04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Saundersfoot photographer stars at international festival
Joann Randles, who grew up in Saundersfoot, is the only Welsh photographer chosen to exhibit in the Festival Interceltique de Lorient (FIL).
The event in Brittany, which began on Friday, is the largest of its kind and is expected to welcome around 800,000 people over its 10-day run.
The festival is a celebration of the cultural traditions of the Celtic nations and regions, highlighting music, dance and visual arts as well as sports and gastronomy.
Father and son Kerry and David Thomas carry on a traditional craft in their Lovespoon Workshop at Cold Inn, near Kilgetty. (Image: Joann Randles)
Former Greenhill School student Joanne, 37, who is based in Swansea, has won acclaim for her work in the British Photography Awards, the British Press Photographers' Association and the Wales Media Awards, to name a few.
Her images on show in France will reflect aspects of Welsh crafts and culture, including love-spoon making, coracle fishing and weaving.
Antwn Owen-Hicks, leader of the Welsh delegation, said, "I'd seen some of Joann's work online, particularly her images of Welsh cultural activity.
'The quality of Joann's images is exceptional and a perfect fit for the Festival Interceltique.
Dawnswyr Talog practice for their Eisteddfod appearance. (Image: Joann Randles) "I think that visitors to the EuroCeltic Art exhibition will be wowed by her stunning images."
Joann, who will be in France for the duration of the festival, said:
"I'm absolutely thrilled to represent Wales with a collection of my photography - it means so much to me.
Weaving at Melin Tregwynt, Pembrokeshire (Image: Joann Randles)
"I'm really excited to be part of the amazing delegation showcasing Wales at the festival in Lorient. I can't wait to meet the other Welsh artistes, as well as representatives from other nations.
"This will also be my first exhibition featuring a large body of my work on display, making it an event I will most definitely remember.
"I'm incredibly proud."
Joann has travelled to France to set up her exhibition at the festival. (Image: Joann Randles)
Joining Joann in the Wales delegation at the festival will be the Treorchy Male Choir, three bands, a harpist, a DJ and a visual artist, together with the Treorchy Male Choir whose members will be amongst over 3,000 artists taking part in Sunday's Grande Parade des Nations Celtes.
