Thanks a million from llanblogger

Today llanblogger celebrates six years since its launch during which time it has notched up just over one million page views.

The blog has reported - many times exclusively - on everything from Sainsburys not wishing to go ahead with opening the town's new supermarket to major road accidents and from a rooftop siege to the planning battle over a new housing estate.

llanblogger also carries special reports on local events such as the annual Christmas Festival, the Plas Newydd Garden Fete, Remembrance Day and the Eistedfodd.

Our day-by-day 2018 Eisteddfod coverage, which included separate stories, attracted around 11,000 page views.

Then there are regular reports on plays, shows an concerts by our local groups.

We also try to bring a flavour of what's happening in politics both locally and nationally as it affects Llangollen.

While the bulk of our readers are in the UK we also have devotees of the blog in the United States, Norway, Russia, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, Canada and Jordan.

So it's a big thank you to all our readers both regular and occasional over the past six years.

And we hope you'll keep on reading llanblogger.

Here's to the next million!

* Phil Robinson, blog editor

Former Lllan shop owner serenaded by Indian choir

* Nancy Povey  with members of the Aroha Choir.

A former Llangollen souvenir shop owner who made it her mission to visit the town’s International Musical Eisteddfod every year was over the moon when one of the most colourful and melodic acts from this year’s event gave a concert at the care home where she now lives.

Nancy Povey, 90, a talented pianist and music lover, said she was delighted to listen to the Aroha Junior Choir perform for residents at Hillbury House Care Home, Wrexham.

The choir hail from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya province in north east India and this year is their first visit to the annual festival at Llangollen which attracts competitors from all over the world and promotes the message of peace and friendship through music and dance.

Chatting to the choir members while posing for a photograph with them Nancy told them after their performance that from now on there would always be a welcome in Wales for the Aroha choir.

She said: “This year is the first year I haven’t been able to get to Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. I would always go every year. I love it listening to musicians from all around the globe.

“I had been feeling a little sad that I wouldn’t get to go there anymore, but having the choir here was just like having the Eisteddfod brought to us. It was as if I was there in the main pavilion again, listening to all the beautiful music.”

The Aroha choir were in turn thrilled to be asked to deliver an afternoon performance for residents of Hillbury House, which is part of  Pendine Park Care Organisation, a key sponsor of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Pendine Park Artist in Residence, Sarah Edwards, said: “The choir’s performance was amazing. It was a privilege for us all to get the chance to meet them and listen to them sing at such close quarters. Their voices are outstanding.”

The choir comprises young people aged from 11 to 19. About 20 choir members, leaders and some of their parents made the trip after a long fundraising campaign to pay for the journey to Wales. 

Among the parents who came from India were Toony Gill, whose daughter Denise, 15, is a choir member, and AJ Lynrah, whose son Aryan, 14, sings in the choir.

AJ said: “It has been wonderful for us all making this first visit to the Eisteddfod. It is a hugely inspiring festival and we feel honoured that the choir was also invited to come to Hillbury to meet the residents and sing for them.”

Choir director and conductor Pauline Warjri said they had rehearsed for many months for their visit.

She said: “It has been a wonderful experience and everyone has been exceptionally friendly towards us.”

Pauline and choir member Venetia K Warshong, 16, went out of their way to deliver an extra special rendition of Amazing Grace for the Hillbury residents.

It is not normally on the choir’s repertoire but when one of the residents, Dianne Morris, 69, asked for it, Pauline and Venetia performed an impromptu duet of the classic hymn.

Dianne, a former choir singer herself, said: “It was truly entrancing. Venetia’s voice is angelic. I even think she hit a top C. Wonderful.”

The choir, dressed in vibrant red and gold costumes, performed traditional folk and spiritual songs a capella including Ezekiel Saw the Wheel, a medley of Disney musical favourites, which featured Let’s Go Fly a Kite and hymns including I Need Thee Every Hour.

Their performance brought tears to the eyes of care assistant Ellen Griffiths, who said the young singers had some of most beautiful voices she had heard.

She said: “It was so moving, I never expected it to be so emotional, but I could feel my eyes welling up.”

