A CHRISTMAS celebration of music and song enthralled audiences at St Davids Cathedral on Saturday (Dec 14), as the St Davids Cathedral Choir and Vox Angelica presented A Christmas Spectacular. The event, which began at 7:00pm, offered a festive evening of performances set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of one of Wales’ most iconic landmarks.

The concert featured the talented harpist Bethan Semmens, who captivated listeners with her intricate and emotive playing. A Cardiff native, Semmens studied at the Royal College of Music and has performed at prestigious events across the UK and internationally. Her contributions to the evening brought an enchanting touch to the programme.

The night was packed with beloved seasonal pieces, showcasing both choral and soloist performances. Highlights included the timeless Good King Wenceslas, Winter Wonderland, and festive classics such as The Twelve Days of Christmas. The Cathedral Choir delivered stirring renditions under the vaulted ceilings, with carols and arrangements that beautifully resonated throughout the space.

Special moments featured solos by Harriet Pearce and Sophie Cooke, who lent their voices to favourites like There Is No Rose and Balulalow. The audience was further treated to a moving arrangement of A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten, performed in harmony with Bethan Semmens’ harp accompaniment.

A medley of carols encouraged audience participation, culminating in a joyful and spirited atmosphere. Families, friends, and visitors joined their voices for classics that brought warmth and festivity to the wintry evening.

The performance concluded with an uplifting recessional, leaving attendees with a sense of seasonal cheer. The Cathedral, adorned with Christmas trees and lights, provided the perfect setting for what many described as an unforgettable musical experience.

The Herald understands that A Christmas Spectacular was a resounding success, with plans already underway for next year’s event.

WITH the Torch Theatre’s festive panto Jack and the Beanstalk in full swing, its community spirit is more prevalent this year than ever before. With local actors, local stage crew and local support from nearby companies, including Valero and Elder Meadows Nursery, the annual family production is a must for all this Christmas.  

Lloyd Grayshon – the memorable Mrs Trott, Freya Dare who plays the cool Agatha Fleshcreep and Samuel Freeman as Terrence Fleshcreep – are all from west Wales, with Samuel from Milford Haven town itself. Gareth Elis, who plays the main character, Jack Trott, has Whitland connections with Carri Munn (Pat the Cow) part of the Torch family having performed on the Torch stage this year in Tachwedd / The Slaughter (Theatre 503) and Elena Carys-Thomas as Fairy Gabby Greenfingers returns following a stint with the Torch Youth Theatre.

Chelsey Gillard, Torch Theatre’s Artistic Director said: “I feel it’s important that many of our actors and creative team have a local connection especially as they include local references in the panto – Jack is from Hakin after all! It’s also important for our audiences, particularly young people, to see people like them on the stage.

“At the Torch we help people of all ages develop their creativity and we want our audiences to know that anything is possible, whether you want to become a doctor, a hairdresser, an engineer or even an actor.”

Samuel Freeman started his acting career at the Torch having been an active member of Torch Youth.

“It always feels like a huge honour to be working at the Torch. We are very lucky to have a theatre in Milford Haven that produces original work, as well as receiving high calibre touring productions, cinema and live broadcasts. Growing up with this right on my doorstep was integral to my love of theatre. I had access to the Torch’s fantastic youth theatre program, giving me the chance to experience performing in a professional setting from an early age. 

“In a way, things feel they have gone full circle. It is hard to put into succinct words how much joy and pride it gives me to be on the very stage I watched, wishing to be a part of Pembrokeshire brims with talent and culture, and it means the world to me to continue that legacy of great art in our wonderful part of the world.”

Freya Dare, who was the ultimate understudy in the Torch Theatre’s pantomime Beauty and the Beast, covering for Belle, Belle’s Mother and Fairy Shadowmist, is delighted to be supporting her local theatre.

Freya said: “It is so special to perform at this special theatre that means so much to me. I love that I know and work with some of the audience members and get excited to bring joy and fun to a community I care so much about. “

Jack and the Beanstalk can be seen at the Torch Theatre from now until Sun 29 Dec 2024 with both matinee and evening performances. Ticket prices: £23.50 | £19.50 Cons | £75.00 Family. BSL Performance – Tuesday 17 December at 6pm.

To book your tickets or for further information, contact the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.

SPAN ARTS is delighted to announce the return of the Narberth A Cappella Festival for March 2025. This spectacular and unique festival returns to the town of Narberth for 2025, bringing wonderful A Cappella offerings to Pembrokeshire. Not only this but new for 2025 a tantalising Earlybird offer has just been launched, with discounted festival tickets, priority workshop booking and more!

The Narberth A Cappella Festival, organized by SPAN Arts, is Wales’s premier a cappella voice celebration, attracting participants from across the UK. With over 25 years of history, Narberth A Cappella Festival 2025 will focus on community voices, featuring the much-loved Singing Feast and vocal workshops led by world-renowned practitioners.

The festival will commence with our welcoming Singing Feast, an evening where you can enjoy delicious food, excellent company and joyful singing on the Friday night. On the Saturday you can join our singing workshops which bring talented vocalists to teach vocal sessions in both the morning and afternoon. In the evening, we close our festival with a concert that showcases community a cappella choirs, with a line-up of UK wide and local choirs for you to enjoy. 

You will be able to book individual events when SPAN Arts launches their event tickets in the new year or book your “Festival Tickets” that will cover entry to every event across the festival.

But why wait till then? Book Earlybird Festival Ticket offer and secure your place now. Already available to purchase via their website this makes the perfect Christmas gift to give that unique experience to any music enthusiast.

With the Earlybird ticket offer, you can grab yourself a discounted festival ticket that covers all the events of the weekend. It also gets you priority booking for the limited places available at the singing workshops ahead of the general sales release in the new year.

All Earlybirds will also get a free tote bag on their arrival at the start of the festival! But hurry, this offer is only available through the Christmas period and finishes on the twelfth day of Christmas (6 January).

Keep an eye on their website and social media for more announcements about artists, performers and more over the next few weeks.

For more information contact [email protected] or call 01843 869323

The event will take place 7 – 8 March 2025 at the following locations:

• Singing Feast: The Scout Hut, Town Moor, Narberth. SA67 7AG
• Singing Workshops: Bethesda Baptist Church, High St, Narberth SA67 7AP
• Final Concert: St Andrews Church, 17 Church St, Narberth SA67 7BH

Earlybird festival ticket £58. More tickets to be released in the New Year. Advanced booking required. Visit the SPAN Arts website to book.  

Please contact [email protected] to discuss your accessibility needs. For ticket holders who need access support to attend, they offer a free ticket for their companion, carer or personal assistant. Contact 01834 869323 to book your carers ticket.