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Cherry Vann elected Archbishop of Wales following Bangor scandal

Published

11 months ago

July 30, 2025

BISHOP Cherry Vann, the Bishop of Monmouth, has been elected as the 15th Archbishop of Wales, succeeding Andrew John, who resigned earlier this summer following damning reports into the culture at Bangor Cathedral.

The Church in Wales confirmed the result after its Electoral College met in closed session, with Bishop Cherry securing the required two‑thirds majority from clergy, lay representatives and fellow bishops. She will be enthroned at Newport Cathedral in the coming months but will continue in her role as Bishop of Monmouth.

Scandal at Bangor Cathedral

The post became vacant after Archbishop Andrew John resigned in June following the release of independent reports into the Diocese of Bangor. The investigations found serious failings in governance and safeguarding at Bangor Cathedral, including a culture of excessive drinking, blurred sexual boundaries, bullying, inappropriate language, and poor management oversight.

Although there were no allegations of personal misconduct against the Archbishop, he accepted responsibility for not addressing the problems sooner. The Church’s Representative Body passed a motion of no confidence in his leadership, and the Charity Commission began looking into related financial and governance issues. Archbishop John announced he would also retire as Bishop of Bangor at the end of August.

The controversy centred on Bangor Cathedral, which is part of the Anglican Church in Wales, and not, as some reports incorrectly suggested, Wrexham Cathedral, which belongs to the Roman Catholic Church.

Background on Bishop Cherry Vann

Cherry Elizabeth Vann, 66, was born in Whetstone, Leicestershire. Initially training as a professional musician at the Royal College of Music, she later studied theology at Westcott House, Cambridge, and was ordained deacon in 1989. She was among the first women ordained priest in the Church of England in 1994.

Bishop Cherry served in Manchester for many years, holding parish posts and serving as chaplain to the deaf community before becoming Archdeacon of Rochdale in 2008. She was the first woman to hold that senior role in the Diocese of Manchester and later became Prolocutor of the Lower House of the Convocation of York, sitting on the Church of England’s Archbishops’ Council.

She was elected Bishop of Monmouth in 2019 after the resignation of Bishop Richard Pain, and was consecrated in January 2020. In her ministry, she has been a strong advocate for justice, reconciliation and inclusion, and is openly in a civil partnership.

Election process

The Archbishop of Wales is elected from among the six serving diocesan bishops by the Church in Wales Electoral College. The body consists of the six bishops and six elected representatives (three clergy and three lay members) from each of the six dioceses.

Meeting in Llandrindod Wells in a tradition akin to a conclave, the college prays, discusses and votes in secret. A candidate must win a two‑thirds majority to be elected. If no decision is reached within three days, the choice passes to the Bench of Bishops. This time, Bishop Cherry Vann secured the necessary majority during the electoral college process.

A new chapter for the Church

Bishop Cherry’s election comes at a challenging time for the Church in Wales, as it seeks to rebuild trust and strengthen governance in the wake of the Bangor scandal. Speaking after her election, she said she was honoured to be chosen and looked forward to serving the people of Wales in her new role.

The enthronement ceremony at Newport Cathedral will be held later this year, formally marking the start of her tenure as Archbishop of Wales.

Community

Bongo Clive brings rhythm and smiles to VC Gallery celebration

Published

15 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

LEARNING DISABILITY WEEK MARKED WITH MUSIC, LAUGHTER AND INCLUSION IN PEMBROKE DOCK

THE VC GALLERY in Pembroke Dock was filled with music, laughter and energy as visitors came together to celebrate Learning Disability Week.

The event saw popular entertainer Bongo Clive lead a lively session of singing, drumming and participation, with those attending joining in throughout the day.

The gallery said the session had created a joyful atmosphere, with music helping to bring people together and celebrate inclusion, creativity and wellbeing.

A spokesperson for The VC Gallery said: “The smiles said it all. A huge thank you to Bongo Clive for bringing your incredible energy, enthusiasm and positivity to The VC today. You certainly had everyone moving to the beat.”

Learning Disability Week celebrates inclusion and the abilities, creativity and individuality of people with learning disabilities.

The Pembroke Dock event highlighted the role of community spaces such as The VC Gallery in supporting wellbeing, friendship and confidence through shared creative activities.

Community

Sir Karl Jenkins named Eisteddfod President for 2026

Published

16 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SIR KARL JENKINS has been named President of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for 2026.

The internationally acclaimed Welsh composer, one of the world’s most performed living composers, will take on the role as the festival prepares to welcome performers, competitors and visitors from across the globe.

Sir Karl is best known for works including The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, Adiemus and Requiem.