Hillbury residents gave the choir a rousing cheer at the end of their concert and spent time chatting with some of the choir members about their musical heritage. They also had photographs taken as a memento of the occasion.

One resident, Margaret Newell, 96, delighted in having a selfie photo taken with choir member Mason Mario.

She said: “The boys and girls in the choir are all lovely. They look so bright and cheerful in their traditional costumes and they sing so beautifully. I wish them lots of success at the Eisteddfod and for the future.”

Time Train rolls into Llan and TV stardom

* The Time Train hauled by 80072 returning to Llangollen. Photo: Liz Gill. 

Channel 4 TV screened the fifth and final episode of its Great Rail Restorations series on Saturday eveningy when the action shifted to operating the Time Train on the Llangollen Railway.

In the off-peak period of late October 2017, Llangollen Railway made the station facilities and the railway available to the Channel 4 production team for three days to film the Time Train in action.

The programme showed how three of the carriages, a four wheeler, a Royal Saloon and a Pullman car, spanning 100 years of railway operations, were brought by low loader from their restoration bases at Isle of Wight, Embsay and Tyseley to join the Great Northern coach at Llangollen.

This unique formation of four carriages was then filmed operating on the Dee Valley line between Llangollen and Carrog with members of each restoration team on board to sample and compare the results of all their hard work.

They enjoyed lunch served in the Pullman coach as a celebration of a remarkable effort to meet the challenge set by the TV producers.

Speaking about the restoration of the Great Northern coach at Llangollen the owner, Peter Lund, said: “The restoration of this 1912 teak bodied coach was a gargantuan task. At every stage more work than had been anticipated was revealed to rebuild the interior.

"It is only thanks to the strenuous efforts of all the team from Llangollen Railway’s Carriage & Wagon works that the challenge to restore it was met in time for the filming schedule.”

The train was taken down the line by the Standard Tank No.80072 with presenter Peter Snow in the driver’s seat, as he lived the dream of a lifetime driving a steam engine.

He was under the careful supervision of Llangollen Railway driver Paul Reynolds from Chester and fireman Graham Hoyland from Abergele.

If there is a second star in the programme, it is the No.80072 as it is seen steaming past Berwyn and through the autumnal scenes along the railway line to Carrog.

Liz McGuinness, Llangollen Railway chairman, said: “Llangollen Railway members are brimming with pride after the final part of the Great Rail Restorations project.

"The stunning views of the river Dee at Llangollen and the Dee Valley are amazing and a great promotional opportunity for the region. 

“The volunteers and employees are thrilled with the programme and the promotion it offered for the railway's setting, its ability to operate the heritage train and the efforts of all those involved. 

“It was great invitation for visitors to come and ride our wonder railway and enjoy the atmosphere along the line in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. They can see the restored Great Northern carriage with their own eyes on static display at Carrog station.” 

Berwyn resident Martin Gill, who saw the train go past during the filming, said: “It was amazing to see four generations of railway carriages in one train.  I suppose you would describe it as living history.” 

* The Great Northern coach.

* The Royal Saloon.

* The Isle of Wight four-wheeler.

* The Pullman coach Eagle.

Terry Waite officially opens new Centenary Square

* Terry Waite unveils the commemorative plaque watched by Deputy Town Mayor Issy Richard and Mayor Jon Haddy.

Eisteddfod president Terry Waite officially opened Llangollen’s new Centenary Square in a moving ceremony this morning (Sunday).

A large number of civic dignitaries, representatives of various organisations who contributed to the project and a large crowd of onlookers stood in the hot sun to watch the proceedings.

Town Mayor Cllr Jon Haddy welcomed people to the event and gave a run-down of how the project to transform the former Memorial Gardens was first envisaged in 2012 and was developed over the following six years by town councillors and Town Clerk Gareth Thomas.

There was then a moving reading in Welsh by Deputy Town Mayor Cllr Issy Richards of a peace poem by poet and national eisteddfod bard Hedd Wynn who was killed in the First World War.  

