Smiling man with white beard to volunteer at Eisteddfod's Snowman concerts

* Chem, pictured on Llangollen Bridge, is staying tight lipped over his involvement with the Christmas Peace concerts.

Llangollen town crier Austin “Chem” Cheminais has confirmed he will be volunteering at the Snowman Concerts to be hosted by the Eisteddfod and NEW Sinfonia at the town’s International Pavilion Hall on December 23.  

As a former town mayor Chem is a familiar face around Llangollen and is also a close associate of Sion Corn (Father Christmas) in his long-time role as chairman of the Llangollen Christmas Festival committee.  

He remains tight lipped about his involvement with the concerts other than to say he will be playing a “leading role” in the glittering seasonal affairs. 

The concerts, organised by North Wales orchestra NEW Sinfonia, in partnership with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, will raise money for the Eisteddfod charity as well as a local refugee cause.  

Organisers have promised that the two concerts, at 12.30pm and 3.30pm, will be a musical highlight of the festive season and the “best Christmas family event this side of the North Pole!”  

The shows will feature a selection of popular seasonal songs and carols sung by NEW Voices, the inspirational community choir, who will be joined by refugees from Ukraine, who will conduct, sing and play with NEW Sinfonia.   

Both concerts will culminate with a showing of iconic Christmas film “The Snowman” whose magical soundtrack will be brought to life by NEW Sinfonia.  

Chem, who is currently busy with his team organising this Saturday's Llangollen Christmas Festival, said: "Everyone knows that Christmas is my favourite time of the year. The Snowman events at Llangollen Pavilion will be an amazing family experience.  

“I can't wait to join the festivities but I have been sworn to secrecy over my exact involvement other than that I will be saying ‘ho, ho, ho’ regularly during both concerts." 

Organisers of the event have reported brisk ticket sales and are encouraging anyone who hasn’t yet done so to buy theirs as soon as possible. Residents can get tickets online at newsinfonia.org.uk or by visiting the Llangollen Tourist Information Office. 

John Gambles, a trustee of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod said: "Chem is a well-known character in Llangollen and we're delighted that he will joining us for our Christmas events.  

“We are so pleased to again be partnering with NEW Sinfonia to present these two extra-special Christmas concerts. They represent everything that the Eisteddfod is all about as we promote peace at Christmas."