Entertainment

Ex-royal harpist Claire helps pull strings to inspire new generation

Published

4 years ago

October 24, 2022

The woman who convinced King Charles to reinstate the position of royal harpist after a century-long gap is aiming to inspire a new generation to play the instrument.

Renowned harpist Elinor Bennett is going on a 12-stop Wales-wide tour, The Dwylo ar Dannau’r Delyn (Hands on Harp Strings) and will be joining forces with former royal harpist Claire Jones, who hails from Pembrokeshire.

The concerts, masterclasses and workshops will take Elinor, the Artistic Director of the Wales International Harp Festival, to places where she has close personal connections.

Claire Jones, who was the Official Harpist to the then Prince of Wales, now King Charles, between 2007 and 2011, will be joining Elinor at Ysgol Preseli in her home village of Crymych on Saturday, November 19.

She became a household name for her acclaimed performance at the royal wedding for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and has performed over 180 times for the Royal Family.

The tour also includes dates in Pwllheli, Llangefni, Llanrwst, Swansea, Barry and Denbigh.

Elinor will also be going to Llangadfan in Powys where she has close family links and Aberystwyth where she studied for a law degree at the town’s university.

She will also visit Swansea, Barry, Crymych in Pembrokeshire along with Merthyr Tudful where she once lived and Llanuwchllyn near Bala where she spent a large portion of her childhood.

The tour, which follows a launch concert for the festival at Bangor University’s PJ Hall, will feature some her former students and colleagues.

As well as re-igniting interest in harp music following the Covid pandemic, the aim is to promote the fifth Wales International Harp Festival which will be staged at Galeri Caernarfon from April 5-11.

She will also be inviting harpists to take part in four competitions at the festival, with the aim of giving children and older harpists a platform to perform, receive comments from internationally esteemed harpists and make friends with young musicians from other parts of the world.

The closing date for applications for the competitions is January 2, 2023.

She will be stepping down as the festival’s Artistic Director after next year’s event.

Elinor said: “At each location on the tour I will be joined by either a former pupil or someone I have worked with in the past.

“We hope local harp tutors and teachers will bring their pupils along. Each event will last for about four hours and at the start there will be workshops and master classes where the youngsters can play together and then some solos.

“To close the event there will be a concert where I will play along with the guest tutor and perhaps with some of the youngsters if they wish. The concerts, of course, will be open to the public.

“And there will also be an exhibition of harps by the Vining company from Cardiff. They sell Camac instruments and are sponsoring the festival.”

According to Elinor, one of the aims of the tour is to encourage youngsters to learn how to play the harp.

“I have heard that fewer children and young people are taking up the harp and the tour will create an interest in the harp and raise awareness of the festival itself,” she said.

She added tickets for the tour are available online at www.walesharpfestival.co.uk and some local shops but will also be available on the door.

Elinor said when she started learning to play the harp in 1954 when there were very few harpists.

Born at Llanidloes in the former county of Montgomeryshire, her family later moved to Llanuwchllyn near Bala in Merionethshire.

Her father bought her first harp when she was just seven years of age though she did not begin lessons for another four years as her legs were not long enough to reach the pedals.

She said: “My father was very musical, as were my mother and grandfather. After we moved to Llanuwchllyn my father joined Cor Godre’r Aran. In 1949 they went to London to sing at the Dorchester Hotel, and while in the city he bought a harp for £30 and brought it back to Llanuwchllyn on the (London) Underground and the train.

After leaving school Elinor studied law at Aberystwyth but later applied for and won a scholarship to attend the Royal Academy of Music in London, studying with Osian Ellis, the acclaimed Flintshire-born harpist. After graduating she played with numerous orchestras at home and abroad.

Though known mostly for classical music she has also played with some of Wales’ most renowned rock musicians. She has recorded twelve solo albums and founded the Coleg Telyn Cymru (Harp College of Wales) and helped set up Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre in Caernarfon.

Finding herself seated next to the then-Prince of Wales at a dinner, she told him of the tradition of a Royal harpist but which had not been filled for more than a century.

“He was interested and asked me to send him a proposal which I duly did. That led to the revival of the tradition with the first being Catrin Finch in 2000,” said Elinor.