Terry Waite spoke on the theme of peace and said it was fitting that the new square was being officially opened exactly 95 years after the First World War memorial was unveiled.

He paid special tribute to the 441 Hz Chamber Choir from Gdansk in Poland who sang at the ceremony, saying this country owed their country a great deal of gratitude for the service they armed forces gave during the Second World War.

Mr Waite congratulated the Town Council and the people of Llangollen for the contribution they had made to making Centenary Square possible.

Over 70 years ago the people of the town, he said, had made a similar contribution to creating the Eisteddfod to which people from all over the world came to promote peace through the language of music.

To loud applause he then unveiled a plaque commemorating the opening of the square before the choir sang.

The two national anthems were sung to round off the ceremony.

Later, invited guests at the Town Hall were shown a time-delay film of how the construction project unfolded over a number of months before the square opened in time to be used by a series of popular outreach events at which Eisteddfod competitors performed for the pubic throughout the week.    

* Terry Waite speaks on the theme of peace.

* Terry Waite and other special guests at the ceremony.

* The Polish folk choir sings.

* Deputy Town Mayor Issy Richards recites a moving poem.

* Part of the time-delay film showed at the Town Hall.

Van Morrison captivates Pavilion crowd

* Van Morrison on stage at the Eisteddfod last night.

One of the most prolific recording artists and live performers in music history, Sir Van Morrison, took to the iconic Royal International Pavilion stage last night, captivating the crowd with a selection of Irish folk, jazz, blues and country music.

Morrison opened the sellout show with a beautiful rendition of ‘Astral Weeks’, then launched straight into ‘Sweet Thing.’

Both songs were released from the album of the same name 50 years ago in 1968, yet still resonate perfectly today and brought the audience to their feet.

Joined by his eight-piece band, including his musical director Paul Moran, Morrison barely drew breath for the following 90 minutes. 

This was his first appearance at the  International Eisteddfod and he enchanted the audience with his largely improvised set, featuring favourites including ‘Baby Please Don’t Go’, ‘Days Like This’ and ‘Have I Told You Lately’.

Morrison brought the show to a close and the audience to their feet with an exhilarating rendition of cult classic ‘Brown Eyed Girl’.

Eisteddfod music director Vicky Yannoula, said: “The audience was completely enthralled by Van’s unparalleled vocals and songwriting talent, and by the support of his exquisite band. It was such a mesmerising performance and a wonderful start to our weekend.”

This weekend included a performance-packed family funday on Saturday, celebrating those community groups that strive to create a sense of togetherness though music and dance on its outside stages.

Sunday is Llanfest 2018, the festival’s finale party, with outdoor stages hosting live bands throughout the afternoon and multi-platinum English indie pop-legends, Kaiser Chiefs headlining on the main stage in the evening.

MP shown Rotary's life-saving project

* Rotarian Molly Youd shows Susan Elan Jones MP

the ShelterBox display at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones met with top Rotarian Molly Youd at the Eisteddfod and learned about Shelterbox - a project that saves lives and helps people stranded in global disaster zones.

Rhostyllen resident Molly Youd was the first female District Governor for Rotary District 1180 - an area that covers North Wales and much of the North West of England. She now holds another senior role - promoting Rotary’s People of Action message.

Ms Jones said: “ShelterBox is an amazing project. Every green box sent out contains a home for ten people and while the contents vary according to climate, many provide solar lights, water storage, tools, blankets and cooking utensils.

"The boxes can be sent out at very short notice and because Rotary is an international organisation with 1.2 million members in 200 countries, relief can be provide where it’s most needed right across the world.

“This is one of many tremendous projects that Rotary members are engaged with and it was great to meet with my constituent Molly Youd to learn all about it."

* Further information about the work of Rotary International can be found at rotarygbi.org

Peace Awards presented to two good causes

* Dr Waheed Arian receiving award from John Clifford,

Managing Director of Westminster Stone

and evening sponsor.

A charity that uses volunteer doctors from the UK and US to advise its colleagues in war zones and low resource countries using encrypted social media has won the Rotary International Peace Award.

