Only Men Aloud - Llangollen 2010

The hugely popular and award-winning Only Men Aloud appeared at Llangollen for the very first time. They sang Welsh favourites and other exciting pieces including some very unusual choices (ever heard a choir singing songs from Mary Poppins?) in a style they have truly made their own.

I left this concert so exhilarated that when I got home, I was straight on the web and bought 2 of their albums!

Whilst at the Eisteddfod, the choir's founder, Tim Rhys-Evans, was presented with a new variety of rose.

Tim Rhys-Evans, the founder of Only Men Aloud

Barrie Neil Photography

BOND - Llangollen 2010

The first and in my opinion, by far the best, electric string quartet headlined the evening concert at the  Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod on the 8th July 2010. It was great to be able to see, meet and photograph this very talented and photogenic quartet and even though we had been photographing a fantastic wedding earlier in the day (see Rachael and James at Peckforton Castle in the previous blog entry) we made haste to Llangollen to catch this performance.

There was to be no nodding off during this concert as the sound and lighting effects were simply outstanding. The energy these ladies put into their music is amazing and the audience made it perfectly clear they wanted more!

A great night! My ears are still ringing!

Barrie Neil Photography

Peckforton Castle ♥ Rachael and James

The day of 8th July 2010 saw as back at the magnificent Peckforton Castle for the wedding of the very lovely Rachael to the handsome James. What a fantastic setting for two lovely people getting married.

The weather was perfect (bright, plenty of blue sky but not too hot) and everything was set for a great wedding.
There was the usual last minute panicking, especially as one of the bridesmaids was very late in arriving, but in the end Rachael walked up the aisle almost exactly on time.

It was a dream wedding at a dream location with as I say, two really lovely people.

As always, here are a few of the hundreds of photographs Rachael and James will enjoy upon their return from honeymoon.

More photographs from Peckforton Castle and other venues can be found both in this blog and on our main wedding website at www.barrieneilweddings.co.uk

One World, One Stage - Llangollen 2010

Almost certainly, the "One World, One Stage" concert is the most colourful and exuberant evening of the week.The wonderful welcoming ceremony and procession of performers of all ages and nationalities through the Pavilion is truly and sight to behold. 

It is an evening of truly global music and dance and is a favourite with Eisteddfod regulars and a marvellous taster of the week to come.

Taking part were performers from South Africa, North Africa, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, USA, Philippines, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and North Africa amongst many others.

Earlier speeches were made by David Pender-Richards CBE, owner of Aston Martin and Eisteddfod President, Terry Waite CBE

Terry Waite CBE (Eisteddfod President)

David Pender-Richards CBE (Chairman, Aston Martin)

Barrie Neil Photography

Karl Jenkins at Llangollen 2010

The second of the evening concerts and this time is was an enormous privilege to meet and photograph the wonderful composer and conductor Karl Jenkins.

Sinfonia Cymru mades its International Eisteddfod as he conducted his own Mass for Peace with a ‘Wales and the World’ choir. The orchestra also performed Brahms's Academic Festival Overture.

The extraordinary Llŷr Williams was at the piano for Beethoven’s 3rd Concerto.

Barrie Neil Photography

The Parade - Llangollen 2010

Although there is always an evening concert on the Monday evening of the week of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, the festival 'proper' doesn't officially start until the parade on the Tuesday.

This is an amazing event where hundreds of people taking part in the competitions during the week parade in costume through the centre of Llangollen flanked by cheering crowds of well wishers who often follow the paarde to the festival site on the edge of the town.

The parade is led by the Eisteddfod President who is currently (and has been for some years), Terry Waite CBE

I hope this selection of photographs gives you a flavour of the parade.

Barrie Neil Photography