheduled Cymanfa Ganu.

“Customers who had already purchased tickets for the Cymanfa Ganu will be refunded.

“Please be assured that we will continue to monitor and communicate with you about our plans for Llangollen 2020 in July as the situation develops.”

The evening was to have featured a range of local performers, including Wrexham-based mixed choir the James Lambert Singers. 

The evening was also due to include performances from Carrog-based ladies choir Lleisiau’r Afon who performed at the Eisteddfod for the first time last year, as well as musical items from a local Welsh harpist, and congregational singing in both Welsh and English.

Also due to the risk of infection Llangollen’s New Dot Cinema has cancelled its scheduled showing of the film Pain and Glory at the Town Hall on Friday March 27.

In statement the voluntary group says: “We have taken the decision to cancel our next screening, Pain and Glory, which was due to be shown on 27th March.

“We are monitoring the current situation and hope to bring great films to Llangollen again shortly.

“Sending lots of love from the New Dot volunteers to our audience, friends and fellow Llangollen community members who are affected at this difficult time.” 

Blue Bay Launderette in Regent Street has launched a new service as fears of infection spread.

On Facebook it said: “Due to the current situation regarding Coronavirus and self isolating we will be offering a pick-up and delivery service as of Monday 16th March 2020 until further notice.

“If you or you know of anyone who wish to use this service please get in touch with Jayne or Sarah on 01978 869227 to arrange collection.

“All customers who are doing there own laundry will also need to adhere to these requests:
1) Wash hands upon entering the launderette.
2) Wash hands after handling dirty laundry.
3) Do not shake dirty laundry,This will minimise the possibility of dispersing the virus through the air.
4) Or there is always the option to leave the laundry as a service wash.

“We will remain as diligent as ever with our cleaning and sanitising of the launderette and continue to offer a service that helps keep things cleaner and safer.”

Another measure to safeguard against the spread of infection was the live streaming over Facebook of the 11am service at St Collen's yesterday (Sunday). 

This was done to assist those who felt unable to be at the service in person. 

* Vicar, Father Lee Taylor, leads the morning service at
St Collen's which was streamed live on Facebook yesterday.