Dr Waheed Arian and the Arian Teleheal charity was awarded the accolade, which is sponsored by Typhoo Tea, during the International Celebration concert at the Eisteddfod on Thursday.

Dr Arian was acknowledged for his pioneering charity, which connects doctors in the UK, US and other countries with their peers using their smart phones and Skype or WhatsApp, enabling real-time discussions on the best available care for patients. 

Arian Teleheal was set up by in 2015 by Dr Arian, a 34-year-old NHS doctor, who developed the scheme while he was working at Aintree University Hospital in Liverpool.

He has recruited over 100 specialists since its launch and the charity has already been credited with saving dozens of lives in Afghanistan and Syria. 

Pilot schemes in conjunction with Health Education England are to start in rural areas of Uganda and South Africa and schemes in more African and Asian countries are also planned.

Born and brought up in Afghanistan, Dr Arian’s family later moved to Pakistan where they spent three years living in a refugee camp.

Aged 15, Dr Arian came to London alone and with limited English. Four years later he was in Cambridge reading medicine. In September he received a UNESCO award for his work.

The Rotary National Peace Award, supported by Westminster Stone, was also presented at the ceremony. Former social worker, Sara Rowbotham, who was unable to attend the presentation, was acknowledged for her work with the Rochdale Crisis Intervention Team for the NHS.

As a front line sexual health worker and lead for the crisis team she fought to ensure that the voices of vulnerable young people in her care were heard. Her work played a key role in exposing the Rochdale child sex abuse ring and helped to bring the perpetrators to court. 

The presentation of the prestigious awards celebrated the third year of the partnership between the International Eisteddfod and Rotary International, one of the largest humanitarian organisations in the world. The award recognises individuals or organisations responsible for the furtherance of peace though their work.

The partnership is an extension of the aims of both organisations, in particular those fostered by the unique foundations of the International Eisteddfod, which was established to promote peace and harmony between nations. 

Dr Arian said: “I founded Arian Teleheal so that people in terrible conditions around the world could benefit from world-class healthcare through using everyday technology. Our aim is to help local doctors give their patients the best possible care.

“However, by doing this we are also bringing communities together who would otherwise never meet – an off-duty doctor in the UK using her smartphone to help save the life of a young boy in Kabul. They’ll never meet, but his parents know how she has helped, building a connection between these communities which will last forever.

“In addition to our clinical advice, we are increasing our educational sessions for doctors overseas, strengthening the links between people. Our volunteer doctors thoroughly deserve this International Peace Award, which is for all of them, and all the doctors in the countries they help.”

Speaking after being named the winner of the national tier of the award Sara Rowbotham said: “I’d like to thank all at Rotary International for honouring me in such a way. It’s very humbling to know that so many people both support me and recognise the needs of vulnerable young people after being isolated and unheard of for such a long period of time. I’m thrilled to accept this award – thank you.” 

The adjudicating panel was chaired by Richard Hazlehurst of Bradford Rotary Peace Centre; who was joined by United Nations peace honouree 2017 and founder of The Peace Project, Jean Best, as a judge. 

As peace initiatives take many different forms, the judging panel considered the public benefit of each project, the profile and longevity of each organisation or individual and the impact of their work.

Richard said: “So many of this year’s nominees adhered to simple motto of The Rotary Foundation – do good in the world but both Dr Arian and Sara Rowbotham’s contributions stood out.

“Dr. Waheed Arian showed remarkable determination in his journey from refugee camp to highly respected medical practitioner. His imagination and innovation led him to set up a scheme whereby doctors and surgeons working in war-torn areas can consult with colleagues in the UK about individual cases using their smart phones and Skype or WhatsApp, saving lives and improving care for patients across the globe.

“Sara Rowbotham also demonstrated great courage and commitment in her fight to ensure that the voices of vulnerable young people in her community were heard.”

Eisteddfod President Terry Waite CBE said: “Once again we were presented with a truly outstanding shortlist for this wonderful award, which made the task of selecting our two winners an incredibly tough job for the adjudicating panel.

“However, it also gave us incredible hope and joy to see just how many people are working towards the very same goal as the International Eisteddfod and Rotary International – the furtherance peace and goodwill in our fragile world.

