CELTIC music pioneers Catrin Finch and Aoife Ní Bhriain performed at the British Embassy in Paris on Friday (Mar 17) to mark the start of the Welsh Government’s Wales in France year.

The performance, supported by British Council Wales, was part of a year-long programme to celebrate the cultural, business and sporting links between Wales and France.

Welsh harpist and composer Catrin, who is originally from Llanon, is internationally renowned having been the Official Harpist to the Prince of Wales.

As a composer, she has recently undertaken commissions from Ballet Cymru, S4C and the National Eisteddfod of Wales. While Irish fiddle player Aoife, combines classical and traditional music and is known as one of her generation’s most gifted violinists. Together, they play music that is influenced and linked by the cultures of their home countries.

The collaboration is a Mwldan Production and was first performed at the Other Voices Music Festival in Cardigan in the autumn of 2022, which drew them huge acclaim. They now plan to release their debut album in October, before embarking on a UK and international tour.

The British Council, together with the Welsh Government, Wales Arts International and Arts Council Wales, will also support the Wales in France year through a programme of arts and cultural activity yet to be announced. This will support individuals and organisations in both Wales and France to connect, develop relationships and create new work across 2023.

Speaking about the Wales in France programme, Ruth Cocks, Director, British Council Wales said: “We were delighted be supporting the Welsh government’s Wales in France Year through our arts and education programmes. Wales has such a special history with France with our shared Celtic identities and links between our languages, music and culture. We’re very excited to support Welsh musicians at the launch in Paris, as well as work with our valued partners, Wales Arts International and Arts Council Wales. We wish Catrin and Aoife the best of luck with their performance and look forward to an exciting cross-cultural programme in 2023.”

Previously, the British Council has supported several arts projects linking Wales and France, most recently supporting the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Orchestre National de Bretagne in a series of joint concerts in 2022.

The Wales in France programme continues the British Council’s work, building connection, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas through arts, education and language teaching. To find out more about the British Council’s work in Wales visit https://wales.britishcouncil.org/ or follow on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

THE COUNTDOWN to 2023 has begun – and at the Out nightclub, Pembroke, dance music legend Judge Jules will be performing a set on New Year’s Eve.

For almost three decades Judge Jules has pioneered the dance music journey and is considered one of the most successful DJs in the industry.

His presence has also been keenly felt on Ibiza, where he has held the longest-running DJ residency in the island’s history.

His net worth is estimated to be in the region of $42 million.

Julius O’Riordan hails from north London and, following an education at an independent boys school, he went on to the London School of Economics where he earned a degree in law.

During his student days he became known for hosting small house parties where he became better known as Judge Jules as a result of his law degree.

Jules began playing in 1987, launching the career that has easily notched up hundreds of thousands of miles, millions of spins of the decks and countless gigs in far-flung destinations, as well as the odd dirty warehouse thrown in for good measure.

Jules’ DJ sets are the epitome of what DJing is about – passion, amazing tunes and a set of hands capable of the most nimble of mixing. With a list of awards that would make the American Olympic team blush, Jules has earned his place amongst the DJ aristocracy.

Rarely out of DJ Mag’s top 15 in the annual Top 100 DJs poll, Jules has won such accolades as – “Best DJ” (Muzik Awards), No.1 DJ (Mixmag reader’s poll), “Best International DJ” (Dancestar), and “Best Radio DJ” at the Smirnoff Dancestars. Awards aside, there is no doubt that Jules remains one of the most popular figures in dance music, who has had the pleasure of playing some of the most sought-after gigs – notably for his beloved Arsenal FC and also, in January 2007, at the 20/20 one-day Australia v’s England cricket match at Sydney Cricket Ground.

The celebrations at Pembroke’s Out kicks off at 7pm with a free welcome drink for everyone.

VIP tables are available and tickets are now on sale, priced between £15 and £79. These can be booked via Eventbrite.

CHRISTMAS celebrations will be starting early this year at Crymych Library.

On the morning of Saturday, December 10, from 10.30 am, there will be a morning of Welsh Language craft activities, singing and games for young children at the library.

There will also be a Welsh Language story time session at the library from 11.30am.

As well as the fun, there will also be a chance to meet a very special visitor, Sion Corn, before he gets busy with his Christmas deliveries.

If you’d like to join the fun, please register in advance by e-mailing bethan@mentersirbenfro.com

Hurry, as spaces are limited.

Crymych Library is located on the Ysgol Bro Preseli campus in Crymych.

The library is open for seven hours a week on Tuesdays and Fridays from 4-6 pm and on Saturday mornings from 10am. to 1pm. For more information, please contact the library on (01239) 832092.

This event is being organised in conjunction with Menter Iaith Preseli and is funded by the Welsh Government.