Entertainment

An exhibition celebrating Welsh music goes on tour

Published

2 years ago

October 13, 2022

LAST MONTH a new exhibition – ‘Record: Folk, Protest and Pop’ opened at the Riverside gallery, Haverfordwest. The exhibition explores the musical tradition of Wales throughout the centuries – from the crwth to Catatonia – using various items from The Welsh Music Archive and Screen and Sound Archive located at The National Library.

‘Record’ will explore why Wales is often described as the country of song, where our musical tradition began and how it developed.

The exhibition looks at the early folk music traditions in Wales through the medium of manuscripts such as Melus-seiniau Cymru, one of the most important collections of Welsh folk songs, collected by Ifor Ceri. The influence of individuals such as Meredydd Evans and his wife Phyllis Kinney in the field of folk music and light entertainment is acknowledged, through newly acquired items from their archive. Highlights from their collection include a previously unseen letter from Richard Burton to Merêd discussing Welsh folk melodies.

‘Record’ also explores how independent labels and Welsh groups have worked to produce revolutionary protest and pop music in recent decades. Bringing the story to life are various archives, including material relating to Y Blew and Super Furry Animals. Early pop magazines such as Sŵn, an extensive collection of gig posters from the 1960s to the 1990s and Malcolm Gwyon’s pop art portrait of Dafydd Iwan are also on display in the exhibition.

Pedr ap Llwyd, Chief Executive and Librarian of the National Library of Wales said: “Record: Folk, Protest and Pop is a colourful and diverse celebration of the musical tradition in Wales. It is a pleasure to be able to share the exhibition with new audiences outside of Aberystwyth by taking the exhibition on tour to the Riverside gallery in Haverfordwest, and demonstrate the richness of our collections which represent the development of the tradition across the centuries, using a combination of the collections of The Welsh Music Archive, the Screen and Sound Archive; and items from our visual collections. There is something for everyone in this exhibition, from the past to the present, and it is sure to stimulate memories among its visitors.”

Mari Elin Jones, Curator of ‘Record: Folk, Protest and Pop’ added:
“Curating this exhibition has been a lot of fun, and it’s been great to be able to put the collections of the Welsh Music Archive and Screen and Sound Archive, which are so varied and fascinating, centre stage. I hope ‘Record’ will inspire visitors to explore the National Library of Wales’s music collections further, as well as go to their local record shop to pick up a Welsh album or two!”

Nia Mai Daniel, Head of Archives, Manuscripts and Contemporary Records Section, and The Welsh Music Archive Coordinator said:
“The exhibition is a taste of the folk and pop music collections held at the National Library of Wales, and is an opportunity to celebrate some of our recent donations, such as the Merêd and Phyllis Kinney archive and a Super Furry Animals scrapbook. If anyone has further material to donate, such as posters, photographs, or letters, then please get in touch. Our work continues to ensure that our collections reflect the history of Welsh music from its roots to the present day.”

Showing alongside the Record exhibition is Pembrokeshire: Past and Present, a permanent exhibition focusing on the history, culture, and landscape of Pembrokeshire. Both exhibitions will run until Saturday 18 February 2023.

The Riverside is a flagship cultural centre in the heart of Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. Opened in December 2018, it features a 21st century library, visitor information, coffee shop and a national government indemnity gallery space which showcases collections from The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth. This high quality facility is unusual and pioneering and is already playing a central part in regenerating the town and wider area of Pembrokeshire.

For more information visit:
• www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/the-riverside
• Pembrokeshire Libraries Facebook page, or
• call Glan-yr-afon/The Riverside on 01437 775244.

Entertainment

Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience torock Tenby Blues Festival

Published

5 hours ago

November 5, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE soulful, genre-bending blues act, Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience, is set to take the main stage on Friday at Tenby Blues Festival, bringing their high-energy mix of blues, rock, and soul.

Ranked #3 on both the Roots Music Report UK and the UK IBBA Most Played chart in September 2024, Pat Fulgoni’s latest album, Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience, has captured the hearts of blues lovers across the UK. Released on September 27, 2024, the album has received praise for its dynamic fusion of blues, funk, and soul. Tracks like “Drifter,” “Keep The Blues Alive,” and “Stickin’ the Knife in Blues” showcase Fulgoni’s powerful vocals, which have been hailed by Billboard magazine, describing him as a singer who “could sing a pearl from its oyster.”

The Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience began as a spontaneous lineup supporting a food bank fundraiser in Huddersfield. Since then, Fulgoni and his band have performed at numerous blues festivals, from Colne Blues to Blues Alive in the Czech Republic, and have built a reputation as a sought-after live act. The band’s lineup features rising guitar talent Jacob Beckwith, alongside the rhythm section of bassist Rory Wells and drummer Zebedee Sylvester, with Sam Bolt on piano. Together, they deliver a distinctive blend of original tracks and classic covers, including “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven” and “Midnight Train.”

