Russell Watson headlines spectacular charity concert at Pembroke Castle

A SPECTACULAR evening of live music at Pembroke Castle has been hailed a major success after hundreds turned out to support the Paul Sartori Foundation.

Voices at the Castle went ahead on Saturday evening after the previous night’s Rock the Ramparts concert had been cancelled due to high winds affecting the stage area and creating unsafe conditions.

Organisers had reassured ticket holders that Saturday’s concert was still going ahead, and the night proved to be a major success, with crowds gathering inside the historic venue for an evening of music, community spirit and fundraising.

The event was held against the dramatic backdrop of the illuminated castle walls, with the stage set inside one of Pembrokeshire’s most recognisable landmarks.

The concert featured Bella Voce, Pembrokeshire Pop Voices, The Paul Sartori Community Choir and Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir, before internationally renowned tenor Russell Watson brought the evening to a close with the headline performance.

Gates opened at 4:00pm, with music beginning at 5:00pm and the concert continuing until around 10:30pm.

Charity ‘overwhelmed’

The Paul Sartori Foundation said it had been left “overwhelmed with the joy, talent, and support” shown during what it described as a very busy but unforgettable day.

In a statement after the event, the charity said: “What a night! We’ll share more updates tomorrow when the team have had a chance to compose ourselves after what was a very busy day.

“Safe to say that we’re overwhelmed with the joy, talent, and support that we witnessed in Pembroke Castle tonight, with all our amazing and varied musical acts, topped off by a phenomenal headline set by the talented Russell Watson.

“We’re not going to forget this one in a hurry.”

Audience praise

Audience members were quick to praise the event, with one describing it as “a brilliant evening of first-class entertainment,” while another said it had been “a truly wonderful night.”

Others paid tribute to the organisers, performers and volunteers, with one supporter saying: “What a superb evening – well done to all organisers and singers and volunteer supporters.”

Another added: “It was amazing, fantastic evening, a glorious night. Thank you all.”

The concert raised funds for the Paul Sartori Foundation and Pembroke Castle Trust.

The Paul Sartori Foundation provides hospice-at-home care across Pembrokeshire, supporting people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

While organisers are yet to confirm the final amount raised, the scale of the attendance and overwhelmingly positive reaction suggest the event was a major success for the charity and the castle.

Photo caption:

Magical setting: Hundreds gathered at Pembroke Castle for Voices at the Castle, headlined by Russell Watson (Pic: Paul Sartori Foundation).

Community spirit shines across Haverfordwest with museum displays, breakfasts, workshops and school sleep-out

THE VC GALLERY enjoyed one of its busiest Saturdays of the year as staff, volunteers, veterans and supporters spread across Haverfordwest for a packed day of community events.

From military artefacts at Pembrokeshire College to a riverside art exhibition, a veterans’ breakfast and a charity sleep-out involving local pupils, the veteran-led charity was at the centre of activity across the county town.

At Pembrokeshire College, the charity’s popular “Speak to a Veteran” initiative proved a success, with the VC mobile museum drawing attention from students and visitors alike. A range of military artefacts on display sparked conversations and helped veterans share stories and experiences with members of the public.

Meanwhile, the Pembrokeshire Veterans Breakfast at Waldo Lounge saw the VC minibus deployed to help bring people together, with staff at the restaurant praised for making attendees feel welcome.

The charity thanked Myles for driving and Gareth for helping organise the event.

On the riverside in Haverfordwest, the VC Gallery showcased artwork at its new gallery space, where RAF veteran Mark hosted members of the public throughout the day.

Back at Waldo Lounge, Charles, Donna, Phil, Rose, Lucy, Nia and the wider VC team kept busy with duck sales and jewellery workshops as families gathered for the afternoon activities. Pembrokeshire’s Armed Forces Liaison Officer, Hayley, was also among those lending support.

As day turned to night, pupils from Haverfordwest High VC School took part in a sponsored sleep-out to raise money for the charity, hearing first-hand about homelessness from veteran Pete.

The event saw pupils spending the night outdoors alongside former military personnel to better understand the realities faced by some ex-service men and women.

The day also included the Waldo duck race on the river, helping round off what the charity described as “an amazing community” effort.

Photo caption: Busy day: VC Gallery teams, veterans and supporters took part in events across Haverfordwest on Saturday, including museum displays, breakfasts, workshops and a charity sleep-out (Pic: VC Gallery).

THE FAMILY of the late Gerald Hartry, of Tonypandy, Mid Glamorgan, have donated £570 to the RNLI in his memory.

Gerald was a long-standing supporter of the RNLI and had a particular affection for Tenby Lifeboat Station, which he visited many times over the past 40 years while staying at the family’s caravan near Narberth.

Relatives recently visited the station to present the cheque to the crew.

Tenby Lifeboats RNLI said it was a pleasure to welcome the family and thanked them for their generous donation.

Pictured, from left, are members of Gerald’s family with Tenby Lifeboat Operations Manager Carl Evans.