Latest news with #LastChoirStanding
Powys County Times
12-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Only Men Aloud to return to Llandrindod Wells in November
Only Men Aloud is set to return to Llandrindod Wells for a festive concert. The award-winning male vocal group will perform their Christmas show, A Merry Little Christmas, at The Albert Hall on November 28. The group, founded by Tim Rhys-Evans MBE in 2000, was created to rejuvenate the Welsh male choral tradition. Since then, they have gained international recognition for their varied repertoire, which includes classical, opera, pop, musical theatre, and traditional Welsh hymns. Their popularity soared in 2008 after winning the BBC talent competition Last Choir Standing. This achievement led to a multi-album deal with Universal Records. In 2010, the group won the Classical Brit Award for Best Album, solidifying their status as one of the UK's leading vocal ensembles. This year, Only Men Aloud is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a series of performances and recordings. Tickets for the one-night-only event are expected to sell quickly, with a VIP upgrade available. This includes access to the sound check and a photo opportunity with the group.
South Wales Argus
12-08-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Only Men Aloud announce Monmouth and Cwmbran tour dates
The Welsh vocal group, who gained national fame after winning the BBC One competition Last Choir Standing in 2008, will perform at the Congress Theatre in Cwmbran on November 26 and the Savoy Theatre in Monmouth on November 29. The extended tour celebrates a quarter-century of performances that have taken the group from BBC's Songs of Praise to the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games and two Royal Variety Performances. Craig Yates, an original member of Only Men Aloud and now creative director of the Aloud Charity, said: "This is a celebration tour. "We've had a wonderful time with OMA, which has really evolved over the last 25 years." The group was founded in 2000 by Tim Rhys-Evans, who is now director of music at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. Originally a 25-member male voice choir, Only Men Aloud now performs as an eight-piece ensemble, with members balancing the group alongside careers in pharmacy, teaching, gardening, music, and musical theatre. Their breakthrough came in 2008 when they won Last Choir Standing, catapulting them to national recognition and a series of high-profile performances, including supporting Diana Ross at Cardiff Castle. Mr Yates said: "We're all adults now, with the range of family responsibilities which come with that. "We've all got jobs and OMA is a hobby – but what a hobby to have." Fans can expect an evening of stories, choral arrangements, and energetic adaptations during the anniversary tour. The tour will begin in Cardiff on September 27 at the New Theatre, where Only Boys Aloud will join them on stage. Other tour dates include Aberystwyth, Swansea, Llandudno, Llandrindod Wells, and Newtown. The group last performed an intimate five-date show last Christmas, but Mr Yates said this run is about more than just returning to the stage. He said: "It's been amazing and we are thankful that people still really enjoy listening to and seeing us. "It's lovely to be back." Tickets are available now through the Only Men Aloud website.
Rhyl Journal
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Only Men Aloud to perform final tour date in Llandudno
The eight-piece group, who have performed at the Royal Variety Performance and the London 2012 Olympics, will perform at Venue Cymru on October 31. This will be the final date of their four-date tour across Wales. The group, who were founded by Tim Rhys-Evans, are now an eight-piece group whose day jobs include pharmacy, teaching, and gardening. They will be performing in Cardiff, Aberystwyth, and Swansea before the finale in Llandudno. Craig Yates, an original member of the group and now creative director of the Aloud Charity, said: "This is a celebration tour. "We've had a wonderful time with OMA, which has really evolved over the last 25 years." The group first performed for BBC Songs of Praise at St David's Cathedral in 2000, but it was their appearance on the 2008 BBC One show Last Choir Standing that brought them national fame. They remain the reigning champions of that talent show. Their success led to a tour of America and supporting Diana Ross at Cardiff Castle. Mr Yates said: "We're all adults now, with the range of family responsibilities which come with that. "We've all got jobs and OMA is a hobby – but what a hobby to have. "We've known each other so long that we can drop very easily back into song as it's tough to get everyone together for rehearsals. "We get on so well and went through so many surreal moments together. "It's only when you stop and take stock that you realise what an amazing time it has been. "There are far too many highlights. "For the final of Last Choir Standing, the film crew visited the hometowns of the finalist choirs and we were all speed boated in to Cardiff Bay. "We kept looking at each other in disbelief. "We also realised then that we had fans, because there was a bit of a crowd waiting to see us." The tour will feature anecdotes from their career, alongside their favourite traditional choral arrangements and upbeat adaptations. Only Boys Aloud will open the tour in Cardiff on Saturday, September 27. Mr Yates said: "It's been amazing and we are thankful that people still really enjoy listening to and seeing us. "It's lovely to be back." Tickets for the tour are on sale now. For more information, visit
