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St Davids Cathedral Festival 2024: A celebration of music and community

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THE historic and picturesque St Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire played host to its annual music festival from 24th to 29th May, bringing together an impressive array of musical talent and an enthusiastic audience. This year’s festival featured a diverse lineup of performances, showcasing both established artists and emerging talents, all within the awe-inspiring setting of Britain’s smallest city.

A Grand Opening

The festival kicked off on Friday, 24th May, with a charming performance by The Children’s Chorus and Band, followed by a captivating candlelit concert featuring Vox Angelica, Vicars Choral, and Choral Scholars. This opening night set the tone for what would be a week of extraordinary musical experiences, combining the innocence and energy of youth with the profound beauty of choral music.

Highlights of the Weekend

One of the standout events of the weekend was the Saturday night concert by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales (BBC NOW), conducted by the esteemed Martyn Brabbins. The orchestra delivered masterful performances of works by Brahms, Sibelius, and Mathias. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the breathtaking performance by violinist Inmo Yang, whose virtuosity left a lasting impression on all in attendance. The concert was beautifully captured by photographer Chris Limbert, whose images conveyed the cathedral’s majestic atmosphere and the musicians’ passionate artistry.

Earlier that day, the ‘Choristers Unplugged’ concert proved to be a festival favourite. This lively and whimsical event saw young choristers performing to a packed audience, dressed in costumes inspired by themes such as ‘Wonka’, ‘Barbie’, and ‘Six’. The concert not only highlighted the versatility and talent of the choristers but also their infectious enthusiasm for music of all genres. Special accolades were given to the Head Chorister for their excellent curation of the programme.

Celebrating Young Talent

The festival continued to spotlight young talent with a performance by Raphael James, the Young Musician of Dyfed. James delivered a fantastic programme featuring pieces by Schubert, Rachmaninov, Chopin, and Gershwin. This concert also provided an opportunity to showcase the cathedral’s Steinway Concert Grand piano, a generous bequest from the late Mary Evans, which added a rich and resonant tone to the performances.

A Week of Diverse Performances

Throughout the week, festival-goers enjoyed a series of diverse and memorable performances. Highlights included a moving celebration of Anthony Randall’s music by Trío Preseli, who traveled from Santiago for the event. Emma Johnson and the Orchestra for the Environment delivered a stirring evening of string and clarinet music with a poignant message about the climate crisis.

The Choir of Royal Holloway also graced the festival with a stunning performance of orchestral music arranged for choir. Their dedication and talent were evident in every note, leaving the audience in awe of their harmonious blend and powerful delivery.

Grand Finale and Reflections

The festival concluded with a sublime broadcast of Choral Evensong live on BBC Radio 3, followed by a festival finale featuring the folk group Alaw. This closing night was a fitting end to a week filled with musical excellence and community spirit.

Festival Director, in his closing remarks, expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made the festival possible. He extended special thanks to his Assistant Director of Music, Laurence John, and to key supporters like Ben Richards, the festival’s Administrator, and Canon Leigh Richardson, the Chairman of the Festival. Their behind-the-scenes efforts were crucial in delivering a first-rate event.

As the festival drew to a close, the Cathedral Choir and all participants looked forward to a well-earned rest. The festival’s success was a testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved, from the performers to the organisers and the supportive audience.

Looking Ahead

The St Davids Cathedral Festival continues to be a highlight in the regional cultural calendar, celebrating the rich tradition of music in one of the UK’s most iconic and spiritually significant venues. Plans are already underway for next year’s festival, scheduled for 23rd-28th May 2025, promising another week of exceptional performances and cherished memories.

In reflecting on this year’s festival, attendees and performers alike will remember it as a joyful celebration of music, community, and the enduring beauty of St Davids Cathedral.

Entertainment

DJ Yoda brings the ’80s back to life at The Queens Hall, Narberth

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Legendary scratch DJ to perform ‘80s Mixtape Live on Saturday 22 November 2025

AWARD-WINNING turntablist DJ Yoda is heading to Narberth this autumn for a night of pure nostalgia, bringing his acclaimed DJ Yoda’s ’80s Mixtape Live to The Queens Hall on Saturday, 22 November 2025.

Known for his innovative audio-visual mashups, Duncan Beiny—better known as DJ Yoda—will take audiences on a journey through pop culture’s most iconic decade. Expect a wild mix of classic hip-hop, chart-toppers, retro video games, vintage movie clips and everything in between, all delivered in his signature glitched-out style.

