"Brilliant" performance by boys' choir brings tears to the eyes of Pendine Park residents

Nine members of an acclaimed boys' choir delivered a moving mid-summer concert which brought tears to the eyes of staff and residents at Pendine Park.




The musical afternoon organised by The Aloud charity and Care Forum Wales was given a resounding verdict of "brilliant" from residents of Pendine Park's Gwern Alyn care home, who clapped and cheered emotionally as the hour-long concert came to a finale.

The award-winning charity runs 14 Only Boys Aloud choirs across Wales as well as the Only Kids Aloud initiative.

According to Sarah Edwards, Pendine Park's artist in residence, Gwern Alyn Care Home was privileged to have been selected as one of just a few care homes selected across Wales to be involved in the project.

It was part of a summer collaboration - called Lovely Days - between Only Boys Aloud, Care Forum Wales and Arts and Business Cymru who provided funding via their CultureStep programme.

Sarah Edwards said: "Some of the lads from Wrexham's Only Boys Aloud choir have come along to sing for residents and some relatives who have come along to enjoy the performance.

"They were absolutely brilliant and their performance brought tears to the eyes of the residents and members of staff.

"The project will culminate in a Lovely Day Out in August at Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Residents will be taken to Llandudno to enjoy a special day before enjoying a concert by several of the Only Boys Aloud choirs.

"It will be a major performance by the boys although a date hasn't been finalised as yet. It's clear though that our residents have really enjoyed listening to the boys sing and are excited about their planned Lovely Day Out."

Aled Evans, of Ruthin, Only Boys Aloud team captain for Wrexham and Rhyl, explained the Lovely Day Out project came about after the success the choirs enjoyed singing in care homes around Wales last Christmas.

He said: "It's amazing to see the impact music and singing has on some residents. I understand from speaking to staff that some residents, who have shown little response for a long while, react positively to the music and hearing the boys sing.

"The Lovely Day Out project is going around a number of selected North Wales care homes and residents will be invited to Llandudno in August."

He added: "Our artistic director Tim Rhys-Evans will lead the boys in singing and entertaining those residents who attend. It is in the planning stage but it's nice to bring some of the boys along so residents can see and hear what we are about.

"Performing in a care home is really intimate and we have felt really welcome here at Gwern Alyn. It's been a really special evening."