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THEATR BRYCHEINIOG WELCOME THE KING AND QUEEN
Staff and volunteers at Brecon’s Theatr Brycheiniog have welcomed Their Majesties The King and Queen on a visit to the town on Thursday 20th July.
Their Majesties also met members of the local community and celebrated the local volunteering and public service sector during a reception hosted by First Minister Mark Drakeford.
The King and Queen were given a musical welcome to the Theatr with a short performance by Theatr Brycheiniog’s Lunchtime Uplift Choir & the Alive & Kickin’ Community Choir Brecon.
Their Majesties were greeted at the Theatr doors by Chair of Trustees Andy Collinson, Vice Chair Sally Jones and Director Designate Emma Flatley.
“It has been a huge privilege to welcome Their Majesties to the Theatr and to see the entire staff and volunteer team come together to provide a wonderful reception for over a hundred guests,” said Emma, who is due to take over the leadership of Theatr Brycheiniog in October.
“We were especially glad to have so many of our local theatrical and musical groups involved in the day. They help us to bring community creativity into Theatr Brycheiniog throughout the year and it was great to see that work being recognised.”
The visit made for an exceptional work experience for three teenagers from Crickhowell High School, spending the week in Theatr Brycheiniog, learning about careers in theatre and the creative arts.
Millie Smith, aged 15, Teagan Farr, 14, and Branwen Davies, 15 were introduced to Their Majesties, to celebrate the array of talented young people who come to the Theatr every week.
“It was a once in a life time experience and it was amazing to be around such nice and kind people.” - Branwen
“It was an amazing experience to be able to meet people through the theatre and to work with people of a similar interest.” – Teagan
“Everyone was so welcoming and informative, this was a great experience that I have found very enjoyable.” – Milie
Many community arts groups who use Theatr Brycheiniog were represented at the royal reception. They included Mid Wales Dance Academy and Brecon Festival Ballet, Brecon Jazz, Brecon Little Theatre and The Westenders theatre group, Brecknock Young Farmers’ Club and the Urdd.
Music during the reception was organised by Brecon Jazz and provided by the Swing Strings Trio - three top Welsh Jazz musicians who are regular performers at the annual Brecon Jazz Festival, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this August.
A wide range of community charities and public sector organisations were also represented. They included Mid and West Wales Fire Service, Brecon Mountain Rescue and South and Mid Wales Cave Rescue. Powys County Council’s group included representatives from Brecon High School, Priory Church in Wales school and Ysgol Penmaes. Other groups included the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, Brecon Town Council, Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations, Brecon Men’s Shed, Powys Teaching Health Board and winners of the Best of Brecon Awards and Coronation Champions from across South Wales
First Minister, Mark Drakeford said: “I was pleased to visit Theatr Brycheiniog today to see the arts and wide range of talent on show in Brecon. I was particularly pleased to see how young people are being encouraged to get involved in the arts locally.”
The visit concluded with Their Majesties being invited to unveil a plaque, marking the visit. It comes a quarter of a century after His Majesty opened the Theatr as Prince of Wales in 1997.
Earlier in the day, The King and Queen marked the Centenary Year of Brecon Cathedral, meeting Cathedral representatives and organisers of the Brecon Choir Festival. They also saw elements of Brecknock Agricultural Society’s annual show, of which His Majesty was Patron as Prince of Wales. The King went on to visit Brecon Barracks, home to 160 Brigade, the regional army command for Wales. The Queen met representatives and staff from Calan DVS, one of the largest domestic abuse charities operating in Wales, at a refuge.
