Eisteddfod's Daffodil Festival blossoms with brilliant evening concert

 

* A duet from soloists Shea Ferron and Clare Harrison.

The weekend’s Daffodil Flower Festival in support of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod blossomed into life at St Collen’s last night (Friday).

Thanks to the efforts of the Eisteddfod’s floral committee the church has been decked out with a profusion of spring blooms including, at the back, an enormous daffodil wave with yellow flowers of all shapes, sizes and materials created by schools and organisations in the community.

It was the perfect setting for the opening event – a concert showing off the combined talents of the Carrog-based Lleisiau’r Afon Ladies Choir conducted by Leigh Mason and soloists Shea Ferron and Clare Harrison accompanied by pianist Owen Roberts.

It was the choir who got the show underway with three Welsh songs to set the ideal tone for the evening.

* Lleisiau’r Afon Ladies Choir conducted by Leigh Mason.

Well-known young local entertainer Shea Ferron’s first set included the three numbers he sang so successfully in last year’s musical theatre competition at the Eisteddfod, including You’ll Be Back from Hamilton.

The choir came back with more beautifully-crated Welsh folks including the very lively Deryn Y Bwn. 

Soprano Clare Harrison stepped up to present a stunning version of Let the Bright Seraphim by Handel and was later joined by Shea for a memorable duet of The Prayer.  

There was more from the choir before soloist Clare returned a lightly jazzy Can’t Help Loving That Man from Showboat and others.

At last year’s Llangollen Eisteddfod Shea memorably hit the headlines when he climbed up on the Pavilion stage during an evening concert to belt out Bring Him Home from Les Miserables with his singing hero Alfie Boe.

The whole brilliant evening reached its grand finale when the choir backed both soloists with a storming One Day More from Les Miserables.

* Festival events continue today (Saturday) when the daffodil wave and the other stunning floral displays go on show to the public inside and outside the church throughout the day. 

The Community Hall is also open from 10am-4pm today and tomorrow with stalls, refreshments and prize raffle. Free entry.

The weekend’s programme comes to an end on Sunday when, from 3pm, Father Lee Taylor leads a free Hymns and Pimm’s choral concert of favourite hymns in the church. 

Father Lee says: “All are welcome, regardless of belief or background, to come together and celebrate the joy of singing. 

“Research shows that singing has numerous benefits, including boosting mood and promoting a sense of well-being. 

“Come hear the stories behind some of our most beloved hymns and discover how they have inspired and uplifted individuals on their spiritual journeys.”