A talented choir and a unique brass band are joining forces to raise money for good causes with “exciting” new versions of well-known Welsh pop songs.
Band Pres Llareggub (Brass Band) will link up with Côr Nantclwyd, a mixed choir with over 100 members drawn from across Denbighshire, Conwy and Flintshire, for a huge “Night Out” at Ruthin Farmers Auction site at Parc Glasdir on November 30.
Sponsored by Ifor Williams Trailers, choir members hope to raise significant funds for three worthy causes – Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospice, Maggie’s Centre which supports people with cancer and their families and Dyfodol i’r Iaith, a non-party political organisation that works to ensure the Welsh language occupies a central role in Welsh life.
Band Pres Llareggub bandleader Owain Roberts said the group were excited by the gig at Ruthin.
“Côr Nantclwyd conductor Alaw Owen approached me and explained the concept of a concert of the choir and Band Pres Llareggub.
“It will be different on so many levels because it’s not a normal concert with the audience all sitting down. There will be more standing than seated and that will create a different atmosphere.
“As a band we’ve recorded with a choir, accompanied individual singers and been accompanied by an orchestra but never played with a choir in a concert before.
“Alaw is keen to add new songs to the choir’s repertoire and for the band to accompany them so I have been busy setting new arrangements of songs by some of Wales’ best known pop groups. It will be very interesting to hear those songs being sung at Ruthin,” he said.
Owain revealed those songs include Ysbeidiau Heulog (Sunny Spells) and Gwreiddiau Dwfn (Deep Roots), both by the Super Furry Animals, the rock band formed by musician Gruff Rhys from Bethesda and which at one time featured Ruthin-born Hollywood actor Rhys Ifans on lead vocals.
Other songs arranged by Owain include Synfyfyrio (Meditate) by Big Leaves and Chwarae Dy Gêm (Playing Your Game) by the Blaenau Ffestiniog based indie band Anweledig.
“I have also prepared an arrangement of the well-known hymn Cwm Rhondda which featured in the film Dreamhorse which featured Damien Lewis and Siân Phillips,” added Owain.
Band Pres Llareggub was formed by Owain in 2015 and quickly made their mark as Wales’ best live act, with their name (Bugger all spelt backwards) inspired by the fictional village in the Dylan Thomas masterpiece, Under Milk Wook.
Since then the band have released four studio albums and numerous EPs.
Their live sets often feature guest vocals by Welsh Beatboxing Champion Mr Phormula, folk group 9Bach’s Lisa Jên, BBC’s The Voice contestant Alys Williams and West End musical theatre star Mared Williams.
Their latest single, Allan o’r Tywyllwch (Out of the Darkness), was released in September and has already proved popular and a further single will be released early in 2025 and be followed later in the year by an album.
“We’re busy recording the album to commemorate our 10th birthday,” said Owain.
Côr Nantclwyd conductor Alaw Owen, who comes from Llanddoged near Llanrwst but who now lives in Denbigh, said the gig style event follows on a similar event staged last year with the pop group Eden.
“It’s a cross between a gig and a concert and we want everyone to feel as if they’ve had a good night out.” she said.
Alaw said the choir was established just over two years ago and now has over 100 members.
“We are a choir for those aged 30 plus and we have a varied repertoire which may be a little different from what other choirs might sing but which we think have a wider appeal to our audiences.”
Alaw said the choir has taken part in a number of concerts since their formation including Gŵyl Rhuthun but have not competed at any Eisteddfod.
“The emphasis is definitely on coming together, socialising and enjoying the health and well-being benefits associated with singing,” said Alaw.
Ifor Williams Trailers sales manager Lois Wynne said: “Band Pres Llareggub are one of Wales’ top bands and we are looking forward to hearing them play at Ruthin.
“I’m sure it will be a wonderful event and that a substantial amount of money will be raised for three very good causes.”
“We sponsor many community events across the region because we believe it is important to do so.
“Côr Nantclwyd are a choir based in the community. Our company was established 65 years ago and it is important we support the community in the same way the community have supported us over the years,” she said.
Tickets for the event, which cost £17, are available from Siop Elfair, Ruthin and Siop Clwyd in Denbigh. They are also available online at the Eventbrite website (www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom–ruthin/cor-nantclwyd)
Doors open at 7.30pm and a licensed bar will be available.