Past District Governor for Rotary International Molly Youd, added: “This year’s awards really did build on the success of the past two years. Each and every one of the organisations nominated deserve recognition for their tireless work promoting peace and understanding here in the UK and worldwide, in particular our two winners.

“The International Eisteddfod’s message of global friendship now more relevant than ever and we are delighted that our partnership with the festival has once again allowed us to recognise on a global platform these two remarkable individuals, who are working towards making our world a better, more peaceful place.”

* For more information about Rotary International Peace Award, visit www.Llangollen.net and for more information about Rotary visit http www.rotary-ribi.org

Crowds pack Llan for Parade of Nations

Colourful contingents from across the world took part in this afternoon's annual Parade of Nations from the Eisteddfod field into town and then back.

Thousands of cheering, waving onlookers lined the sun-drenched route to watch the parade - with musical impetus provided by Llangollen Silver Band and a lively group of Indian drummers go by.

At the head of the procession was Eisteddfod president Terry Waite at the wheel of a vintage car provided by Llangollen Motor Museum.

llanblogger was on hand to capture some of the colourful scenes.

Your chance to see bands on the field for £1 today

The Eisteddfod has launched a "Bands on the Field for £1" special offer for the rest of today.

This means you can follow the parade, which starts at 4.30pm, back to the field from the town centre for just £1 and enjoy the pre-concert bands playing there until 7.30pm.

Details are below ...

   

Earlier today ....

The packed programme of Eisteddfod entertainment at the town's new Centenary Square continued today (Friday).

A selection of competitors came down to the field to perform for large crowds and llanblogger was on hand to capture the action.

* The Golden Gate Chorus from San Fransciso in the USA thrill the crowds with their choral selection.  

* From closer to home came the Cathays Brass band from Cardiff who played a number of sing-along tunes.

Friends of Eisteddfod hand over bumper cheque to festival

* FLIME chairman Barrie Potter presents the £40,000 cheque to Eisteddfod treasurer Paul Coleman watched by music director Vicky Yannoula.

The Friends of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod (FLIME) has presented its largest ever annual donation to the festival. 

The £40,000 – double the organisation’s usual contribution – brings the total raised since the Friends were founded in 1973 to almost half a million pounds. 

The cheque was presented to Eisteddfod treasurer Paul Coleman and music director Vicky Yannoula on the Royal International Pavilion stage by Barrie Potter, chairman of FLIME.
 
Each year the main contribution comes from FLIME subscription fees, supplemented by coffee mornings held throughout the year and a collection and tombola at the festival itself.  

This year’s donation has been boosted by a £20,000 bequest from the late Ms Celia Jackson, who had been a Friend of the Eisteddfod since the early 1980s.
 
Barrie Potter said: “I am always heartened to find that many of our members feel the need to give more than their annual subscription and to know that they are so dedicated to helping this wonderful festival, even after they can no longer attend.  

“We know that Ms Jackson was particularly fond of the choral competitions, so part of her donation has gone to support these, especially those for children and young people. The remainder of her bequest has gone into the Bursary Fund, which helps groups from poorer communities with in-country expenses.

“The fund was originally set up with the help of the Friends' donation and it is wonderful to be able to contribute to boosting the level of cultural diversity on the field by helping people who, for financial reasons, might not otherwise have the opportunity to take part on such a prestigious international stage.

"This year 22 groups have been offered grants from the fund from countries including Zimbabwe, Kyrgyzstan, Albania, India, the Czech Republic, Indonesia, South Africa and Poland." 

Subscriptions to FLIME range from £18 per year for an individual to £32 per year for a family and members benefit from priority early booking for all day sessions and evening concerts, news and updates through the year and the opportunity to express ideas and views of the future of the  Eisteddfod. 

* For more information about FLIME, visit www.llangollen.net 

Teacher who taught in Llan is runner-up in prestige Eisteddfod competition

A supply teacher who taught in Llangollen came within a whisker of winning one of the main prizes at an international festival even though it was her first ever solo competition.

