A celebration of Welsh talent, international rhythm and youthful choral excellence brought the Pavilion to life

THERE are some evenings at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod that perfectly capture the spirit of the festival. Global Rhythms: Made in Wales was undoubtedly one of them, bringing together outstanding Welsh talent, global influences and an atmosphere that turned the Pavilion into one enormous celebration.

The evening opened with Band Pres Llareggub, who describe themselves as a “Bronx hip hop-inspired, New Orleans-tinged North Walian brass band with attitude”. It is a bold claim, but one they more than lived up to.

Their infectious blend of driving brass, hip hop grooves and New Orleans flair had the audience moving from the opening number. At the same time, their outstanding musicianship was evident throughout a set that was polished, energetic and exhilarating.

A few songs in, the band peeled off their trademark jackets to reveal matching “Straight Outta Llareggub” T-shirts. It was a moment that perfectly summed up their irreverent sense of fun and drew a huge cheer from the crowd, but the humour never overshadowed the quality of the performance. Every player impressed, delivering a tight and confident set full of technical skill and infectious enthusiasm.

They were joined by Sage Todz, whose distinctive flow and commanding stage presence added another exciting dimension to the performance. The collaboration between brass and hip hop felt fresh, inventive and entirely natural, showcasing the confidence and creativity of Wales’s contemporary music scene.

Earlier in the evening, the Young Choir of the World Final once again highlighted the extraordinary standard of young singers from across the globe. Warm congratulations went to Côr Iau ABC, whose outstanding performances earned them the coveted Young Choir of the World title.

The trophy was presented by Dr Rhys Davies. Dr Davies and his wife have generously donated the prize money for the Young Choir of the World Awards in memory of their son, Owen Davies, adding a deeply personal and poignant note to one of the festival’s most prestigious competitions. Their generosity continues to support and celebrate exceptional young choral talent from around the world.

By the time headliner N’famady Kouyaté stepped onto the stage, the Pavilion was already buzzing, but he took the atmosphere to another level.

Opening with the title track from his latest EP, Aros I Fi Yna, Kouyaté first strapped on an electric guitar, immediately showing that he is far more than a virtuoso balafon player. Later in the set, he switched seamlessly to the balafon, the traditional West African wooden xylophone that lies at the heart of his musical heritage.

Originally from Guinea and now based in Cardiff, Kouyaté is a gifted multi-instrumentalist whose music draws on his family’s griot tradition while embracing jazz, indie, pop and funk influences.

His growing reputation has seen him emerge as one of Wales’s brightest musical talents, winning the prestigious Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition before earning a coveted Pyramid Stage slot. It is easy to understand why.

Throughout a set featuring Nadjeli, When I See You, Ti a Fi, Demousolini, Balafô Douma and Tama, he demonstrated remarkable versatility. The shimmering sound of the balafon intertwined effortlessly with guitars, percussion and soaring vocals.

There was a particularly poignant moment during Balafô Douma, a song that celebrates the instrument that has shaped his musical journey since childhood. Taught to play the balafon by his parents, Kouyaté performed with the pride of someone carrying a cherished family tradition onto an international stage.

It was a performance rooted in heritage, but entirely contemporary in its sound and outlook.

What stood out most, however, was the sheer joy of it all. Kouyaté’s infectious smile and boundless energy radiated across the Pavilion, encouraging the audience to clap, dance and sing along.

Before long, dozens of competitors from around the world had gathered in front of the stage, transforming the Pavilion into one huge party. It was impossible not to be swept along by the optimism running through his music, a reminder that the finest performances do more than entertain. They bring people together.

Global Rhythms: Made in Wales was more than a concert. It was a celebration of a modern, confident Wales that embraces its own traditions while welcoming influences from around the world.

From the swagger and precision of Band Pres Llareggub, to the lyrical brilliance of Sage Todz and the irresistible rhythms of N’famady Kouyaté, this was an evening that left the audience smiling long after the final notes had faded.

