A talented line-up of young performers will be in the spotlight at the Royal British Legion’s annual poppy concert in Ellesmere on the eve of Remembrance Sunday.
Students and former pupils from Ellesmere College will play a leading role at the event, including the return of Rhian Carys Jones, a 23 year old mezzo soprano soloist who has been studying at the Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. She has performed in large works and operas at choral concerts around the country.
The programme will also include a flute solo by Tabitha Kimber who will then join her sister Ellie and fellow Ellesmere student Minnie Uras Garvin to perform as a vocal trio. Another college student, Alice Ferguson will give a poetry recital.
The concert takes place at Ellesmere Comrades Club from 7.30pm on Saturday, November 9, beginning with a short service of remembrance, led by the Vicar of Ellesmere, the Rev. Pat Hawkins.
The show will be opened with the now-traditional appearance of the award-winning Porthywaen Silver Band, which has been celebrating its 90th year.
The second half of the concert will feature a drill demonstration by the Ellesmere Army Cadets.
Also on the bill will be 14-year-old singer Emily Hughes, from Isycoed, a music and drama student at Bishop Heber school, Malpas. As well as taking part in the concert, she will be performing during the annual Remembrance service at St John the Evangelist Church, Colemere on Sunday afternoon.
Admission is £6, pay at the door. A bumper raffle will include top-quality prizes donated by local businesses and individuals.
Concert organiser Ian Williams, president of the Royal British Legion’s Ellesmere and District branch and chair of the county branch said he was delighted that so many youngsters had volunteered to take part.
“Our annual concert is always a big contributor to the Poppy Appeal and we’re very grateful to all those who come along to support us, as well to those taking part. It’s very encouraging to see talented young people involved in an event like this, and it promises to be a great community get-together with first-class entertainment.
On Remembrance Sunday, the morning after the concert, Legion members will join civic leaders, representatives of local organisations and members of the public in a parade to the Ellesmere war memorial at St Mary’s parish church for wreath-laying ceremony. This will be followed by two minutes silence at 11am and a service of remembrance inside the church. The parade will assemble in the town’s main car park in Cross Street at 10,30am.
On Monday morning, November 11, members of the public are invited to take part in the two minutes silence to mark Armistice Day at 11am in the town centre.
Pictured: Former Ellesmere College student Rhian Carys Jones will be performing at the Ellesmere Poppy Concert.
