Entertainment
Port and Torch in two-year partnership to support the local community
THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN and the Torch Theatre have entered into a two-year partnership agreement to support the delivery of both organisations’ ambitious business and social goals for Pembrokeshire.
The partnership will ensure that the Torch Theatre is able to continue its important activities in the community – specifically the Youth Theatre, and this year’s Summer Schools in August – ‘Tall Tales’ (7 to 11 year olds) and ‘Hear Us Roar’ (ages 11 – 18) as well as supporting local schools in the delivery of Expressive Arts within the New Curriculum for Wales. The sponsorship deal also includes two Sunset Cinema screenings at Milford Waterfront.
Chelsey Gillard, Artistic Director at the Torch said “We are absolutely delighted to have this agreement in place with the Port of Milford Haven to work within our communities sharing cultural experiences, raising aspirations and bringing communities together. We are neighbours and we share the same desires and values when it comes to engaging with our community, whether that be individuals, groups or the whole community. Financial security is very important to the Torch. We are a charity and not for profit business and this comes at a time when funds have been cut but when the need for engagement with our activities at the Torch have never been more necessary.”
Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven is thrilled to be partnering with the Torch Theatre to deliver positive change across Pembrokeshire communities. Commenting on the new two-year collaboration, he said “As an organisation deeply immersed in our community, we’re investing to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth in and around the port. We’re particularly focused on helping to create a resilient community that has a healthy economy, provides rewarding careers, and is culturally rich, and the work that the Torch Theatre does, especially with young people, is central to that.
“We are lucky to have a professional theatre and arts centre on our doorstep, adding to the cultural vibrancy of Milford Haven, and at a time when theatres are closing, we’re very pleased to provide financial support so that they can continue to offer creative activities, encouraging participation in the arts, and supporting hundreds of young people to achieve their potential, no matter what their background.”
Pictured above: Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven and Ben Lloyd, Executive Director at the Torch Theatre (Image: supplied)
READ THIS WEEK’S PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD HERE:Entertainment
St Davids Cathedral Music Festival representatives attend Royal Garden Party
SIMON PEARCE, the esteemed Organist and Master of the Choristers at St Davids Cathedral, was honoured to attend a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The event, celebrating the UK’s Creative and Cultural Industries, featured an array of celebrities, stunning displays of spring gardens, and performances by the Band of The Marines.
Mr Pearce, who attended with his wife Katherine was appointed in 2022 as the Director of Music at the cathedral—a position he has held since 1998 in an assistant capacity—expressed his delight at the opportunity to represent the festival. “Every single moment was to be savoured,” he remarked, noting the “wonderful music, fantastic host of celebs, a sumptuous tea party, stunning gardens and Palace, and glorious British spring weather.”
The St Davids Cathedral Music Festival 2024 will open with a dazzling performance by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales on May 25. The orchestra will treat audiences to Mathias’s Festival Overture and Brahms’ Second Symphony.
Adding to the splendour, award-winning violinist Inmo Yang will grace the stage with his rendition of Sibelius’ Violin Concerto.
This year’s festival will also introduce several new performers. The Choir of Royal Holloway is set to debut on May 27, enchanting attendees with choral arrangements of orchestral classics. Local talent is also in the spotlight, with Pembrokeshire-born horn player Simon Lewis performing alongside Trio Preseli on May 26, showcasing works by Welsh composer Anthony Randall.
Adding a touch of environmental consciousness to the festival, clarinet virtuoso Emma Johnson returns on May 28 with her Orchestra for the Environment.
Their repertoire will include pieces by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Johnson’s own composition, ‘The Tree of Life’.
The festival will kick off with the 150-strong Children’s Festival Chorus on May 24, captivating audiences with their youthful energy and a live band.
Throughout the week, the cathedral musicians will feature prominently in several concerts, with the highlight being the full Cathedral choir performing Choral Evensong live on BBC Radio 3.
This prestigious invitation to Buckingham Palace came just two years after Mr Pearce’s official appointment as the Master of Choristers, a role in which he has pledged to continue enhancing the cathedral’s distinguished musical tradition.
At the time of his appointment, the Very Revd Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, as Dean of St. Davids, praised Mr Pearce’s exceptional talents, saying, “It has been a pleasure to enjoy the excellence of Simon’s playing and conducting over the years.”
Under his leadership, the Cathedral Choir and Choral Foundation have been furthering their well-deserved reputation for excellence. “St Davids Cathedral is a spiritually inspiring and beautiful place in which to make music,” Mr Pearce said, acknowledging the special connections the cathedral maintains with the local community, school, and the wider Pembrokeshire area.
Entertainment
Dinosaur fans should head to The Torch Theatre on July 31
DINOSAUR ADVENTURE LIVE is back and even more ROARSOME!
Join our brave Rangers for another action packed Dinosaur Adventure in the all new and exciting show: TROUBLE ON VOLCANO ISLAND.
When the island’s ancient volcano becomes active, it spells danger for everyone – including the Dinosaurs!
It’s a race against time to help our Rangers and favourite Dinosaurs in this thrilling prehistoric expedition, to save Volcano Island from imminent disaster.
Meet the incredible Triceratops, the cheeky Spinosaurus, our cute baby dinos and the gigantic T-Rex as we follow in their huge footprints and journey across the island. We’ll encounter wild new species of Dinosaur whilst conquering exhilarating challenges at every turn!
This amazing, immersive and interactive show is guaranteed to be an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.
Remember to join us after the show for a free photo opportunity and meet the dinos!
“There’s trouble on Volcano Island, get ready for an explosively good time!”
Dinosaur Adventure Live will be visiting The Torch Theatre in Milford Haven on July 31.
Entertainment
Dolly Parton to explore Welsh roots near Tenby in upcoming TV special
Country legend Dolly Parton, who has discovered her Welsh heritage, is set to explore her roots in an upcoming TV special. Although the 78-year-old 9 to 5 star was born in Tennessee, she recently learned that her ancestors hailed from near Tenby.
Dolly, accompanied by her family, will visit Wales, known for its rich singing tradition, as part of a four-part docu-series to be released next year. Her niece, singer Jada Star, shared that they traced their DNA back to Wales.
“Dolly is releasing a four-part docu-series about our roots and where we come from. There’ll be lots of footage from over there,” Jada revealed. She added that Dolly is just as glamorous in private as she appears in public. “I have never seen her unglammed in my life. She never wears slippers. Even when she’s lounging around her own house in PJ’s, she still wears Frederick’s fluffy Marabou high heel slip-ons. She has them in every colour to slip on when she’s relaxing at home.”
Following in her aunt’s footsteps, Jada will perform at Glastonbury next month. “Dolly is so excited for me,” she said. “Her main advice was, ‘Make sure to bring your rain boots’.”
Reflecting on Dolly’s memorable performance at Glastonbury in 2014, Jada noted that it gave her aunt “a new lease of life”. Jada’s new single, Keeper of My Heart, is out now.
-
Entertainment2 days ago
Dolly Parton to explore Welsh roots near Tenby in upcoming TV special
-
News5 days ago
Cyclist dies during annual charity ride to Tenby
-
News6 days ago
Renewed social media appeal over Sian Batchelor’s death
-
News6 days ago
Aurora Alert: Another chance to see the Northern Lights tonight
-
Crime2 days ago
Milford woman ’caused significant life-changing injuries to motorcyclist’
-
News17 hours ago
Life literally ‘buzzing’ for west Wales EuroMillion winners
-
Crime6 days ago
Former Pembroke Dock mayor admits child abuse image charges
-
News3 days ago
Sian Batchelor: Police issue new appeal for information