Holidaymakers travelling to exotic locations this summer are being reminded to check they’re protected against various infections with the correct vaccines for each country.

The Gwyl Cerdd Dant Cymru Welsh singing festival is being held in Llanelli this year.

Fundraising has been gathering speed to ensure the success of the festival, due to be held in November at Ffwrnes Theatre.

The chair of the Gwyl Cerdd Dant Llanelli a’r Cylch is Catrin Hughes, who is also a music advisor and trustee of the Loud Applause Rising Stars (LARS) charity.

In support of the festival fundraising, LARS is organising a big Gala Concert at Llanelli’s Greenfield Baptist Church on Friday.

The evening offers a feast of choral music.

There will be four choirs – Côr Lleisiau’r Cwm and Harmoni, both under the baton of Catrin Hughes, Côr Meibion Llanelli, under new musical director Alex Esney, and Côr Ysgol Dewi Sant.

The concert will feature some excellent young soloists, including award-winning tenor Osian Wyn Bowen.

Also on stage will be five singers from LARS – mezzo soprano Nikkila Thomas, who is at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) in Cardiff, and Ysgol Y Strade Llanelli pupils Lauren Fisher, James Oakley, Daisy Owens and Jack Owens. They will be accompanied by Catrin Hughes and Andrew Pike.

The organiser are anticipating a big demand for tickets, which are available from choir members, Cadno Music in John Street, Llanelli, or by contacting tickets@loudapplauserisingstars.co.uk or Cerith Owens 07854 303918.

For the uninitiated, Cerdd Dant is a unique tradition of singing lyrics over a harp melody.

Traditional singers sang in stately homes in days of old and tended to sing in Welsh with strict rules about metre, rhyme, and speed of delivery.

Historically, Cerdd Dant was usually performed by a solo singer and a harpist.

Today, it is also performed by choirs.

When sung in a competition, there are strict rules about rhythm and cadences.

Cerdd Dant is regarded as the art of presenting or performing poetry to harp accompaniment.

In the old days, the poems sung were in cynghanedd, the strict Welsh metres based on alliteration and complicated rules, but later free metres were used just as much.

The harp always plays a set melody – a traditional melody or a melody composed in the traditional style.

The singer waits for a few bars and then sings his or her words on a counter melody, ensuring that the main accents of the metre fall on the main accents of the harp melody.

The singer and harpist both have to end each verse together: the last word of each verse always falls on the main beat of the last bar in the harp melody.

The counter melody in the old days was always improvised, but is almost invariably set in advance and rehearsed by modern singers.

This counter melody is called a cyfalaw. The art of composing the cyfalaw and placing all the words in the right place is called gosod. The harp melody is called the alaw or the cainc.

There are many differences between the Cerdd Dant of today and the old type of singing (in the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century):

• Up to the 20th century Cerdd Dant was sung by individuals only – no duets, trios, parties or choirs existed.
• It was an improvisatory art: no one bothered to compose and learn a setting or counter melody before singing it.
• The emphasis was almost entirely on the words. By today, much more prominence is given to the music.
• Very few females sang cerdd dant. Today, females are in the majority.
• It was a much less respectable art then than it is now, in some circles at least!
• There were no set rules agreed by any organisation or conference.
• The number of harp melodies to choose from were much fewer in the old days: not more than around 50, it would appear. By now there are almost 600.

The Gwyl Cerdd Dant Cymru organising committee are also planning other fundraising events before the festival –

September 13, Pontyberem Hall, ‘Gin night’. Organised by members of Menter Brycheiniog a Maesyfed.

October 5, Capel Newydd, Llandeilo with Bois y Castell, Ysgol Teilo Sant’s choir, and soloist Ffion Hâf.

October 23, Craft evening at Stradey Park Hotel. £5. Ticket, raffle and exhibition by crafters – a special evening to launch the festival of the festival designed by Jo Partridge.

The guest soloist at Friday’s concert at Greenfield Chapel, Osian Wyn Bowen, is no stranger to Llanelli audiences.

Osian is a Burry Port boy and is an undergraduate student, studying under the tutelage of renowned tenor Adrian Thompson at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) in Cardiff.

Osian has already performed in concert with Sir Bryn Terfel, soprano Rebecca Evans, soprano Elin Manahan Thomas, baritone Gary Griffiths, tenors Aled Hall and Rhys Meirion.

Venues include the RWCMD Dora Stoutzker Hall, St David’s Hall, The Principality Stadium, Wales Millennium Centre, Llandaff Cathedral, Venue Cymru, The O2 Arena, The Queen’s Theatre, London, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and the Milford Haven Music Festival.