For fans of soulful, energetic blues, don’t miss Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience this Friday at Tenby Blues Festival. More information and music are available on Spotify, Bandcamp, and other platforms.

Track Listing:

Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven
Drifter
Keep The Blues Alive
Midnight Train
Bleeding Heart
Lady Day & John Coltrane
Confusion Blues
The Thrill Is Gone
Stickin’ the Knife in Blues

For press inquiries, contact Matt at Chocolate Fireguard on 07974 675244 or email [email protected].

For more updates, follow Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience on Facebook @patfulgonibluesexperience or explore their latest releases on Bandcamp.

Entertainment

Corrie star Antony Cotton to host Christmas Flamingo Bingo in Milford Haven!

Published

1 day ago

November 4, 2024

Luke Sinclair

Flamingo Bingo Christmas Tour 2024 Brings Festive Fun to Milford Haven! Hosted by Coronation Street Star Antony Cotton

Get ready to jingle all the way as the Flamingo Bingo Christmas Tour returns to Pembrokeshire! On Saturday, 7th December, the Hangar will host the ultimate Christmas party, led by none other than Coronation Street’s Antony Cotton.

This isn’t just bingo – it’s a full-blown festive bash, and Cotton, known for his role as Sean Tully on Corrie, will be at the helm, bringing his signature charm and humour to the night’s festivities. From 6:00 pm to midnight, attendees can expect an evening packed with outrageous games, live music, and plenty of holiday spirit.

Dress to Impress for a £50 Prize
Partygoers are encouraged to don their most festive attire, with a £50 prize up for grabs for the best dressed. Think Santa suits, sparkling Christmas jumpers, or even a few reindeer antlers – the more creative, the better!

What’s on the Naughty and Nice List?
For those new to Flamingo Bingo, this isn’t your average bingo night. Here’s a taste of what to expect:

Insane Prizes: Win big with festive prizes that will keep you grinning all the way through December.
Live Music: Dance and sing along to your favourite holiday hits and classic party anthems.
False Call Forfeits: Make a false bingo call? Prepare for a festive forfeit!
Ridiculous Dance-Offs: Get ready to show off your best moves in some hilariously competitive dance-offs.
Confetti Galore: What’s a Christmas party without a shower of confetti to add a magical sparkle?

Tickets Selling Fast!
Single tickets and tables go on sale Sunday at 7 pm, and these events are known to sell out quickly. Flamingo Bingo is a crowd favourite in West Wales, so be sure to snag your spot early!

If you’re looking to start the Christmas season with a bang, there’s no better place to be. Grab your mates, get your festive gear ready, and prepare for a night of laughter, games, and pure holiday joy. It’s going to be the wildest night in West Wales, and you won’t want to miss a second!

Tickets available here: https://tinyurl.com/yr3xp85v

Charity

Annual 80s themed charity 5km Night Run returns to Milford Waterfront in support of RNLI

Published

3 days ago

November 2, 2024

Richard Lewis

FOLLOWING last year’s spectacular event, the Waterfront Community Runners are excited to announce the highly anticipated return of their 5K Charity Night Run on Milford Waterfront on Saturday 9 November 2024, in support of the RNLI.

This year’s run promises an unforgettable evening of fun, community spirit, and nostalgia, bringing back the best of the 80s to Milford Haven.

The evening’s festivities kick off at 6pm with an array of activities and entertainment creating an electric atmosphere from start to finish. Runners and supporters alike can look forward to live performances by the Samba DOC Band, a raffle stall with exciting prizes, and a selection of hot drinks and homemade cakes. The 80s-themed event encourages all participants to dress in neon, sparkles, or fancy dress, and get ready to run, dance, and celebrate for an important cause.

In line with the event’s night run theme, all participants are required to bring a head or chest torch to light their path along the route. Registration is open on the night from 4pm to 5:30pm with only 250 spots available on a first-come, first-served basis. To save time, runners can download the registration form in advance; however, early form submission does not guarantee entry. Due to safety concerns, dogs and pushchairs are not permitted, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

The registration form can be downloaded here. This event is a “fun run” and will not feature official timing, allowing participants to fully enjoy the unique atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to bring cash for on-site donations to the RNLI, as well as to enjoy treats and warm drinks at the event stalls.

Volunteers from Milford Haven’s Lifeboat Station are preparing to participate in the upcoming event, proudly wearing their helmets, life jackets and high-visibility gear. Their involvement not only demonstrates their dedication to the local community but also emphasises the crucial role the RNLI plays in ensuring safety at sea, all while raising funds for the organisation’s essential operations.