North Wales Chronicle
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Only Men Aloud to perform final tour date in Llandudno
The eight-piece group, who have performed at the Royal Variety Performance and the London 2012 Olympics, will perform at Venue Cymru on October 31. This will be the final date of their four-date tour across Wales. The group, who were founded by Tim Rhys-Evans, are now an eight-piece group whose day jobs include pharmacy, teaching, and gardening. They will be performing in Cardiff, Aberystwyth, and Swansea before the finale in Llandudno. Craig Yates, an original member of the group and now creative director of the Aloud Charity, said: "This is a celebration tour. "We've had a wonderful time with OMA, which has really evolved over the last 25 years." The group first performed for BBC Songs of Praise at St David's Cathedral in 2000, but it was their appearance on the 2008 BBC One show Last Choir Standing that brought them national fame. They remain the reigning champions of that talent show. Their success led to a tour of America and supporting Diana Ross at Cardiff Castle. Mr Yates said: "We're all adults now, with the range of family responsibilities which come with that. "We've all got jobs and OMA is a hobby – but what a hobby to have. "We've known each other so long that we can drop very easily back into song as it's tough to get everyone together for rehearsals. "We get on so well and went through so many surreal moments together. "It's only when you stop and take stock that you realise what an amazing time it has been. "There are far too many highlights. "For the final of Last Choir Standing, the film crew visited the hometowns of the finalist choirs and we were all speed boated in to Cardiff Bay. "We kept looking at each other in disbelief. "We also realised then that we had fans, because there was a bit of a crowd waiting to see us." The tour will feature anecdotes from their career, alongside their favourite traditional choral arrangements and upbeat adaptations. Only Boys Aloud will open the tour in Cardiff on Saturday, September 27. Mr Yates said: "It's been amazing and we are thankful that people still really enjoy listening to and seeing us. "It's lovely to be back." Tickets for the tour are on sale now. For more information, visit
BBC News
09-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Somerset in Pictures: Racing, alpacas, rugby and live music
It has been a busy week for sport fans in Somerset, as Taunton hosted another race and Bath welcomed fans for the Premiership Rugby a cute new furry baby was born and high school students impressed at an open mic are some images that sum up life across the county this week. Starter's orders: On Tuesday it was the turn of Taunton to welcome runners and riders and racegoers for a chilly day watching the favourites and the rest compete. Bird's eye view: The centre of Bath is world-famous, and this Getty photograph taken as Bath took on the Bedford Blues in the Premiership Rugby Cup shows the beautiful surroundings the Recreation Ground sits among. Welcome: Meet the newest member of Peak View Gardens, alpaca baby Brownie. The alpacas are part of the team at the camping site in Lower Weare, and staff there say there may be more babies on the way. Voices in unity: The City of Bath Male Choir is sending 41 of its singers to Alkmaar for a concert. The choir became widely known when it reached the finals of BBC national singing competition "Last Choir Standing" in 2008, reaching the final and performing to a viewing audience of about 13 million. Talented pupuls: The first ever Open Mic Gordano event took place in Portishead, showcasing the talents of Gordano School students. The venue was packed with students, parents and local residents who gathered to enjoy a night of music. VIP guest: The Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset came to visit RNAS Yeovilton on Wednesday. The station has long been a key part of Somerset and the highlights the significant role it has within the community, RNAS Yeovilton said. Gratitude: Surgeons at Musgrove Park Hospital have thanked charities for their donations to help buy a specialist operating table for robotic surgery. The Da Vinci robot at the hospital has already meant that surgeons have been able to perform more intricate operations with minimally invasive surgery.
