LLANELLI & CARMARTHEN CHILDREN’S CONCERT A FIRST FOR BARNARDO’S

NEWS UPDATE

Children’s concert is a first for Barnardo’s

Children from Llanelli and Carmarthen will travel to Cardiff’s prestigious St David’s Hall next month to take part in the first Barnardo’s Young Supporters’ Concert. This is a first to ever be held in Wales.

Pupils from Penygaer Primary School, Llanelli and Llanmiloe Primary School, Carmarthen will be among six hundred 6-13 year olds who are raising funds for the children’s charity – Barnardo’s Cymru.

They will be sharing the stage with host Nia Roberts, presenter of S4C’s Choir of the World, and will be under the baton of conductor Douglas Coombes MBE who has previously worked with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

Among the other choirs taking part is one from Merthyr Young Carers, a group of young people supported by Barnardo’s Cymru who have caring responsibilities for parents or siblings. It means they can often miss out on educational opportunities and socialising.

As well as renditions of songs from musicals including Mary Poppins, Shrek and Oliver there will be traditional Welsh favourites and a performance by Rubicon Dance, Cardiff’s leading community dance development organisation.

The charity has previously held concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, the Barbican and Wembley Stadium but the St David’s Hall event will be a first for Wales.

Nia Roberts commented: “It’s fantastic to have choirs from schools across Wales singing together to raise funds for Barnardo’s. Wales has a very strong choral tradition and our choirs are considered to be the best in the world.

“Everyone performing should feel immensely proud of themselves; it’s going to be a wonderful evening raising money for such an important cause, children here in Wales.”

Susie Bailey, Events Manager with Barnardo’s Cymru, said she had been overwhelmed by the response to the concert and the number of choirs wanting to take part.

“It has been fantastic to see so much enthusiasm and support. It is going to be a wonderful spectacle seeing all the performers on stage.

“Barnardo’s supported more than 7,000 vulnerable children in Wales last year and it is lovely to have so many children coming together to raise funds for our future work.”

Tickets for the event which is to be held on February the 6th are priced between £6-£14 and can be purchased directly from St David’s Hall www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk or alternatively by calling 02920 878444.