SPAN ARTS is delighted to announce the much-anticipated return of the Narberth A Cappella Festival, taking place on 7th and 8th March 2025. Set in the charming town of Narberth, Pembrokeshire, this iconic event celebrates the power and beauty of the human voice. With a rich legacy spanning over 25 years, the festival offers a unique, immersive experience brimming with music, creativity, and connection.

A celebration of community voices

Recognized as Wales’s premier a cappella festival, the event attracts participants from across the UK. This year’s theme celebrates the power of community voices with a vibrant programme of workshops, performances, and the cherished Singing Feast—an event that blends the joy of shared singing with a communal meal.

The festival opens on Friday evening with the Singing Feast at the Scout Hut in Narberth. This magical gathering sets the tone for the weekend, combining delicious food with uplifting harmony in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

On Saturday, participants can enjoy a range of inspiring workshops at Bethesda Baptist Church, led by some of the UK’s most talented vocal practitioners. These workshops cater to all skill levels, offering opportunities to develop new techniques, explore diverse traditions, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. The day culminates with the grand finale concert at St. Andrew’s Church, showcasing an eclectic mix of local and UK-wide a cappella choirs.

Meet the workshop facilitators

The 2025 Narberth A Cappella Festival features a stellar line-up of facilitators:

• Stacey Blythe: Multi-instrumentalist, composer, and regular collaborator with the Welsh National Opera, Stacey brings a wealth of experience and creativity.
• Yasmine Latkowski: A composer blending Arabic, English, and Welsh influences, Yasmine is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians.
• Phoebe Martha: With over 15 years of experience, Phoebe specializes in improvisation and collaboration, sharing her passion for community music.
• Jay Okwulehie: Known for his work connecting African and Welsh traditions, Jay uses music to build unity and foster cultural exchange.
• Helen Yeomans: Founder of Glorious Chorus and an award-winning composer, Helen is celebrated for her inspiring workshops and innovative arrangements.
• Jamie Dawes-Hughes: A dynamic choir leader and singer touring with The Spooky Men’s Chorale, Jamie brings energy and expertise to every session.

Immerse yourself in the festival

The Narberth A Cappella Festival offers an unforgettable weekend of harmony, creativity, and inspiration. Whether you’re an experienced singer or a newcomer, there’s something for everyone—from the intimate joy of the Singing Feast to the dynamic energy of the workshops and the uplifting finale concert.

Event Details

Dates: 7th – 8th March 2025

Locations:

• Singing Feast: Scout Hut, Town Moor, Narberth, SA67 7AG
• Singing Workshops: Bethesda Baptist Church, High St, Narberth, SA67 7AP
• Final Concert: St. Andrew’s Church, 17 Church St, Narberth, SA67 7BH

Tickets: Available from January 2025. Advance booking is required. Visit www.span-arts.org.uk to secure your place.

THE SALVATION ARMY in Carmarthen has set its sights on becoming an even greater force for good in the community in 2025. New Community Manager, Carolyn Yelland, is spearheading efforts to ensure more people in need can access vital support and services.

Carolyn, who took up the role three months ago, brings a wealth of local knowledge and experience to the position. Having grown up in Carmarthen, she previously taught Information Technology at a local secondary school and worked with Towy Community Church and The Trussell Trust. Her familiarity with the area and its needs is shaping her ambitious plans for the organisation’s buildings on Lammas Street in the heart of the town.

Carolyn Yelland said: “We are planning to launch a couple of new events. We’ll expand our drop-in advice sessions by inviting more outside agencies to share their expertise alongside our existing services, such as housing support, job seeking, and addiction recovery. I’d love to introduce a workshop on healthy eating led by someone with a healthcare background, and we’re also starting art and crafts sessions.

“One of my key priorities is to work in partnership with others who can bring fresh and helpful ideas.

“It makes a massive difference being on the main street in town. People know where we are. We have two buildings: one houses our charity shop and café, while next door is our church and community centre. These spaces feed into each other, creating a very real and practical sense of support.

“So far, I’ve found it deeply satisfying to see how quickly and directly we can help those in need.”

With plans for expanded services and new workshops, The Salvation Army is cementing its position as a cornerstone of the Carmarthen community.

A FAST-GROWING food wholesale company has stepped in to support customers after the retirement of a couple who ran a rival business for more than 30 years.

Josiah and Steffi George, who operated Pembrokeshire Foods at Hasguard Cross, near Haverfordwest, decided to retire and ensure their loyal customers would be well cared for. The couple approached Harlech Foodservice, which will now supply more than 100 businesses across Pembrokeshire and into Ceredigion.

Last year, Harlech Foodservice expanded significantly, establishing offices and a distribution centre in Carmarthen as part of a £6 million investment. This growth has already created 70 new jobs, 15 of which are in South West Wales.

This isn’t Harlech’s first move into the area; the company previously acquired Celtic Foodservices in Pembroke Dock, describing the acquisition as a “perfect fit.”

In a letter to customers, Mr. and Mrs. George explained their decision:
“To ensure our customers have a supplier who cares about you and your business, we have approached Harlech Foodservice, who recently opened a site in Carmarthen, and asked them to provide ongoing service to your business.

“Harlech have a core customer base in the tourism and hospitality sectors, aligning perfectly with Pembrokeshire Foods. They offer a large range of around 5,000 lines across frozen foods, butchery, groceries, soft drinks, snacks, hygiene products, and disposables, all at genuinely competitive prices.

“Once again, thank you for supporting us over many years, and we wish you every success in the future.”

Harlech Managing Director David Cattrall called the partnership with Pembrokeshire Foods a significant step in the company’s ongoing expansion.

Since last April, Harlech has gained 943 new independent customers and 243 new contract customers across Wales and the English border counties. The company’s clients range from individual businesses to large local authorities, including a contract to supply Shropshire Council’s Shire Services.

Harlech’s expansion into South and West Wales has also been fruitful, with the Carmarthen and Merthyr Tydfil depots winning contracts worth nearly £500,000.

Mr. Cattrall commented:
“Steffi and Josiah can be rightly proud of what they have achieved over the past three decades, building a successful company that has played a key role in the local business community.

“We are grateful for their trust in Harlech Foodservice to look after their customers and to ‘deliver’ for them in every sense of the word. We wish them all the best for their well-deserved retirement.”

Steffi George added:
“Harlech Foodservice are a fantastic company with a huge range of excellent products and first-class customer service, so we are confident that our beloved customers will be in very good hands in the future.”

Caption:
Stepping into the breach: Harlech Foodservice Managing Director David Cattrall.