Latest news with #Sian
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gaelic group announce highly-anticipated second album
GAELIC vocal group Sian have announced their highly-anticipated second album, araon. Originally brought together by the Blas festival in 2016, to celebrate the work of female bards, Sian comprises three of today's most exquisitely gifted Gaelic singers – Ceitlin Lilidh, Eilidh Cormack and Ellen MacDonald – accompanied by in-demand multi-instrumentalist Innes White. With direct connections among the singers to Lewis, Skye and North Uist, their arrangements match deep feeling for tradition with stunning, boldly imaginative harmony work, which has seen them likened to The Staves and even Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. The first single from the album, Seo a' Bhliadhna, was released on Friday – a traditional lament with connections to the Isle of Skye and Raasay, and particularly the MacLean family. READ MORE: Labour has 'given up' on by-election amid SNP-Reform contest, says John Swinney Seo a' Bhliadhna features guest musicians James Lindsay and Charlie Stewart. The album is produced by Sian's Innes White and Innes Strachan (Niteworks, LUSA), and was recorded and mixed by Iain Hutchison at GloWorm Recording. The release date for the full album is yet to be announced. Cormack said: 'Seo a' Bhliadhna is a beautiful lament, closely connected to the Isle of Skye and Raasay song tradition. 'The composer tells of love and loss in a terrible year – grieving not only her brother and sister, but the man she loves, the golden-haired hunter. 'We wanted to approach the song with respect and care, and I hope listeners can feel that in the arrangement.' MacDonald added: 'The reason I love Sian so much is that you can do so much with just voices. 'You can come up with really cool sounds with just voices.' Ahead of the album release, Sian will tour Scotland throughout this month, performing new material live for the first time. The tour begins tomorrow night in Arisaig's Astley Hall. Tour dates: June 2, Arisaig, Astley Hall; June 3, Inverness, Eden Court; June 4, Isle of Skye, An Crùbh; June 5, Isle of Raasay, Isle of Raasay Distillery; June 6, Glasgow, The Reeling; June 11, Edinburgh, Traverse Theatre. Click here for tickets.
The National
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Gaelic group Sian hit the road ahead of new album launch
Originally brought together by the Blas festival in 2016, to celebrate the work of female bards, Sian comprises three of today's most exquisitely gifted Gaelic singers – Ceitlin Lilidh, Eilidh Cormack and Ellen MacDonald – accompanied by in-demand multi-instrumentalist Innes White. With direct connections among the singers to Lewis, Skye and North Uist, their arrangements match deep feeling for tradition with stunning, boldly imaginative harmony work, which has seen them likened to The Staves and even Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. The first single from the album, Seo a' Bhliadhna, was released on Friday – a traditional lament with connections to the Isle of Skye and Raasay, and particularly the MacLean family. READ MORE: Labour has 'given up' on by-election amid SNP-Reform contest, says John Swinney Seo a' Bhliadhna features guest musicians James Lindsay and Charlie Stewart. The album is produced by Sian's Innes White and Innes Strachan (Niteworks, LUSA), and was recorded and mixed by Iain Hutchison at GloWorm Recording. The release date for the full album is yet to be announced. Cormack said: 'Seo a' Bhliadhna is a beautiful lament, closely connected to the Isle of Skye and Raasay song tradition. 'The composer tells of love and loss in a terrible year – grieving not only her brother and sister, but the man she loves, the golden-haired hunter. 'We wanted to approach the song with respect and care, and I hope listeners can feel that in the arrangement.' MacDonald added: 'The reason I love Sian so much is that you can do so much with just voices. 'You can come up with really cool sounds with just voices.' Ahead of the album release, Sian will tour Scotland throughout this month, performing new material live for the first time. The tour begins tomorrow night in Arisaig's Astley Hall. Tour dates: June 2, Arisaig, Astley Hall; June 3, Inverness, Eden Court; June 4, Isle of Skye, An Crùbh; June 5, Isle of Raasay, Isle of Raasay Distillery; June 6, Glasgow, The Reeling; June 11, Edinburgh, Traverse Theatre. Click here for tickets.
Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC comedy star lets slip 'huge twist' ahead of series return
Sian Gibson appeared on BBC's The One Show to chat about the new series of her comedy The Power of Parker with co-star Conleth Hill Sian Gibson appeared on The One Show on Monday, May 26 when she revealed a "huge twist" in the new season of her BBC comedy series The Power of Parker. The comedy star, known for her role in Peter Kay's Car Share, appeared with fellow actor Conleth Hill to dish out details about the second series. Set in 1990s Stockport, the show charts the chaotic life of Martin Parker (Hill), caught between his wife (Rosie Cavaliero) and his mistress (Kath). While talking about the new series, Conleth revealed to presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp that Martin has experienced a "huge fall from grace" with things being exacerbated by Kath. Sian couldn't help but chime in, saying: "Kath makes everything worse but there's lots of twists and turns and there's a huge twist in one of the episodes which means that Kath and Diane, her sister, played by lovely Rose Cavaliero, and Martin all have to work together." Alex quickly jump in with an "Oh no!" as Sian cheekily noted: "But we can't say what happens," reports the Express. Sian also let slip that despite Martin moving in with Kath, she's having second thoughts about their relationship, feeling he's "lost his sparkle". She suggests that Kath's plan to coax him back into work might just be the spark needed to ignite that lost twinkle. The show's setting in an electrical store tickled presenters Alex and Roman as show co-creator Sian revealed her fondness for such shops. She explained: "Do you remember in the olden days if you wanted a kettle you had to go to one shop for everything electrical, you couldn't shop around. It were magical, these places with everything there." The One Show returned on Monday after being bumped from its usual slot the previous Friday due to BBC reshuffling its schedule for The Chelsea Flower Show coverage; the programme is typically broadcast on weekdays at 7 pm on BBC One. The announcement of the change came during Thursday's episode when fill-in host Angellica Bell became emotional while paying tribute to a charitable individual during the One Big Thank You segment. The programme honoured Carole Hughes of Stamford who, alongside her husband Rob, established the charity Anna's Hope in memory of their daughter, Anna, who tragically passed away at three years old from a brain tumour. Only weeks after losing Anna, Carole and Rob set up the charity to fund specialist occupational, physical, and speech and language therapy for children affected by brain tumours. As a special gesture of appreciation for her tireless efforts, Angellica and Joanna Lumley granted Carole a memorable surprise by naming a flower after her daughter at The Chelsea Flower Show.
Wales Online
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
The One Show's Alex Jones says 'oh no' as guest lets slip BBC series 'huge twist'
The One Show's Alex Jones says 'oh no' as guest lets slip BBC series 'huge twist' Alex Jones and Roman Kemp were back on The One Show when they chatted to Welsh star Sian Gibson about the return of her comedy series Welsh a actress Sian Gibson joined the latest edition of The One Show, chatting about her hit BBC comedy series The Power of Parker's come back when she accidentally revealed a "huge twist". Alongside her fellow actor Conleth Hill, Sian was there to spill the beans on the second series of their show that premiered in 2023. Set in 1990s Stockport, it weaves the tale of Martin Parker (played by Hill), who struggles to balance his mounting debts, familial duties to his wife (portrayed by Rosie Cavaliero), and his clandestine affair with Kath. During the conversation with hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp, viewers learnt from Conleth that upon returning to the programme, Martin has experienced a "huge fall from grace", which is, according to him, exacerbated by Kath. Alex Jones and Roman Kemp chatted to Sian and Conleth (Image: (Image: BBC) ) But it was Sian who jumped in saying: "Kath makes everything worse but there's lots of twists and turns and there's a huge twist in one of the episodes which means that Kath and Diane, her sister, played by lovely Rose Cavaliero, and Martin all have to work together." Alex swiftly jumped in to prevent any further spoilers with an exasperated "Oh no!" as Sian confessed: "But we can't say what happens," reports the Express. Article continues below Sian, also known for her role in Peter Kay's Car Share, divulged that while her character Kath now lives with Martin, she has started to doubt their relationship, lamenting that he has "lost his sparkle" and swapped his suits for fleeces. In hopes of rekindling that lost charm, Kath pushes Martin towards returning to work. The sitcom, located within the confines of an electronics retailer, brought about shared laughter between hosts Alex and Roman as co-creator Sian confessed her fondness for such stores. She reminisced: "Do you remember in the olden days if you wanted a kettle you had to go to one shop for everything electrical, you couldn't shop around. It were magical, these places with everything there." Sian Gibson appeared on The One Show to talk about The Power of Parker (Image: (Image: BBC) ) The One Show's Monday episode followed an unexpected hiatus the previous Friday due to a significant reshuffle of the BBC schedule. Ordinarily broadcast every weekday at 7pm on BBC One, the popular show was displaced by The Chelsea Flower Show coverage on Friday, May 23. The shift in scheduling was announced during Thursday's edition of the show when Angellica Bell, stepping in as host, held back tears after they celebrated a charity worker in the One Big Thank You feature. Article continues below Carole Hughes from Stamford's three-year-old daughter Anna died from a brain tumour and the programme shared the touching story of how Carole, alongside her husband Rob, founded Anna's Hope in tribute to their child. Their organisation aids in securing specialised therapies, such as occupational, physiotherapy, and speech and language sessions for youngsters affected by brain tumours. In an act of gratitude and recognition for Carole's dedication, she was greeted by none other than Angellica and Joanna Lumley with a uniquely named flower dedicated to Anna at The Chelsea Flower Show. The One Show airs weeknights on BBC One at 7pm
