Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Loud Applause Rising Stars (LARS) charity ‘Friends Thank You Soirée’ at Llanelly House, featuring Daniella Difede, Benjamin Anthony, Dylan Morgan, Piet Zorn and Ffion Elin Williams. If you wanted to bottle the essence of the Loud Applause Rising Stars (LARS) charity, then this soirée at Llanelly House was the place to do it. The impressive oak-panelled Great Hall at Llanelli’s Georgian showpiece (with the backdrop of the Stepney Armorial Dinner Service) always provides an aromatic and atmospheric backdrop to showcase events. And this was a showcase which lived up to its impressive surroundings, putting the accent on new singing and musical talent. The Loud Applause Rising Stars (LARS) charity was formed in January, with chairman Cerith Owens determined to use it as a vehicle to mentor and develop young talent. Harpist Ffion Elin Williams set the tone for the evening by providing the music for the welcome and the interval for an event billed as a ‘Thank You’ for the Friends of the chari...

Summer Soiree staged by Loud Applause Productions at Stradey Castle, featuring guests Parti Llwchwr ladies choir and Loud Applause Rising Stars Stephen Davies, Johnny Mansel Lewis, Cai Charles, Nia Rees and Ffion Elin Williams. Designed as a showcase for the musical stars of the future in Llanelli and billed as a ‘summer soiree’, this was an evening with a touch of class. As an intimate and dramatic venue, a packed Great Hall at Stradey Castle takes some beating. Add into the mix one of the finest ladies choirs in Wales, in the shape of Parti Llwchwr, and you have an event which doubled as a musical treat and one of the social events of the year in the Llanelli calendar. Who needs Glyndbourne when you can enjoy canapés, wine and refreshments on the terrace lawn of Stradey Castle? The sense of ‘occasion’ was provided from the outset as guests at this Loud Applause Rising Stars event were greeted by a glorious solo performance from harpist Ffion Elin Williams. At just 16, Ffion display...

There was a memorable musical summer soiree staged at Llanelly House - possibly the biggest social occasion held at the historic mansion for more than 150 years. The event was staged by Sue Roberts, one of the trustees of Llanelly House, and her husband Peter. It marked something of a first for Llanelly House, with characters from the building's history 'coming to life' for the occasion. It was also an opportunity for guests at the soiree to tour the house and view the new interactive digital features which have been installed in Llanelly House. The music for the occasion was organised by Cerith Owens, the director of Llanelli-based Loud Applause Productions. The soloists for the evening were Jordan Williams, Keely Morgan, violinist Simmy Singh and harpist Ffion Elin Williams. With the staircase of the Great Hallway at Llanelly House as their stage, the musical entertainment provided an elegant accompaniment to a unique social occasion, which also feature...