Soprano Rachel Marsh, 24, (pictured) was a runner up in Pendine International Voice of the Future at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

She revealed that she used to dream of winning the prestigious title when driving past the Eisteddfod field on her way to work at the town’s Ysgol Bryn Collen.

Although she has been singing in choirs ever since she was in school, the only recently started taking lessons to become a soloist.

In the event Charlotte Hoather, 24, from Winsford in Cheshire was crowned the winner and was presented with the brand new Pendine Trophy, a solid silver salver, and a cheque for £5,000 by Mario Kreft MBE, proprietor of the arts loving sponsor, the Pendine Park care organisation.

Rachel, from Wrexham, and fellow runner up, tenor Mark Christian Bautista, 26, of Calamba, in the Philippines each presented £2,500 cheques.

The international competition attracted a record number of 43 hopefuls try to impress judges at a preliminary competition, with the three finalists making it onto the main Llangollen pavilion stage for contest.

Mr Kreft and his wife, Gill, pledged to contribute £5,000 to the International Voice of the Future competition through their Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT) which supports cultural and community initiatives, with a further £3,000 coming from the Sir Bryn Terfel Foundation and £2,000 from the Eisteddfod.

Rachel was thrilled she had done so well in her first ever solo competition which attracted the finest young singers from across the world.

She said: “I have been singing in choirs as long as I can remember and then began solo lessons with Anne Williams King of North Wales Opera. I studied linguistics at the University of Manchester and then did a primary school teaching course.

“I have been a supply teacher for the past few years and spent a year teaching at Ysgol Bryn Collen in Llangollen. I used to pass the pavilion and dream of winning the Pendine Voice of the Future title.

“I have performed at Llangollen before but in a choir competition.”

She added: “The preliminary round was hard but the final was nerve wracking. To be honest it was my first competition and I’ll be back. I thought Charlotte was amazing and, in truth, she really nailed it and deserved to win.”

Still pinching herself in disbelief, a thrilled Charlotte Hoather said she would be using the prize money to further her career.

She said: “I just want to sing opera; it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. My dad went to school in Wales and my granddad had a B&B in Llandudno so we used to visit Llangollen quite a lot.

“I entered the same competition as few years ago at Llangollen and came third, that was in 2012. But the prize money now is amazing and will help me pay for more lessons and to go to auditions in other countries.

“It’s life changing and gives me the security I needed. It’s about building a career now and I need to produce some videos to send out through the Young Artist programme to international opera companies.”

Charlotte studied for two years at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester before moving to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where she completed her undergraduate studies and has now just finished a master’s degree at London’s Royal; College of Music.

She said: “The preliminary competition was tough and the standard was incredibly high. I have made real friends with Rachel and Mark. The atmosphere has been lovely and to win has just been amazing.”

Mr Kreft said: “I believe we have seen a star born this evening as Charlotte Hoather’s performance was simply breath-taking and spectacularly talented. However, Rachel Marsh and Mark Christian Bautista also put in stunning performances too.

“The fact that Rachel performed so brilliantly in her first ever solo competition is a brilliant achievement that almost defies belief. She will go far.

“Our aim in supporting the competition in conjunction with Sir Bryn Terfel is to provide a springboard for brilliant young singers from around the world to achieve their dreams of establishing a career on the global stage.

“The competition chimes perfectly with our ethos at Pendine Park because the arts in general and music in particular provide the golden thread running through everything we do to enrich the lives of our residents and staff alike.”

“I hope the recognition Charlotte and the other two finalists will deservedly get after this competition will help them in their chosen careers and we see all three fulfil their ambitions of becoming major opera stars.”

He added: “Gill and I are also delighted that from this year there is a new Pendine trophy to go with the competition. The new engraved silver trophy will remain at Llangollen and will be engraved with the name of the annual winner on the reverse.

“The trophy, which is solid Edwardian silver bearing a Chester hallmark, has been kindly donated by Chester jewellers Tony and Julie Kaye of Kaye’s Jewellers. It’s a stunning and beautiful trophy.”

