Latest news with #LlangollenEisteddfod
North Wales Chronicle
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Aled Jones pays tribute to one of Wales' greatest musicians
Annette Bryn Parri, Musical Director of the North Wales Police Choir, was from the Deiniolen area. She died on May 27 aged 62. The esteemed Welsh Pianist, described as one of Wales' greatest musicians by Welsh singer, radio and television presenter Aled Jones, was well-known in Welsh culture circles and appeared regularly at the Eisteddfod in Llangollen. At the time of her passing, she was the Musical Director of the North Wales Police Choir. Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said: 'It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of our friend Annette Bryn Parri. Annette was the musical director of our force choir. 'From day one put her heart and soul into developing and nurturing the choir. Annette Bryn Parry plays the piano for residents at Bryn Seiont Newydd care home in Caernarfon (Image: Mandy Jones) 'Those who knew Annette will know that her warmth, talent, passion, and courage was outstanding. 'I spent some time with her recently and we spoke of the ambitious plans she had for the choir and for the love she had for those who are part of this special group." North Wales Police lowered their flag to half mast as a mark of respect. "We are thinking of Annette's family and close friends at this most difficult time," Chief Constable Blakeman added, Arwyn Tudur Jones, Choir Conductor and Sergeant, said: 'On behalf of the North Wales Police Choir I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathies to Annette's family and friends. 'Annette meant so much to our police choir and she brought joy and happiness to so many. Her talent shone through, and we were so privileged to have Annette as our Musical Director - a role I know she cherished deeply. 'We have lost a dear friend and we will all miss her terribly.' Welsh singer, radio and television presenter Aled Jones said: "So saddened to hear of the death of one of Wales' greatest musicians. I had the honour of working with Annette Bryn Parri many times both as a boy and as a man. "I am proud to have known her and to have been fortunate enough to call her a friend." So saddened to hear of the death of one of Wales' greatest musicians. I had the honour of working with Annette Bryn Parri many times both as a boy and as a man. I am proud to have known her and to have been fortunate enough to call her a friend. RIP x John Gambles, Chairman of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: 'We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Annette Bryn Parri, whose musical brilliance and generous spirit enriched the Llangollen Eisteddfod for so many years. "Her contribution to Welsh music and her legacy of excellence will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.' Llion Iwan, S4C's Chief Content Officer, said: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of accompanist Annette Bryn Parri. "She made a remarkable contribution to Welsh culture, contributing to a number of programmes over the decades while accompanying renowned singers such as Sir Bryn Terfel. MORE NEWS Child dies after medical incident in North Wales village "We extend our deepest sympathy to her family in their bereavement." In a statement, Pendine Park Care Homes said: "It will be a huge loss without Annette Bryn Parri who sadly passed away on Tuesday, May 27. "Annette was so wonderful at our Children's Day Workshops at Llangollen Eisteddfod and she also performed in our homes in Wrexham and Bryn Seiont Newydd much to the delight of our residents and staff. "Our condolences and thoughts to all her family." Trelawnyd Male Voice Choir said it was a "privilege" to share the stage with Annette. They said: "The choir are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Annette Parri who we've had the privilege to have shared the stage with on a number of occasions including the recent St David's Day concert in St Asaph Cathedral when she performed alongside Dylan Cernwy. "The renowned and distinguished pianist with such a remarkable talent would leave our audiences 'visibly joyful'. "Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time." Annette's musical journey began at an early age. She became an official accompanist at 15 and made her first appearance at the 1983 National Eisteddfod in Llangefni. In 1982, she won the Grace Williams Medal for composition at the Urdd Gobaith Cymru Eisteddfod at Pwllheli and the Blue Riband for instrumentalists at the 1985 National Eisteddfod at Rhyl. After graduating from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, Annette joined the staff of the music department of Bangor University as a piano tutor. Annette accompanied the choirs of Ysgol Glanaethwy performing arts school in Bangor for more than 30 years. She was musical director of the Anglesey-based Côr y Traeth for nearly a decade and established Trio, a male vocal trio. In 2024, she took on the role of musical director of the newly formed North Wales Police Choir.
