Latest news with #ParadeofNations
Leader Live
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Over 600 join music workshop at Llangollen Eisteddfod
The intergenerational session was held at the Eisteddfod and organised by Pendine Park, a major sponsor of the festival. Led by creative practitioner Emyr Gibson and Pendine's musician-in-residence Nia Davies Williams, the workshop brought together residents living with dementia and pupils from schools across North Wales and Cheshire. Sarah Edwards, Pendine's consultant artist-in-residence, said: "These dementia music workshops are inter-generational and involve our residents living with dementia in our care homes and lots of different schools. "They are fun, interactive music sessions and our residents really get involved in them, and the children do too. "It's all about having fun, shaking their maracas and waving their Pendine flags – just having a good old time." The sessions were supported by 16 care staff and 15 residents from Pendine Park care homes. Funding came from the Pendine Arts and Community Trust, set up by Pendine owners Mario Kreft MBE and his wife Gill to back arts and community projects. Year 5 teacher Gemma Jones, from The Rofft in Marford, said: "It was so nice to see all the residents enjoying themselves, you can see they are so engaged in the music. "The children really enjoyed joining in and having fun." Nia Davies Williams, musician in residence and Emyr Gibson, creative practitioner at Pendine Park's Bryn Seiont Newydd singing along with Ysgol Y Gwernant pupils (Image: Mandy Jones) Pupil Ted, 10, said: "The music workshop was really good. "I enjoyed the singing. "It was really nice to spend time with older people and shaking the maracas." Care home resident Gwen Davies said: "It was lovely to see so many children, they are so nice." READ MORE: Parade of Nations celebrated by hundreds in colourful spectacle at Eisteddfod Emyr Gibson, well known for his long-running role as Meical in the S4C series Rownd a Rownd, called the workshop a privilege. Mr Gibson said: "It's a privilege to do this, to bring generations together, and also to help people with dementia. "I just love the role, and holding sessions to help people with dementia, you get so much from it." Ms Williams said the workshop embodied Pendine's core values, she said: "Music and the arts are the golden thread that runs through everything we do at Pendine."
Leader Live
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
WATCH: Llangollen Eisteddfod Parade of Nations 2025
On Wednesday, July 9, visitors were treated as groups from across the world participated in this year's annual colourful spectacle. The procession began at the Eisteddfod grounds before following a one-way route through the town starting with Castle Street bridge. Competitors including choirs, dance groups, ensembles and soloists from across the globe took part and flags of all nations were proudly on display while participants danced, sang and waved back at the crowds. Everyone was thrilled to see competitors from Canada, Morocco, India, South Africa, USA and Zimbabwe alongside dozens of groups from Wales and the rest of UK. The Parade of Nations remains one of the central parts of the festival which continues this week. The spectacle was proudly led by the Llangollen Silver Band and Llangollen Town Crier, Austin Cheminais. The parade was followed by a huge party on the Eisteddfod field, where visitors were given access to the Eisteddfod site for just one pound. Last year, over 8,000 people came out to welcome the international competitors meaning this year's expectations were even higher. A recent partnership with Cuffe and Taylor is continuing to enable festival organisers to bring some truly amazing artists to Llangollen, such as James, Olly Murs and The Script. Overseeing the event was Dave Danford, the Eisteddfod's Artistic Director. He said: "The International Eisteddfod itself remains the central part of everything we do here, and we're delighted to be welcoming so many international competitors and visitors. MOST READ Wrexham school hosts messy colour run to fund life-saving defibrillator "It's always great to see the Llangollen and the wider community come out to support our festival.' Unfortunately, an "extraordinary medical incident" saw the 'Uniting Nations: One World concert' cancelled last night (Wednesday, July 9) after organisers confirmed a "flu-like outbreak". However, in an update, Llangollen International Eisteddfod said scheduled events will continue as normal today (Thursday, July 10), with the grounds open from 9am. The celebrations continue this evening with award-winning and Grammy-nominated artist KT Tunstall.
