In the blazing, sweltering 33 degC heat of August 14th Sunday afternoon, Caldicot Male Voice Choir stood in the shade of gazebos to sing for visitors to the Yemeni Wales Community Association Festival at the Pill Harrier’s Rugby Club in Newport.
Conducted by Shirley-Anne James and accompanied by John Nicholson and Stephen Berry, the Choir provided a range of songs including African Prayer, Rachie, Llef, Anfonaf Angel, Cwm Rhondda, Y Darlun, 16 tons, 76 Trombones and finally World in Union to a thrilled local audience who may not have heard a Welsh male voice choir before. Judging from the reaction of the crowd, the performances were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
Congratulations also to new Chorister, second tenor Wayne Phillips for taking part in his first concert.
Organised by Debbie Jenkins and Reggie Al-Haddi, the Festival was the second of its kind and brought together people of all backgrounds to enjoy a mix of cultures and traditions with events, parades, dancing, bouncy castles, walk on water zorbs, traditional costumes and food, not to mention the minions, paw patrol characters and dinosaurs to entertain us all.
Included among several displays was a recruitment drive by Gwent Police giving children the opportunity to dress up and sound off the sirens. The Festival was also attended by Cllr. Deb Davies, deputy leader of Newport City Council who quote ‘really enjoyed your choir’s singing’.