The fifth Wales International Harp Festival will bring together leading exponents of the instrument from around the world to Galeri Caernarfon next April.. Organised by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (Music Centre) it will feature concerts, masterclasses, workshops and lecture recitals.

Elinor said performances will be given by world-class artists representing various aspects of the harp spectrum.

These include the Latin-American harpist from Colombia, Edmar Castaneda, French harpist Isobel Moretti, who makes a return visit to Caernarfon and jazz harpis Deborah Henson-Conant from the USA.

The festival commission is a new work, Llechi (Slate), by harpist and composer, Math Roberts, with poetry by Wales’ National Poet, Ifor Ap Glyn.

Elinor said this has been written for a chamber ensemble and vocal soloists and will celebrate the unique culture of the slate-mining areas of Gwynedd, recently awarded World Heritage Status by UNESCO.

“Participants in each of the categories in the four competitions are encouraged to create their own choice of programmes and include one or two items listed in the published syllabus.

“In the Youth and children competitions, equal scholarships will be awarded for the three top performances, to help talented young harpists to receive continuing expert tuition/

“Please join us over Easter in Caernarfon for a joyful and enriching experience.,” said Elinor.

Further details about the tour, the festival and the competitions are available on the Festival website www.walesharpfestival.co.uk

Entertainment

Immersive circus brings echoes of the Mabinogi to life amongst ancient trees

Published

21 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

THIS AUGUST, SPAN Arts is proud to present Journey of a Shapeshifter, an immersive Welsh-language aerial circus performance from Freya Sofia and company.

Surrounded by ancient woodland in the meadow at Colby Woodland Gardens, this unforgettable show offers an immersive, nature-drenched experience.

Freya Sofia and company are based in the Dyffryn Ogwen (Valley) in North-West Wales.

Their work is inspired by the local landscape, folklore and folk music. Journey of the Shapeshifter is a circus and theatre show with live folk music, performed in Welsh, that will captivate families and audiences of all ages.

Inspired by the tale of Ceridwen and Taliesin from the Mabinogi, the show follows the themes of transformation and metamorphosis of humans embodying animal forms.

The show is performed on an outdoor aerial rig, with symbolic props, puppets and accompanied by live Welsh folk music that draws you into the story of the performance. The greater message is that we, as animals, are part of the natural world and can live harmoniously with nature.

Join us for an enlivened summer performance in the meadow at Colby Woodland Garden on August 1. There will be two performances at 1pm and 2pm.

Audiences are advised to bring their own picnic rugs and chairs for the performance. The show will go on, rain or shine, so we ask you to dress for the weather and come prepared.

There is on-site pay-and-display car parking provided by the National Trust. The site is accessible via gravel paths. Please contact [email protected] for accessibility information.

You can book tickets via www.span-arts.org.uk

For ticket holders who need access support to attend, we offer a free ticket for their companion, carer or personal assistant. Contact 01834 869323 to book your carers ticket.

Community

Discover Wales’ past this summer with Cadw’s family events

Published

21 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

FAMILIES across Wales can look forward to a summer packed with adventure, as Cadw unveils its exciting programme of family-friendly events set within the nation’s most iconic castles, abbeys and ancient landmarks.

Taking place throughout the school holidays, the events programme invites visitors to step into the past through immersive experiences, interactive workshops and hands-on activities designed to bring Welsh history to life for all ages.

Dr Kate Roberts, Chief Executive of Cadw, said: “Summer is the perfect time for families to step outside and explore Wales’ incredible heritage, and our events programme makes those visits even more memorable.

“Whether it’s stepping into the shoes of medieval characters, discovering ancient traditions or simply spending time together in remarkable settings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, with free child entry for adult members, it’s a fantastic way to make lasting memories over the school holidays.”

With over 70 Cadw events scheduled across Wales in July and August, highlights from this summer’s programme in West Wales include:

Historic Echoes (Laugharne Castle)

Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August, 11:00-16:00

Step into the early 15th century at Laugharne Castle to discover how castles were attacked and defended, handle replica weapons and armour, and learn about medieval medicine through a series of expert demonstrations.