From A-Ha to Alan Partridge, this is no ordinary DJ set. It’s a live performance of the mixtape that started it all—How To Cut & Paste: 80s Edition—celebrating 25 years since its original release.

A pioneer of modern turntablism, DJ Yoda has spent more than three decades performing around the world, from global festivals to exclusive venues. Named “one of the 10 DJs to see before you die” by Q Magazine, he’s collaborated with artists ranging from Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg to Damon Albarn, Diplo and Mark Ronson. In 2015, he was one of a select group of performers invited to appear at Banksy’s infamous Dismaland.

Whether you lived through the ‘80s or just love the sound and style of the era, DJ Yoda’s 80s Mixtape Live promises a high-energy, genre-defying experience not to be missed.

Tickets are available now at thequeenshall.org.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01834 861212.

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Entertainment

Torch Theatre welcomes new community reviewer Emma Cox

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Pembrokeshire graduate brings passion for arts, music and storytelling to the role

THE TORCH THEATRE has announced the newest addition to its team of Community Reviewers — Pembrokeshire native and recent Bath Spa University graduate, Emma Cox.

A former pupil of Pembroke School, Emma holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Publishing and brings with her a unique blend of creativity, cultural insight and musical curiosity. Deeply rooted in Pembrokeshire and driven by a lifelong passion for the arts — especially music — Emma is excited to lend her voice to the Torch’s programme of live performance, film, and music events.

“The Torch is a huge part of the creative life of Pembrokeshire,” she said. “It helps keep local arts and culture thriving, and it’s incredibly exciting to be even a small part of that.”

Emma’s interest in storytelling has always gone hand in hand with her love of music, particularly the raw energy and cultural dynamism of 1970s rock and soul. She said: “I’ve always been drawn to the music of the ’70s — it’s an era full of experimentation, honesty, and cultural shift. That really shows up in both the music and the films of the time. I find it endlessly inspiring.”

During her degree, Emma built a wide-ranging creative portfolio, writing on topics including fashion, culture, international affairs, and the arts. Her work has explored the influence of music and subcultures, including the emergence of a new wave of punk in Pembrokeshire, where local bands and young people are reviving the spirit of early punk to address today’s social issues.

She has also contributed to projects linked with Bristol Pride and Bath Carnival, and taken part in wider conversations around media representation and diversity. Through social media marketing and magazine design, Emma developed a passion for the evolving role of creative platforms in shaping public discourse.

“I see publishing as a powerful storytelling tool — one that continues to evolve alongside digital platforms and social change,” she said.

As she embarks on her new role, Emma aims to bring a fresh, music-loving perspective to her reviews, combining thoughtful critique with an eye for the cultural and creative significance of each performance.

“This is a new venture for me,” she said. “While I polish my reviewer’s voice, I hope to bring you along for the ride with thoughtful and exciting reviews.”

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Entertainment

Flu-like outbreak forces Eisteddfod cancellation amid public health scare

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Emergency declared as festival-goers fall ill — site cleared to reopen Thursday

THE LLANGOLLEN International Musical Eisteddfod was forced to cancel its headline event on Wednesday evening (July 9) after a sudden outbreak of illness prompted the Welsh Ambulance Service to declare an extraordinary incident.

Multiple attendees fell ill with flu-like symptoms, leading to the cancellation of the evening concert — which was set to feature Sir Karl Jenkins conducting One World, his symphonic celebration of peace.

Festival organisers said the nature and scale of the incident meant it was the first time in the Eisteddfod’s history an event had been cancelled in this way.

A spokesperson confirmed: “Following Public Health Wales advice, the incident related to a flu-like outbreak and affected multiple people at one time. We take the safety of our audience, performers and volunteers extremely seriously.”

Medical teams on site were supported by the Welsh Ambulance Service, who confirmed the declaration of a public health incident due to the number of people affected simultaneously.

The festival had been running as normal throughout the day, with over 4,000 performers from 35 countries taking part in cultural performances, parades, and competitions.

Just hours before the cancellation, organisers had sent out a schedule for what was expected to be the busiest day of the event so far, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

Despite the disruption, organisers have now confirmed that the site has been declared safe to reopen on Thursday (10 July) from 9:00am.

“We are pleased to report our site has been cleared to reopen,” the Eisteddfod said in a further statement issued late Wednesday evening.

No further details have been released about the cause of the illness, but Public Health Wales is continuing to monitor the situation.

The Herald understands that stewards, medical staff and volunteers acted quickly and professionally to contain the incident and support those who were unwell.

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