Television appearances include S4C’s ‘Heno’,‘ Les Mis – Y Daith’, Cyngerdd y 10 Tenor, Noson Lawen and BBC’s Songs of Praise. Recent highlights include performing as part of trio in a live broadcast on BBC1 to mark the Passchendaele Centenary at Tyne Cot Cemetery in Belgium. The tribute to Welsh poet Hedd Wyn was performed in the presence of members Royal Family and European Ministers. Other highlights include playing the lead role of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables as part of the Urdd’s National Theatre company’s 10 Year Anniversary production at the Millennium Centre, Cardiff.

In addition to his busy schedule, Osian is a patron of the charity Welsh Hearts and is an active volunteer crew member of Burry Port Lifeboat Station.

Osian’s awards – 2017 and 2018 – Minnie Morgan Scholarship Recipient; 2018 – Douglas Rees Young Opera Singer of the Year – Finalist; 2018 – Geraint Morris Memorial Award – Winner.

In other news, Bridget Radford’s two choirs, Lleisiau Hardd and Lleisiau Hardd Bach, will be staging their annual concert at St Mary’s Church, Burry Port, on Friday, July 12, 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 and available from choristers.

Burry Port Town Band will stage an evening of ‘Music from the Stage and Shows!’ at the Memorial Hall on Saturday, July 20, 7pm. The concert will feature the Senior Band, the ever-growing Junior Band and a very special guest artist Samuel Wyn-Morris.

The choristers from Llandyfaelog-based Côr Meibion Dyffryn Tywi are getting ready for their annual concert. It will be at the Princess Gwenllian Centre in Kidwelly on Saturday, October 12, 7pm.

The popular Concerts and Cakes initiative returns to The Lyric in Carmarthen at 1pm on Wednesday, July 24. Concerts and Cakes helps bring people together regularly to provide a forum for the sharing of high quality live music.

Each session is delivered in cabaret style and begins with an informal participatory music session led by Live Music Now musicians, followed by tea and cakes.

Live Music Now is the UK’s leading musicians’ development and outreach charity. They provide exceptional live music experiences to people with limited access to the arts, due to disability, illness or social disadvantage.

* If you have news about the choral or concert scene in Llanelli, email robert.lloyd01@walesonline.co.uk or rlloydpr@btinternet.com

Alun Wyn Jones has announced a contract extension with the Welsh Rugby Union and the Ospreys, securing his future in Wales.

The world’s most capped international second row (134 international appearances – 125 for Wales plus nine British & Irish Lions caps) made the announcement direct to supporters this morning that he has extended his deal through to June 2021.

Since making his debut for his hometown region, Alun Wyn has become the Ospreys’ leading appearance holder, featuring 238 times for the region to date.

The Wales captain, who is preparing to head to Switzerland with the national squad this week for their first overseas RWC training camp, first signed a NDC back in March 2015.

The announcement today allows Jones to fully focus on the team’s preparations this summer and will also be a timely boost to incoming head coach Wayne Pivac.

“I’m really pleased to have announced the extension today and to have been able to announce it directly to all those who have supported me throughout my career, especially all the Ospreys supporters.”

In announcing online, Jones said to his supporters: “I have some news I would like to share with you. “I’m happy to announce that I have signed a contract extension to June 2021 with the Welsh Rugby Union and the Ospreys and will be playing at the Liberty Stadium for the foreseeable future.

“After serious consideration and taking stock of all options, it is the right decision for my career at this point in time, along with my personal ambitions on and off the field, my welfare and needs of my family.

“I’m grateful to have the opportunity to tell you directly, in particular to the Ospreys supporters and all those who have supported me during my career to date.

“Thanks Alun Wyn.”

Allen Clarke, Ospreys Head Coach, said he was delighted with today’s news: “Today’s announcement is fantastic news for us as a club and all Ospreys and Wales supporters. Alun Wyn is a man I have the upmost respect for; he is greatly admired not just because of what he’s achieved and what he represents as a local boy playing for his home region and country but importantly because of the ambition and level of performance he consistently displays.

“He’s a tremendous individual and a winner with a deep hunger for the Ospreys to be successful on and off the field. Alun Wyn has spent his entire career with the Ospreys and I expect him to continue his legacy as a player and well beyond his playing days.”

Commenting on the announcement, The Group Chief Executive of the WRU, Martyn Phillips, said: “This announcement is a huge boost for Welsh rugby.

“Alun Wyn is hugely respected across the game and I’m delighted he has committed his future here in Wales and that he will be continuing to play for his hometown region.

“It is a boost for the game both on and off the field and I’m sure the news will delight both Wales and Ospreys supporters alike as he continues to inspire the next generation.

“The extension allows the WRU and the Ospreys to continue working together with Alun Wyn to ensure he has the very best of environments to thrive in.”