Rhyl Journal
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Aled Jones pays tribute to one of Wales' greatest musicians
Annette Bryn Parri, Musical Director of the North Wales Police Choir, was from the Deiniolen area. She died on May 27 aged 62. The esteemed Welsh Pianist, described as one of Wales' greatest musicians by Welsh singer, radio and television presenter Aled Jones, was well-known in Welsh culture circles and appeared regularly at the Eisteddfod in Llangollen. At the time of her passing, she was the Musical Director of the North Wales Police Choir. Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said: 'It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of our friend Annette Bryn Parri. Annette was the musical director of our force choir. 'From day one put her heart and soul into developing and nurturing the choir. Annette Bryn Parry plays the piano for residents at Bryn Seiont Newydd care home in Caernarfon (Image: Mandy Jones) 'Those who knew Annette will know that her warmth, talent, passion, and courage was outstanding. 'I spent some time with her recently and we spoke of the ambitious plans she had for the choir and for the love she had for those who are part of this special group." North Wales Police lowered their flag to half mast as a mark of respect. "We are thinking of Annette's family and close friends at this most difficult time," Chief Constable Blakeman added, Arwyn Tudur Jones, Choir Conductor and Sergeant, said: 'On behalf of the North Wales Police Choir I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathies to Annette's family and friends. 'Annette meant so much to our police choir and she brought joy and happiness to so many. Her talent shone through, and we were so privileged to have Annette as our Musical Director - a role I know she cherished deeply. 'We have lost a dear friend and we will all miss her terribly.' Welsh singer, radio and television presenter Aled Jones said: "So saddened to hear of the death of one of Wales' greatest musicians. I had the honour of working with Annette Bryn Parri many times both as a boy and as a man. "I am proud to have known her and to have been fortunate enough to call her a friend." So saddened to hear of the death of one of Wales' greatest musicians. I had the honour of working with Annette Bryn Parri many times both as a boy and as a man. I am proud to have known her and to have been fortunate enough to call her a friend. RIP x John Gambles, Chairman of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: 'We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Annette Bryn Parri, whose musical brilliance and generous spirit enriched the Llangollen Eisteddfod for so many years. "Her contribution to Welsh music and her legacy of excellence will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.' Llion Iwan, S4C's Chief Content Officer, said: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of accompanist Annette Bryn Parri. "She made a remarkable contribution to Welsh culture, contributing to a number of programmes over the decades while accompanying renowned singers such as Sir Bryn Terfel. MORE NEWS Child dies after medical incident in North Wales village "We extend our deepest sympathy to her family in their bereavement." In a statement, Pendine Park Care Homes said: "It will be a huge loss without Annette Bryn Parri who sadly passed away on Tuesday, May 27. "Annette was so wonderful at our Children's Day Workshops at Llangollen Eisteddfod and she also performed in our homes in Wrexham and Bryn Seiont Newydd much to the delight of our residents and staff. "Our condolences and thoughts to all her family." Trelawnyd Male Voice Choir said it was a "privilege" to share the stage with Annette. They said: "The choir are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Annette Parri who we've had the privilege to have shared the stage with on a number of occasions including the recent St David's Day concert in St Asaph Cathedral when she performed alongside Dylan Cernwy. "The renowned and distinguished pianist with such a remarkable talent would leave our audiences 'visibly joyful'. "Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time." Annette's musical journey began at an early age. She became an official accompanist at 15 and made her first appearance at the 1983 National Eisteddfod in Llangefni. In 1982, she won the Grace Williams Medal for composition at the Urdd Gobaith Cymru Eisteddfod at Pwllheli and the Blue Riband for instrumentalists at the 1985 National Eisteddfod at Rhyl. After graduating from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, Annette joined the staff of the music department of Bangor University as a piano tutor. Annette accompanied the choirs of Ysgol Glanaethwy performing arts school in Bangor for more than 30 years. She was musical director of the Anglesey-based Côr y Traeth for nearly a decade and established Trio, a male vocal trio. In 2024, she took on the role of musical director of the newly formed North Wales Police Choir.
Leader Live
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Welcome to Wrexham: Five things we learnt from S4 E3
The hit docu-series, detailing the highs and lows of Wrexham AFC under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney returned on Disney+ on May 16. Season four is set to be made up of eight episodes, documenting the Reds' League One journey. It will feature the club's historic third successive promotion as well as focusing on the new found rivalry with American owned Birmingham City and some big January signings. The first two episodes were released on May 16, followed by one episode a week until the last week of June. Last week, episode three, titled 'Disney FC' was released and here's five things we learnt from it: 1. Injuries - As Rob and Ryan narrate the episode in typically comedic fashion they discuss the 'heartbreaking' injuries suffered by Jack Marriott (broken leg) and Arthur Okonkwo (fractured wrist). 2. Jealousy - The Hollywood pair address the critics and rival fans who brand Wrexham as 'Disney FC'. 3. Humphrey's Marathon - Humphrey Ker gets put through his paces at a world class performance centre in Manchester as part of his training. MOST READ: 'Career criminal' who had 45 kilograms of cocaine in car boot is jailed for 17 years Public meeting set to address concerns ahead of Llangollen Eisteddfod Man who breached football banning order among defendants dealt with in court 4. Allyn family - Eric and Kaleen Allyn, the minority investors in Wrexham are introduced to the documentary. The pair say their investment is looking into putting money into the city centre and helping businesses. 5. COSM - The new technology that showcases the game in America, but makes it feel like you're in Wrexham is launched. Episode four is set to be released later this week.