All three finalists, according to the festival’s music director, Vicky Yannoula, were amazing.
She said: “The standard of performance we witnessed from all three finalists was exceptional. Their personalities really came out and they are very serious about what they do and where they want their careers to go.

“Singing in a competition such as the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition isn’t just about standing in front of a piano and singing, it’s about a performance. And that what each gave the adjudicators and audience.

“We are indebted to Mario and Gill Kreft, the Bryn Terfel Foundation and the Eisteddfod for giving us something memorable, something very special. We have witnessed the birth of three new opera careers.”

    * Winner Charlotte Hoather from Winsford in Cheshire

is presented with the Pendine award from Pendine's Mario Kreft

 

Another day of exciting Eisteddfod action

* International Voice of Musical Theatre winner Mared Williams celebrates her victory.

There was more colourful Eisteddfod action on and off the field, some of which was captured by llanblogger.

A Welsh performer has been named Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod’s International Voice of Musical Theatre for 2018.

Mared Williams, aged 21, wowed audiences and adjudicators with her performances of “So Big / So Small”,  “Pulled” from The Addams Family and “Being Alive” on the stage of the Royal International Pavilion in the competition’s final.

As winner of the coveted title she will receive an international Medal, £1,500 prize money and the opportunity to perform at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod in Australia in October 2018. The all-expenses paid trip is funded by the Gold Coast Eisteddfod.

Mared fought off tough competition in the preliminary rounds of the competition, which took place in Llangollen Methodist Church on Tuesday, landing a place in the final alongside Kade Bailey from Canada and Megan-Hollie Roberson from Wales.

Adjudicators Kate Edgar and Sarah Wigley placed Kade in second for his rendition of “She Loves Me”, while Megan-Hollie came third, with her wonderful performance. 

Sarah Wigley said: “Mared provided an absolutely captivating and enthralling performance which showcased her ability to communicate with the audience, her passion for being on stage as well as her national vocal ability and range.”

Mared said: “Having been placed third last year, it’s really exciting to see my progression into first place this year, and I’m really proud to be able to represent Wales at the Eisteddfod”.

The Gold Coast Eisteddfod features over 70,000 singers and dancers, 330 bands and orchestras, 175 choirs, almost 1,500 dance groups and over 3,000 solo dancers. 

Judith Ferber, the Gold Coast Eisteddfod’s General Manager, said: “We would like to congratulate Mared on their fantastic performance at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen. We look forward to her performing in the Musicale and allowing us to continue our celebration of international musical talent and of our long-standing relationship with the festival.”

Music Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Vicky Yannoula, added: “Mared gave a stunning performance for the audience and adjudicators during this year’s competition and we would like to congratulate her on being named the International Voice of Musical Theatre 2018.

“Our relationship with the Gold Coast Eisteddfod helps us to further raise the international profile of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, as well as providing a springboard for exciting musical careers. We would like to thank Judith and the team for their continued support and friendship.”

Further action ... 

* The Kyklos dance troupe from Canada and Greece (above and below) go through the traditional paces on the

newly-opened Centenary Square, which was attracting
large and appreciative audiences throughout the day.

* On an outside stage at the field, two members of North Wales Opera Studio give a gripping performance.

* The Cathays Brass band from Cardiff, who has earlier been competing on the main stage, come outside to entertain with a Latin rhythm.

Earlier in the week this year’s Peace Message, written by Christine Dukes for the third consecutive year, marked the centenary of the end of World War One and told the tale of sightings of the ‘Angels of Mons’ who were reputed to have appeared to both Allied and German forces in their time of need in 1914.

Concluding with a peace song called Peace at Last, written by Christine and composed by Elen Mair Roberts, Chair of the Music and Staging Committee of the Eisteddfod, the performance remains a poignant reminder of the message at the heart of the festival.

* Tomorrow (Friday) sees the traditional and highly colourful Eisteddfod parade, from the field to the town centre, starting at 4.30pm.

* Students from Ysgol Dinas Bran who delivered the Peace Message.

* For more information about the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod visit www.llangollen.net and for more information about The Gold Coast Eisteddfod visit www.goldcoasteisteddfod.com.au/