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).

A SERVICE was held today at St Davids Cathedral for the annual meeting of the Diocesan Guild of Bellringers.

Fr Jim, the guild’s chaplain, led the service, during which the Bishop of St Davids preached and thanked members for their dedication to churches across the diocese.

He spoke about the important role bells play in marking moments of worship, celebration and remembrance, and said he had been personally moved when bells marked significant points in his own ministry.

The guild is keen to encourage new people to take up bellringing and says it is a friendly and approachable group for anyone interested in getting involved in church life.

MORE THAN 500 CHILDREN FROM 50 SCHOOLS HELP CELEBRATE BRO’R GARREG LAS

HUNDREDS of primary school children from across west Wales have come together to release a special song celebrating the communities, language and landscape of Bro’r Garreg Las.

The song, Croeso i Fro’r Garreg Las, has been recorded by pupils from 50 schools across Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire ahead of this summer’s National Eisteddfod in Llantood.

The project marks the countdown to the festival, which will be held from August 1 to August 8.

More than 500 children have taken part, with the song celebrating the area’s Welsh language, local communities, culture and sense of identity.

The track has been released on digital platforms alongside a colourful video filmed at some of the region’s best-known locations.

Pupils travelled to sites including Cardigan, Tenby, St Davids, Pentre Ifan and Drefach Felindre to perform and help bring the song to life.

The lyrics were written by poet Ceri Wyn Jones, with the melody by Einir Dafydd. The track was produced by Mei Gwynedd and the video was filmed by Gareth Bull.

Pembrokeshire County Council leader, Cllr Tessa Hodgson said: “We are delighted to be welcoming the National Eisteddfod to Llantood this summer.

“It’s been a pleasure to see young people from the three counties come together to create a special song that celebrates the area, and builds excitement as we look forward to the Eisteddfod.

“Collaboration across Bro’r Garreg Las has been at the heart of this project.”

Cllr Catrin M S Davies, Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member responsible for Culture, said: “This song celebrates the Welsh language and the unique character of the whole area – from the coast to the countryside.

“Ceri Wyn’s lyrics also offer a taste of our history and heritage. There will be an opportunity for the whole of Wales to enjoy our area in August and to hear some of our stories – come along!”

Cllr Glynog Davies, Carmarthenshire County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language, said: “It has been a privilege to work with Welsh and English-medium schools across the counties to create this special song.

“Over 500 children have contributed to it, which is an incredible achievement. It is wonderful to see that the Welsh language and the Eisteddfod belong to everyone.”

The song can be heard on digital platforms now, while the video is available to watch on YouTube.

Photo caption: Children from schools across Bro’r Garreg Las have joined forces to record a special song ahead of this summer’s National Eisteddfod.