The backroom team at Jenkins Bakery have been busy coming up with new products for customers.

“We are always exploring new ideas,” said Jenkins Bakery operations director Russell Jenkins.

“We have a very inventive team of craft bakers and confectioners and we are always eager to find new things to appeal to the taste buds of customers old and new.”

The latest new products from the team include –

Coffee & Walnut Muffin

A moist, muffin filled with coffee buttercream and topped with walnut pieces. A classic flavour combination and an ideal accompaniment for customers purchasing takeaway coffee!

Allergens: Gluten, Milk, Egg & Nuts

Price: £1.10

This product has replaced the Toffee & Salted Caramel Muffin.

Cheese & Onion Bread

Another of our delicious speciality breads; this time made with a mix of Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese together with Onion which not only enhances the flavour of this bread but also gives a beautiful aroma to get your taste buds tingling with anticipation. The product is floured and given four cuts for easy identification from our other speciality breads.

Price: £1.50

Allergens: Gluten & Milk

First delivery Friday, 14th June 2019 Selected shops only: Carmarthen, Cross Hands, Quay Street, Llandybie, Whitewalls, Ystradgynlais & Gowerton

Cheese & Chilli Bread

A delicious bread for a weekend treat or that special dining occasion. Made with a mix of Mature Cheddar and Red Leicester cheeses together with Green Jalapeno Chillies. The bread has a soft crumb and a subtle tang of cheese which is complimented by a touch of heat from the chillies. The product is floured and cut lengthways for easy identification from other speciality bread products.

Price: £1.50

Allergens: Gluten & Milk

First delivery Friday, 14th June 2019 Selected shops only: Carmarthen, Cross Hands, Quay Street, Llandybie, Whitewalls, Ystradgynlais & Gowerton

Beetroot Falafel with Chilli Jam Wrap

Suitable for Vegans

Bite into this delicious twist on an ancient product, letting the flavours tantalise your taste buds and transport you to the eastern Mediterranean. Made from ground chickpeas, Falafel is a Middle Eastern dish that is packed with lots of good stuff, including iron and omega-3 fatty acids. We’ve also added beetroot to the recipe which is an excellent source of folic acid and has been associated with a wide range of health benefits.

Allergens: Gluten

Price: £2.65

Availability: Monday – Saturday

Selected Shops Only – Avenue,Burry Port, Carmarthen, Thomas Street, Cross Hands, Llandybie, Whitewalls, Neath, Baker Boy, Briton Ferry & Gowerton

First delivery – Wednesday, 26th June 2019

Availability of new products is selective while we check customer feedback.

It’s time to heap a bit of praise on our Carmarthenshire theatres this week . . .

In the hurly-burly of the concert calendar, it is easy to forget the sterling contribution made by our three theatres – The Lyric in Carmarthen, The Miners’ in Ammanford and Ffwrnes Theatre in Llanelli.

All three come under the banner of Theatrau Sir Gâr – look them up on that new internet thing; there’s always something to catch the eye and tempt you off the sofa.

Local theatres and live eventseverywhere deserve our support. Adopt the mantra, Use It Or Lose It!

This week at Ammanford Miner’s Theatre there is a treat for those of us who appreciate a little nostalgia.

The Siren Sisters will be performing at 3pm on Saturday, July 6.

They are a blonde, brunette and red head combo, crooning tunes from the 30s, 40s and 50s.

Think blue birds, white cliffs and apple blossom . . .

They follow in the footsteps of the Andrews, Boswell and Dinning Sisters.

The poster declares ‘this titillating trio will have you tapping your toes and humming along to the nostalgic tunes of yesteryear’.

At Ffwrnes Theatre on Tuesday, July 9, there is a ‘Cluster Concert’ for schools from the Llanelli area.

The show, which starts at 6pm, features children from Coedcae Secondary School and Bynea, Bigyn, Halfway, Maes Y Morfa, Pen Rhos and Stebonheath Primary Schools.

The popular Concerts and Cakes initiative returns to The Lyric in Carmarthen at 1pm on Wednesday, July 24.

Concerts and Cakes helps bring people together regularly to provide a forum for the sharing of high quality live music.

Each session is delivered in cabaret style and begins with an informal participatory music session led by Live Music Now musicians, followed by tea and cakes.

Live Music Now is the UK’s leading musicians’ development and outreach charity.

They provide exceptional live music experiences to people with limited access to the arts, due to disability, illness or social disadvantage.

Participants benefit from the amazing therapeutic, social and emotional benefits of engaging with live music – an experience that transforms and enriches lives.

You can find out more about Live Music Now on their website – www.livemusicnow.org.uk

Feedback on the Concerts and Cakes idea has been great, so do pop along.