Rhyl Journal
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Three Welsh music acts set to perform at Llangollen Eisteddfod
BBC Radio Cymru's Rhys Mwyn will host the event, which will feature live performances from Pedair, Mared, and Buddug. The outdoor event will take place on July 10, from 4.30pm to 7pm, before KT Tunstall takes to the pavilion stage to perform her debut album Eye to the Telescope with an orchestra. Pedair, Mared, and Buddug are known for their unique contributions to contemporary Welsh music. Pedair combines traditional Welsh influences with modern sounds, while Mared is celebrated for her powerful vocals and storytelling. Buddug, with her innovative approach, bridges the gap between folk, pop, and electronic music. Rhys Mwyn, a prominent figure in Welsh-language music, said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to present such incredible Welsh talent for this event. "Pedair, Mared, Buddug are pushing boundaries and bringing fresh energy to the Welsh music scene, and it's truly inspiring to see how far they've come. "It's a real privilege to be able to link up with the Llangollen Eisteddfod, a festival that has long been a cornerstone of our cultural celebration. "I'm excited to be part of this. "I can't wait to present these three outstanding artists on what is expected to be one of the busiest days at the Llangollen Eisteddfod." Morgan Thomas, a trustee of the International Eisteddfod, said: "We are delighted to partner with Rhys Mwyn and BBC Radio Cymru for this event. "Rhys's deep-rooted passion for Welsh music and his unwavering support for emerging artists make him an invaluable ally in our mission to celebrate and promote our culture to the world. "This collaboration enriches our festival, bringing a fresh perspective and broadening our reach to audiences both locally and beyond." The bilingual event will celebrate Welsh culture, language, and musical creativity. Entry is £5, with free admission for KT Tunstall ticket holders. A full bar and food will be on offer, providing a fitting pre-show gathering ahead of the main evening concert with KT Tunstall and the Absolute Orchestra. The event is supported by BBC Radio Cymru, the Arts Council of Wales and Visit Wales. For tickets and more information, visit the Llangollen International Eisteddfod website.
Leader Live
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Llangollen to benefit from approx 180 extra parking spaces
Llangollen Town Centre has often suffered due to the lack of car parking spaces but thanks to the Eisteddfod Team running the Pavilion, the town will see close to an additional 180 parking spaces from Thursday, May 15. The spaces will be available when there are no events on at the Pavilion or its grounds. John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen Eisteddfod says that opening up the grounds will be a significant boost to the local economy. There will a number of pay points on the site with a variety of ways to pay. John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen Eisteddfod (Image: Llangollen Eisteddfod) The changes will see the implementation of an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system. This advanced technology will significantly improve security, deter anti-social behaviour, and enable 24-hour monitoring of the car park and the Eisteddfod grounds. The ANPR system will help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors to Llangollen. Costs will be from 70p for 30 minutes for the main car park, £6 for up to 8 hours and £10 for 12 hours. The Pavilion field car park will have the same charges but with a maximum time of 8 hours. There will be no overnight parking. Mr Gambles said: "For as long as I can remember, parking has been a huge issue in the centre of Llangollen. When we took over the Pavilion full-time in April, one of the first things we did was look if it was possible to open up our site for additional car parking. "Any revenue raised will go towards running the Pavilion for the benefit of Llangollen and towards the running of the Llangollen Eisteddfod." The field will be open from May 15, with the centre of Llangollen only 500 metres away. The Eisteddfod say the changes have been carefully considered to balance public convenience, revenue protection, and the facilitation of future enhancements funded by this revenue. There will be no charge for parents of pupils at Ysgol Dinas Bran for parents dropping off and picking up. MOST READ There will be numerous mechanisms to pay for parking, including booking services for specific elements. Mr Gambles added: "We appreciate resident's cooperation as we implement these new measures. Our goal is to provide a better, safer, and more enjoyable experience for everyone who visits Llangollen and the Royal Pavilion. "We are certain that by adding close to 180 spaces in the heart of Llangollen, we will see a rise in visitors to our wonderful town."
