RECENTLY reopened Cardigan Castle will be holding its first concert next month, with an event tipping its hat back to 1176 and the castle’s Welsh arts heritage.

The castle is the birthplace of the Eisteddfod and will once again play host to ‘the best sounds of traditional Welsh music and literature’ with the concert, Cyngherdd Beirdd a Chantorion.

The move has been broadly welcomed by those critical that the official opening concert in July was promoted with an English band, Bellowhead, headlining.

The June 25 concert now being advertised will bring together west Wales’ finest poets and musicians, and their talents will be showcased on the castle’s lawns.

Cardigan Castle reopened last month after it underwent a £12m restoration project, transforming the 900-year-old site into a modern heritage attraction, complete with luxury accommodation, riverside restaurant and summer events programme.

The campaign to save Cardigan’s historic castle was led by the Cadwgan Building Preservation Trust (CBPT), formed in 1999 by local volunteers, and has grown to include more than 250 members.

It was supported by the 2001 Tivy-Side Advertiser Save the Castle campaign.

Reigning winner of the National Eisteddfod Chair, and renowned Cardigan-born poet, Ceri Wyn Jones will be one of those performing at the concert.

He’s teaming up with fellow poets Tudur Dylan and Emyr Davies, to provide the audience with witty entertainment between the musical acts.

The acclaimed harpist, Claire Jones, will be joined by mezzo-soprano, Eirlys Myfanwy Davies and baritone, Deiniol Wyn Rhys.

All have been successful at a variety of Eisteddfodau and will ensure the atmosphere of Lord Rhys’ original Eisteddfod, held in 1176, will be re-created.

Local choirs will also take to the stage, performing new versions of well-known songs, led by the events musical director, Rhys Taylor.

The concert celebrating all things Welsh comes after there was some disagreement over the choice in performers for the castle’s opening concert.

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Hefin Wyn, from Friends of Rhys Ap Gruffudd said: “I do welcome this concert, it’s just unfortunate that it wasn’t highlighted when the opening concert was announced and seems to have been brushed aside by the Theatre Mwldan in their programme.

“I feel that this concert deserves as equal prominence as the opening concert in July, which has the English band, Bellowhead as the lead act and Welsh band 9Bach only as their support.”

The celebratory concert will follow a formal opening event with the First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones and the Castle’s funders and partners.

Cris Tomos, Cardigan Castle spokesperson said: “It’s apt that we are celebrating the completion of Lord Rhys’ castle with an evening of music and poetry, while showcasing the wealth of talent on our doorstep.

“This is truly a year of celebration for Cardigan Castle, and Cyngerdd Beirdd a Chantorion has always been in our plan as the perfect way to kick-start our summer events programme, so we’re delighted that it has come to fruition.”

Ceri Wyn Jones added: “As a local lad, I have great admiration for those who have worked so hard work to raise Cardigan Castle from its own ashes.

“It is also proof of a long-term commitment to the Welsh language and its rich, contemporary and exciting culture as a central presence in the castle’s life.”

Tickets to see Cyngerdd Beirdd a Chantorion on Thursday, June 25 are now on sale. To book, visit mwldan.co.uk or call 01239 621 200.