BARCLAYS has given no commitment to reopening bank branches in west Wales, despite calls for the banking giant to restore full services in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

Paul Davies MS, Senedd Member for Ceredigion Penfro, wrote to Barclays UK Chief Executive Vim Maru urging the bank to consider reopening branches in Haverfordwest and Aberystwyth, with Tenby and Cardigan also suggested for review.

The call followed reports that Barclays is looking again at its high street presence and considering investment in its branch network.

But in a response to The Herald, Barclays stopped short of saying whether any west Wales towns were being considered for a reopened branch.

A Barclays spokesperson said: “Over the past year, we’ve added 47,000 hours of in-branch availability across the UK. We are now looking to enhance and invest in our branch footprint alongside our contact centres and app as we continue to meet the changing preferences of our customers. We’ll make more details known on proposed new branch locations at the appropriate time.

“Across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, we provide in person banking services from our local banking hubs in Pembroke Dock, Haverfordwest, Cardigan and Aberystwyth, and offer full branch services in neighbouring Carmarthen. Details of opening hours can be found on our website. We also operate a dedicated Welsh language telephone service available on 0333 202 7450, from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.”

Barclays closed its Haverfordwest branch in May 2024. Its Aberystwyth and Cardigan branches also closed that year, leaving customers in large parts of west Wales without access to a full Barclays branch.

Mr Davies said the lack of branches in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion represented a significant reduction in service provision for both personal and business customers.

He said: “It’s extremely disappointing that Barclays Bank currently has no branches in either Pembrokeshire or Ceredigion. This represents a significant reduction in service provision for both personal and business customers across the two counties.

“However, I welcome the bank’s recent announcement and have written to the Chief Executive to encourage Barclays to take this opportunity to restore banking services in our area by reopening branches in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

“Access to face-to-face banking services remains vital for many residents, businesses and community organisations, and I hope the bank will give serious consideration to reopening the high street branches in west Wales.”

The issue is likely to be particularly significant in rural areas, where older residents, digitally excluded customers, small businesses, charities and community groups may still rely on in-person banking.

While Barclays says alternative services are available, critics argue that local banking points and hubs do not offer the same service as a fully staffed branch.

Barclays Local sites are generally cashless, while full branches offer a wider range of services. Banking hubs, operated separately through the national cash access scheme, provide counter services for basic cash transactions and access to community bankers on set days.

Mr Davies has called on Barclays to place Haverfordwest and Aberystwyth at the front of the queue if the bank proceeds with any programme to expand or reopen branches.

For now, however, Barclays has not confirmed whether any branch in Pembrokeshire or Ceredigion will return.

A £26,273 donation from the West Wales Prostate Cancer Support Group has helped create a calmer and more comfortable space for patients undergoing cancer treatment

A GENEROUS charitable donation has helped transform the patient waiting room at Glangwili Hospital’s Chemotherapy Day Unit.

Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, has used a £26,273 donation from the West Wales Prostate Cancer Support Group to fund a major refurbishment of the unit’s waiting room and adjacent kitchen.

The West Wales Prostate Cancer Support Group is a patient-led group of volunteers working across West and South West Wales, offering support to prostate cancer patients, as well as their families and friends.

The project has created a more welcoming, comfortable and calming environment for patients receiving treatment, along with relatives and carers who accompany them to appointments.

Before the refurbishment, the waiting area was described as dated, dark and uninviting, in contrast to the compassionate care provided by staff within the unit. Patients can often spend long periods in the space before treatment or clinic appointments.

The work included the removal of old fixtures, full redecoration, new flooring and ceiling, the purchase of more comfortable furniture, and the addition of artwork to help improve the atmosphere.

Gina Beard, Lead Cancer Nurse, said: “We are so grateful for the donation from the West Wales Prostate Cancer Support Group, which has enabled us to transform the space.

“This has made a real difference to our patients. We’ve been able to create a space that feels less clinical and more comforting. The calming colours and comfortable seating help ease anxiety and make a difficult time a little more bearable for patients and their loved ones.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, added: “We are deeply grateful to the West Wales Prostate Cancer Support Group for their donation.

“Your generosity has enabled us to create a pleasant and relaxing space for patients and their families.”

Hywel Dda Health Charities supports NHS patients and staff across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.