His appointment comes in a landmark year after The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace was voted the most popular work in the Classic FM Hall of Fame 2026.

Opening night return

Sir Karl’s presidential year will begin with the opening night concert, Uniting Nations: One World, on Tuesday, July 7.

The concert had been due to take place in 2025 but was postponed, causing disappointment for volunteers, performers and audience members who had travelled from across the UK and overseas.

The Eisteddfod has now brought the event back with support from the Arts Council of Wales.

Sir Karl said: “I’m delighted to be returning to the Llangollen Festival this year and especially honoured to do so in the role of President.

“Llangollen is always a very special place to be, with its unique sense of community and international spirit.

“I’m greatly looking forward to conducting my most recent choral work, One World, particularly following the postponement of last year’s performance.

“It’s a piece that I feel reflects the very essence of the festival, bringing together outstanding musicians from across the globe to form one powerful collective voice.”

Global chorus

The evening will feature a full performance of One World, conducted by Sir Karl and performed by an international massed chorus made up of WorldChoir and NEW Voices, accompanied by the Llangollen International Orchestra.

The work blends Jenkins’ distinctive musical style with themes of humanity, compassion and environmental stewardship.

The concert will also include a complete staging of Peace Child: The Musical, which places young people at the heart of its message of peace and global citizenship.

Opening the evening will be the world premiere of Greeting the Dawn, a newly commissioned bilingual work by emerging Welsh composer Sam Buttler.

The piece was written for the 2026 Eisteddfod through the Harmony Without Borders initiative, continuing Llangollen’s tradition of supporting new talent and giving Welsh composers an international platform.

‘Great cultural ambassador’

John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Sir Karl Jenkins has agreed to serve as President of the Eisteddfod for 2026.

“Few musicians have done more to promote the values of peace, friendship and international understanding that lie at the heart of our festival.

“Sir Karl is one of Wales’s greatest cultural ambassadors and his music has inspired audiences across every continent.

“The fact that The Armed Man has just been voted the nation’s favourite classical work is a testament not only to his extraordinary talent, but also to the universal appeal of the messages of peace, hope and humanity that run through so much of his music.”

Mr Gambles added: “The postponement of One World last year was heartbreaking for everyone involved.

“We knew how much the concert meant to audiences, performers and volunteers alike, and we were determined to find a way to bring it back.

“Thanks to the support of the Arts Council of Wales, we can now finally give this extraordinary concert the audience it deserves.

“With Sir Karl as our President, the return of One World, the world premiere of a major new Welsh composition and the powerful message of Peace Child, this promises to be one of the most memorable and significant opening nights in the Eisteddfod’s history.”

Festival programme

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod returns for its 79th year on Tuesday, July 7.

This year’s programme includes performances from Michael Ball, Emeli Sandé with the Absolute Orchestra, Uniting Nations: One World featuring Sir Karl Jenkins, and the Choir of the World competition.

Thousands of competitors from around the world will also take part in the daytime programme, with the Parade of Nations returning on Friday, July 10.

Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting from £33.

Further information is available at llangollen.net.

Community

Lord Rhys emerges from the mist in St Davids

Published

18 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Giant puppet begins historic journey marking 850 years since the first Eisteddfod

MIST swirled around St Davids Cathedral on Friday evening as a giant Lord Rhys puppet emerged from the fog to begin a journey celebrating 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod.

Accompanied by traditional musicians and followed by crowds of spectators, the towering figure cut an imposing sight against the backdrop of the ancient cathedral.

The procession marked the start of Taith yr Arglwydd Rhys (The Journey of Lord Rhys), a cultural pilgrimage retracing the legacy of the Welsh prince whose gathering of poets and musicians at Cardigan Castle in 1176 is widely regarded as the first recorded Eisteddfod.

As fog drifted across the city and church towers faded into the background, the scene felt more like a chapter from Welsh folklore than a modern-day celebration.

The giant puppet, accompanied by fellow performers and musicians, travelled from St Davids Cathedral to Oriel y Parc before beginning a wider journey through west Wales.

The travelling celebration will visit communities across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion before culminating in Cardigan, where Lord Rhys originally staged his famous cultural gathering eight and a half centuries ago.

Video and photographs shared by DrifterStDavids captured the remarkable atmosphere, with many describing the spectacle as one of the most memorable cultural events seen in St Davids for years.

Photo caption: Lord Rhys emerges from the mist outside St Davids Cathedral as celebrations begin to mark the 850th anniversary of the first recorded Eisteddfod

(Pic: SmallWorld – Video: Drifter St Davids)