North Wales Live
25-05-2025
- Health
- North Wales Live
'I don't think I'd be here today if it wasn't for my foster family'
Young adults who have been through the foster care system have spoken about the transformative influence of supportive foster carers on their lives, enabling them to attend university, receive financial support, and providing a safe haven. During this Foster Care Fortnight, care leavers have expressed how fostering has offered them opportunities they might not have otherwise had, resulting in positive experiences despite the system often receiving negative press. They are sharing their stories in an effort to assist others. Jake Jamieson, a 26 year old personal trainer from Gwynedd, entered foster care at the age of seven. He lived with several foster families before finally joining Sian and Owain's family full-time at 18, having previously spent time with them during summer camps. Jake shared: "I was in that time of life when you start a bit of independent living because you're going to university but you still need that support network to go through that transition. I'm extremely grateful they've allowed me to be part of their family, it's been great ever since." Despite being placed with various families, Jake said his childhood remained relatively stable as he was able to stay in the same school and maintain his friendships. He continued: "I don't think I would be where I am in life right now if I didn't go into care. Sian and Owain, they've been brilliant role models for me, helped me through university and helped me set up normal stuff like guarantors and bills. "You always need your mum and dad to help you with things like that." Jake credited his foster parents, who have three children of their own and extensive experience in fostering, for being integral to his life. He still returns to their home for celebrations and holidays such as Christmas and Easter and reciprocates by hosting them at his place. The family connection is strong, with shared vacations often taking them to Turkey. On the professional front, Jake has channeled his studies in sport and nutrition into a career, running his successful personal training business. He enthused: "I absolutely love it, I've found my purpose and I just went with it. It's ironic because I'm helping people be better versions of themselves and that's sort of what happened to me." Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now He also tackled the stigma surrounding foster care, sharing his perspective: "I think foster care can sometimes get a bad rep. When I tell people I was brought up in care their instant reaction would be: 'Oh I'm sorry to hear that.' I understand they are thinking he's obviously gone through something to be in that situation but I always say don't be sorry. "For me it's been nothing but positive, if anything I just feel a bit privileged to be able to have those opportunities which I probably wouldn't have had if I didn't go into care. Overall it's a very very positive experience." Discussing advice for youth in care, he offered these words of encouragement: "I would say don't let your past define you. Just because you may have had a bad start in life doesn't mean it needs to go on in that way. Find something that gives you purpose and go with it!". Lisa Bellis, a 27 year old from Wrexham, is soon to embark on her career as a healthcare nurse. She went into foster care at the age of seven, taken on by Gary and Del. She faced early obstacles after being told she had the learning capacity of a two year old due to missing school. Against the odds, Lisa learned to read and write, excelled in her high school exams, and has just completed her nursing degree. Reflecting on her journey, Lisa remarked: "I always say I don't think I'd be here today if it wasn't for them." Having grown up with her foster parents' biological children and other foster kids who she views as siblings, Lisa holds a deep appreciation for Gary and Del's selflessness. With humour, she said that the family seems unable to cut ties with her now. Grateful for their exceptional care, Lisa shared: "They always went above and beyond. They've taken me on about four holidays and always got me things I wanted. It's meant a lot because I didn't have that love and care they've shown me and people deserve a second chance in life." Now a mother to a young daughter of five, Lisa praises how Del and Gary dote on her child, treating her like a grandchild. She light-heartedly added: "If anything they spoil her too much!". "It's obviously scary when you come into care because you don't know these people and you may not know why you're there. But it does get easier. You've just got to trust the process and you've got to trust them because they're there to support and show you what love actually is and what a family is.". According to Welsh Government data, there are currently over 7,198 children in care in Wales. However, the system faces significant strain due to a shortage of foster families, with only 3,800 available. This scarcity of suitable foster carers can lead to siblings being separated, children being relocated away from their familiar surroundings, and insufficient support for young people. Those interested in becoming foster carers can find more information through Foster Wales. Alastair Cope, head of Foster Wales, highlighted the importance of Foster Care Fortnight in recognising the individuals who make a lasting impact on the lives of numerous children in Wales. Cope stated, "Foster Care Fortnight always offers a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the people who create lasting change in the lives of so many children in Wales." He added, "Every fostering journey relies on strong, trusting relationships to create the stability within a loving home that all children deserve. Whether between a foster carer and a child, a child with their foster siblings, or between a family and their social worker, these relationships open up new possibilities for a child's future and help support them into successful independent lives."