Leader Live
09-07-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Llangollen Eisteddfod show cancelled after medical incident
The 'Uniting Nations: One World concert' will no longer take place following an 'extraordinary medical incident', organisers of the festival have confirmed. A spokesperson said: "We want to thank our own medical teams who are managing the extraordinary medical incident "We are working with the Ambulance services and medical teams managing the incident giving them the support necessary. "The Llangollen International Eisteddfod intends lo run as normal from 9am tomorrow, but this will be based on the expert medical advice we receive. "We apologise for any inconvenience caused." The scheduled event follows on from the Parade of Nations which took place across the town centre earlier today.
Leader Live
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Llangollen International Eisteddfod: What's on Wednesday
With the gates opening at 9am, the festival is expected to draw large crowds for a variety of activities in the Pavilion, on the field, and throughout Llangollen. More than 4,000 competitors from around the globe will lock horns in various competitions. Key events include the Parade of Nations, the Peace Lecture, Community Rhythms and Roots Wales, and a special evening concert marking 80 years of the United Nations. Tonight's concert, Uniting Nations: One World, will feature Sir Karl Jenkins conducting his celebrated piece, One World. This event will bring together voices from all corners of the globe to revel in peace, harmony, and the universal language of music. Today, the Pavilion will host the Senior Children's Choir, Children's Open Choir, and the Children's Traditional Group Folk Dance competitions. The Young Choir of the World winner will also be announced. For those keen on a more serene setting, St Collen's Church will hold recitals at 1pm featuring Akademisk Kor Århus from Denmark and the Bob Cole Conservatory Chamber Choir from the USA. At 1.15pm, Derek Walker, the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, will deliver the Academi Heddwch Peace Lecture. Mr Walker will discuss Wales's role in fostering peace. Between 12pm and 4pm, the Community Rhythms and Roots Wales will present a lively display of six multicultural and multilingual community groups based in Wales. These groups will share performances influenced by their own creative traditions and the Eisteddfod's themes of peace and friendship. The annual Parade of Nations, featuring more than 4,000 competitors from 35 countries, will take place from 4.30pm to 5.30pm. A samba band will lead the parade back to the Eisteddfod site, where live entertainment will continue on the outdoor stages. Entry to the grounds during this time is just £1. The Gathering, a celebration of dance and culture featuring both international and UK participants, is not to be missed. From 7.30pm to 10.30pm, the Uniting Nations: One World concert will take place. The P5 Peace Child premiere unites young artists from the five Permanent Members of the UN Security Council—UK, USA, China, France, and Russia—to create a compelling call for unity and peaceful collaboration. READ MORE: School highlights from across Wrexham and Flintshire The focus will be on global existential threats such as climate change, which the UN must address in the coming decades for the survival of future generations, in partnership with Peace Child International. Sir Karl Jenkins, known for his works like Adiemus and The Armed Man, will conduct an international massed choir and orchestra in a performance of One World. This symphonic vision presents a better future where human rights are universal, nature is cherished, and harmony prevails across nations. Additionally, the Eisteddfod Field will host numerous activities, including live music, poetry, crafts, and food from around the world. For tickets, head to
Times of Oman
09-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Times of Oman
Philippine School Oman celebrates its 35th Founding Anniversary
Muscat: Colours burst to life, and cultural diversity took centre stage as Philippine School Oman (PSO) celebrated its grandest 35th Founding Anniversary on February 21, 2025. This year's theme, 'Celebrating Milestones and Envisioning the Future,' highlighted the school's 35 years of commitment to delivering quality education in the Sultanate of Oman. Raul Hernandez, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the Sultanate of Oman, graced the event as the guest of honour and keynote speaker. He was accompanied by his wife, Madame Ana Algabre Hernandez, who generously presented PSO with her masterpiece painting, 'Kasarinlan,' from her Iwatawat Mo series. The celebration was a momentous gathering, attended by key figures in the school's history, including former Board of Trustees (BOT) and Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) chairpersons, as well as past educators who played vital roles in shaping PSO's legacy. Among them were Ms. Carmelita de Jesus, Ms. Maria Carolina Layog, and Mrs. Ma. Eloisa San Jose, who traveled from the Philippines to commemorate the school's milestone. A cultural display unfolds The festivities began with an electrifying performance by the Grade 11 Marching Band, followed by Grade 6 students' grand