There will be a chance to see the Live Music Now team again when they visit Ffwrnes Theatre in Llanelli at 1pm on August 28. Make a note in your diary!

The Stage 8 Theatre School will be taking over Ffrwnes Theatre on July 27, 28 and 29 to stage Hairspray Jr.

Picture the scene . . . it’s 1962, and Tracy Turnblad has one big dream – to dance on the popular “CornyCollins Show.

When she finally gets her shot, she is transformed from social outcast to sudden star.

In balancing her newfound power with her desire for justice, Tracy fights to dethrone the reigning Miss Teen Hairspray, Amber von Tussle, and integrate a TV network in the process.

With the help of her outsized mom Edna, and guest DJ Motormouth Maybelle, the rhythm of Tracy’s new beat just might prove unstoppable.

The intimate surroundings of Stiwdio Stepni in Ffwrnes Theatre will provide the setting for An Evening with the Songbirds, 7.30pm on July 27.

Songbirds are a trio of local ladies with their unique and exciting sound.

They promise to bring you an evening of eclectic music from the charts, the movies and the world of musical theatre.

You can be serenaded in a relaxed cabaret style as they showcase some magnificent melodies and heart-warming harmonies from ballads to belters. The ticket price includes a glass of prosecco!

For those, who appreciate their music with the volume cranked up a few notches, Ffwrnes Theatre will stage another ‘Cadno Music Live Presents . . .’ evening at 8pm on August 3.

Full details of the show line-up will follow in due course.

Top harmony group Blake will be back at The Lyric on September 26 (7.30pm) as part of their Live in Concert Tour.

Their latest (and seventh) album went straight into the charts at No1.

Blake have performed Classical, Opera and Crossover for more than 10 years, giving each song a beautiful and unique Blake sound.

Songs from all the greats – including Morricone, Barry, Bernstein and Bizet – will feature in this brand-new tour.

Legendary 70s folk-rock pioneers Lindisfarne will be at The Lyric on October 5.

The classic six-piece line up of long-time members is fronted by original founder-member Rod Clements on vocals, mandolin, fiddle and slide guitar.

With a repertoire of unforgettable songs like Meet Me On The Corner, Fog On The Tyne, Lady Eleanor and Run For Home and a reputation for live performance second to none, Lindisfarne’s power to galvanise festival and concert audiences remains undimmed and is guaranteed to get the crowd on its feet and singing along.

In other news, Burry Port Town Band will stage an evening of ‘Music from the Stage and Shows!’ at the Memorial Hall on Saturday, July 20, 7pm.

The concert will feature the Senior Band, the ever-growing Junior Band and a very special guest artist Samuel Wyn-Morris.

Bridget Radford’s two choirs,Lleisiau Hardd and Lleisiau Hardd Bach, will be staging their annual concert at St Mary’s Church, Burry Port, on Friday, July 12, 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 and available from choristers.

The choristers from Llandyfaelog-based Côr Meibion Dyffryn Tywi are getting ready for their annual concert.

It will be at the Princess Gwenllian Centre in Kidwelly on Saturday, October 12, 7pm.

The choir will be joined by Gwendraeth Valley’s Côr Meibion Mynydd Mawr. The evening will also feature special guests Pantel and Trio.

Trio are a male vocal group from Snowdonia – formed by renowned pianist/accompanist Annette Bryn Parri in 2012. The group gave its first public performance at Galeru Caernarfon in June 2013. The standing ovation at Galeri led, not only to a number of concerts in 2013 and 2014, but also to the release of the group’s first CD in August 2014.

Their songs are often heard on Radio Cymru programmes. They appeared in a Noson Lawen (S4C) programme dedicated to Hogia’r Wyddfa, one of Wales’s most popular groups, a group that celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2013.

Since then, Trio have appeared on Pnawn Da (S4C) and Heno (S4C). Trio are Emyr Wyn Gibson, Bedwyr Gwyn Parri and Steffan Lloyd Owen.

The Gwyl Cerdd Dant Cymru fund-raising Gala Concert is atLlanelli’s Greenfield Baptist Church on Friday, July 12. The evening offers a feast of choral music and there will be four choirs – Côr Lleisiau’r Cwm and Harmoni, both under the baton of Catrin Hughes, Côr MeibionLlanelli and Côr Ysgol Dewi Sant.

The concert will feature some excellent young soloists, including award-winning tenor Osian Bowen from Burry Port, now studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) in Cardiff. Also on stage will be five singers from Loud Applause Rising Stars, including Nikkila Thomas and Ysgol Y Strade pupils Lauren Fisher, James Oakley, Daisy Owens and Jack Owens.

If you have news about the choral or concert scene in Llanelli, email robert.lloyd01@walesonline.co.uk or rlloydpr@btinternet.com