Hysterical History (Kidwelly Castle)

Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August, 11:00-16:00

Take part in an interactive experience at Kidwelly Castle, where visitors can explore the skills, training and traditions of medieval knighthood through engaging, hands-on activities with Sir Roland De Preaux.

Children’s Activity Day (Strata Florida Abbey)

Thursday 13 August, 10:00-12:00. Online pre-booking is essential.

Spend the day at Strata Florida Abbey, where young historians can explore the medieval abbey’s past through hands-on archaeology experiences and learn about the lives of the Cistercian monks and the surrounding landscape.

Historia Normannis (Laugharne Castle)

Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August, 11:00-16:00

Witness the spectacle of knights’ tournaments at Laugharne Castle to watch combat displays and see justice delivered at the Shire Court. Alongside the action, enjoy humorous performances that bring key moments in history to life in an entertaining and accessible way.

Living History Weekend (Laugharne Castle)

Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July, 11:00-16:00

Experience medieval village life at Laugharne Castle with a weekend of living history. Visitors can see dramatic demonstrations of Civil War armour and weaponry, with live cannon and musket firing.

In addition to these events, Cadw is offering a series of guided tours throughout the summer to give visitors a chance to delve deeper into the details of each location. In West Wales this includes: Castell Oxwich, and Castell Cilgerran. Pre-booking via the Cadw website for these events is required.

For those looking to make the most of their visits this summer and beyond, a Cadw membership offers free entry to all events and unlimited access to over 130 historic places across Wales. Children go free with adult memberships, making it a great value option for families. As a bonus, members receive a Cadw handbook, free audio guides at selected sites and two Heritage in Wales Magazines each year.

Find out more and book tickets at https://cadw.gov.wales

Entertainment

Open-air theatre brings mystery and musical adventure to Carew Castle

Published

21 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SUMMER evenings at Carew Castle will be filled with mystery, music and family entertainment as two much-loved stories are brought to life in the historic castle grounds.

Audiences are being invited to pack a picnic, bring a rug or low-backed chair and enjoy professional touring theatre in one of Pembrokeshire’s most atmospheric settings.

Hot drinks and ice creams will also be available during the performances.

The first of this summer’s open-air productions takes place on Thursday, July 30, when the critically acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company presents a new adaptation of Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Featuring live music, audience interaction and inventive theatrical comedy, the production follows Holmes and Watson as they investigate the deadly secret behind the Baskerville family curse.

Suitable for all ages, although parental guidance is advised, the show promises an evening of suspense, mayhem and laughter.

The entertainment continues on Tuesday, August 4, when Immersion Theatre brings its trademark energy to a musical adaptation of The Jungle Book.

Packed with original songs, audience participation and larger-than-life characters, the production follows Mowgli, Baloo and Bagheera on a fast-paced jungle adventure.

The story features cheeky monkeys, a slithering snake and the fearsome tiger Shere Khan.

Recommended for children aged four and above, the show promises a funny, exciting and entertaining evening for the whole family.

Daisy Hughes, manager of Carew Castle, said: “What works so well about outdoor theatre at Carew Castle is the relaxed, sociable feel of it.

“People can bring a picnic, settle in with family and friends, and enjoy professional touring theatre without the formality of a traditional auditorium.

“This year’s productions offer two very different experiences, from the suspense and humour of Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles to the colour, music and energy of The Jungle Book.

“They are exactly the kind of performances that work beautifully outdoors, with plenty for families and theatre fans to enjoy.”

Gates will open at 5.30pm for Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles, with the performance beginning at 6.30pm.

The show will run for approximately two hours, including an interval.

For The Jungle Book, gates will open at 4.45pm and the performance will begin at 5.30pm.

The show has an approximate running time of one hour and 25 minutes, with an interval between acts.

Tickets cost £16 for adults and £12 for children aged between three and 16.

A family ticket, covering two adults and two children or three adults and one child, costs £50.

Booking is essential through the Carew Castle website.

Tickets are non-refundable and performances will go ahead in wet weather. Visitors are advised to wear warm, waterproof clothing and bring a torch.

Caption: Live theatre returns to Carew Castle this summer, bringing stories, songs and suspense to the historic grounds.