opening number to Galing Natin Ito. Each grade level showcased vibrant performances, celebrating Philippine and global heritage. A highlight was the Parade of Nations, where Kindergarten 1 and 2 students dazzled in traditional attire. Grade 10 paid tribute to the Maranao tribe with Singkil, while Grade 5 brought the energy of Bacolod's MassKara Festival. Grade 4 honored Baguio's Panagbenga, Grade 3 embodied Bukidnon's Kaamulan Festival, and Grade 2 celebrated Omani culture through dance. Adding to the spectacle, Grade 7 performed a Festival of Nations dance, Grade 8 and 9 impressed with a speech choir titled Our School, Our Future, and Grade 12 captivated the audience with a Shadow Dance narrating the school's history and the journey of OFWs. The celebration ended on a heartfelt note with Grade 1's song performance, followed by the community song and alma mater, leaving a lasting impression. A tribute to hard work and dedication The 35th Foundation Day celebration was spearheaded by Mr. Mark Anthony Badion, alongside Mrs. Magnolia V. Gabrielle and the PSO Day core committee. Planning and preparations for the grand event began as early as April 2024, ensuring a seamless and memorable celebration. With the steadfast support of the PS Board of Trustees, led by Ms. Cherry Ann Cuntapay Ballad, the Parent-Teacher Association, under the leadership of Mrs. Joanne Asma Tubo, and the Faculty and Staff, headed by School Principal Mr. Michael B. Joves, the vision for this momentous occasion became a reality. A legacy of excellence The Philippine School's roots can be traced back to 1989 when it was founded by Filipino Overseas Workers with the support of His Excellency Essa bin Mohammed Al Zedjali, the Philippine Honorary Consul General. This initiative was undertaken in cooperation with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE), to ensure that the children of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) had access to quality education. The school's first location was in Al Wattayah, where it was inaugurated in February 1989 under the name Philippine Community School (PCS), initially catering to 38 students in multi-level classes. After consistently meeting the prescribed standards of instruction and complying with the regulations set by the Department of Education, Culture, and Sports (DECS) in the Philippines, as well as adhering to the Ministry of Education's policies in Oman, PCS received government recognition on January 31, 1995. With this recognition, it was officially renamed the Philippine School (PS). The institution celebrated its first milestone in the 1994-1995 academic year when 19 elementary pupils and the first batch of six high school students graduated. In response to its growing student population and evolving educational needs, the school relocated to its current premises in Al Khuwair Heights on June 16, 2007. Growth and impact From its modest beginnings, Philippine School Oman has grown into a well-structured academic institution. Today, it serves 993 students, of which 33% come from various nationalities. The school thrives under the guidance of 47 highly qualified and committed teaching staff, supported by 23 dedicated non-teaching personnel. Beyond its part in education, PSO continues to play a vital role in the socioeconomic and cultural landscape of Oman in the following sectors: Socio-economic PSO supports Filipino professionals in Oman by ensuring quality education for their children, allowing parents to focus on their careers. This helps retain skilled workers in key sectors such as healthcare, construction, and engineering. The school also generates employment by hiring teachers, staff, and administrators, contributing to both the Filipino community and Oman's economy. Moreover, PSO alumni may later engage in business or trade between the Philippines and Oman, strengthening economic ties between the two nations. Cultural PSO actively preserves Filipino heritage through events like Independence Day celebrations, traditional dance performances, and food festivals, fostering cultural appreciation within Oman's diverse society. The school also promotes inclusivity by bringing together students from various backgrounds, encouraging intercultural understanding and harmony. Additionally, its language and arts programs enhance Oman's linguistic and artistic diversity, helping students develop multilingual skills and creative expression. Education PSO ensures academic continuity by aligning with the Philippine curriculum, allowing students to transition smoothly if they return home or pursue further studies abroad. Beyond academics, the school engages with the community through outreach programs and collaborations with local institutions, fostering knowledge-sharing and stronger social connections. A future rooted in excellence As Philippine School celebrates 35 years of commitment to education, cultural exchange, and community service, it continues to uphold its mission of providing quality education while serving as a beacon of Filipino heritage in Oman. The 35th Foundation Day not only honored the school's past achievements but also reaffirmed its commitment to excellence in shaping the minds and characters of future generations and strengthening the ties between the Philippines and Oman in the years to come.
