News

The festive season is just around the corner, and what better way to embrace its spirit than by joining us for our highly anticipated annual Advent Concert! We are delighted to unveil the incredible lineup for this year’s event, featuring the exceptional talents of the renowned soprano, Jessica Robinson, and the esteemed Whitland Male Voice Choir. Jessica Robinson: A Soprano Extraordinaire Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Pembrokeshire, Jessica Robinson is set to grace our stage with her mesmerizing voice. A distinguished graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Jessica boasts an illustrious career, adorned with numerous awards and accolades. Her journey has been punctuated by stellar performances with esteemed institutions like the CBSO, leaving audiences spellbound at iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and the Wales Millennium Centre. Notably, she had the honor of performing for HRH The Prince of Wales at the prestigious Buckingham Palace. Jessica’s diverse repertoire and unmatched artistry promise to enrapture the audience and create an unforgettable musical experience. Whitland & District Male Voice Choir: A Legacy of Harmony Adding to the evening’s grandeur, the revered Whitland & District Male Voice Choir will weave a rich tapestry of harmonies, carrying […]

  Come and join us at our ‘Welcome Wednesday’ mornings at SPAN! Drop in anytime between 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, every Wednesday starting from November 1st. Whether you fancy a friendly chat over a free cuppa or to explore our craft corner for a creative outlet (it’s optional!), our doors are open to all. If you’re bringing children along, please remember that they should be accompanied and cared for by a parent or guardian. Join us for a wonderful Wednesday filled with warmth, connection, and discovery! For more information contact Bethan via info@span-arts.org.uk

In a world where the urgency of climate change is undeniable, it’s vital that we take moments to pause, reflect, and consider our relationship with the environment. Vital Footsteps is a unique, free workshop in Pembrokeshire that provides a meditative space for individuals to contemplate climate care. Hosted in conjunction with The Motion Pack’s enlightening project, “In the Silence of Blossoms,” this 1.5-hour workshop promises a serene journey through mindful movement, creative letter writing, and open discussions about our ever-changing planet. As we gather amidst the stunning landscapes of Pembrokeshire, participants will engage in mindful movement exercises. These movements will not only bring you closer to the natural world but will also help you connect with your inner self, fostering a sense of harmony and balance. Climate change is a complex issue, and discussing it openly is essential. In our patient talking space, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in thoughtful conversations about climate care, connect with like-minded individuals, and contribute to a broader discussion on our relationship with people and land. Join the Journey: If you’re eager to take gentle steps towards environmental harmony and become a part of a larger dialogue on the significance of connecting with both

Welcome to the enchanting world of “Howl,” a captivating tale that weaves magic, power, and unexpected transformations. Join us on a thrilling journey through this extraordinary story, where a woman’s life takes an unexpected turn, leading to fascinating encounters and delightful mischief. In “Howl,” a woman finds herself becoming a werewolf when she least expects it. Suddenly, she becomes an immensely powerful, ferocious, and cunning creature, inspiring both fear and awe in those she encounters. Yet, mastering her wolf-self proves to be a challenge, especially when she realizes she can harness its power to her advantage, while never quite getting used to having such hairy arms! Enter Claire Crook, a brilliant circus and theatre performer, who takes us on a captivating journey celebrating the strength of women, the allure of magic, and the ability to overcome adversity. Experience the exhilarating power of turning disadvantages into advantages through this interactive tale that combines aerial and physical theatre with mesmerizing dance performances.  Although “Howl” is performed in Welsh, the magic of this theatrical wonder transcends language barriers, making it accessible and enjoyable for non-Welsh speakers as well. Embrace the richness of Welsh culture while getting lost in the mesmerizing magic of “Howl.”

Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated Narberth A Cappella Voice Festival is set to make its grand return next year on Saturday, 2nd March! Stay in the loop by following us on our social media platforms for updates on the incredible lineup of performers! You won’t want to miss out on this captivating event. If you’d like to be the first to know about all the festival updates and exclusive news, simply drop us an email at info@span-art.org.uk to join our mailing list. Get ready for a harmonious celebration of voices and music in the heart of Narberth! Don’t miss the chance to be part of this unforgettable experience. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements!

Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of West Wales during Narberth’s Civic Week. This beloved annual event, held during the last full week of July, brings together locals and visitors for a week-long celebration of togetherness and joy. This year, prepare for an unforgettable experience as you engage in workshops led by talented artists Maïa Sparrow and Hannah Rounding, blending creativity, nature, and community.   Maïa Sparrow, known as Aderyn, has spent a decade fostering connections between people, themselves, and the natural world. Join her sessions, where you’ll engage in bushcraft, forest school, foraging, and nature connection activities across the enchanting landscapes of West Wales. Together, we’ll rewild Narberth by building cozy dens and crafting wild crowns for the carnival parade. Rediscover the joy of connecting with nature and unleash your inner child.   Hannah Rounding, a freelance artist and illustrator, draws inspiration from the stunning landscapes and seascapes of West Wales. Through her work with local community groups and charities, she uses art to foster nature connection and enhance well-being. In her workshop, she’ll guide you in creating nature-inspired carnival banners using locally grown flowers, grasses, and plants. Join like-minded individuals to celebrate nature and create stunning

Welcome to the enchanting world of “Howl,” a captivating tale that weaves magic, power, and unexpected transformations. Join us on a thrilling journey through this extraordinary story, where a woman’s life takes an unexpected turn, leading to fascinating encounters and delightful mischief. In “Howl,” a woman finds herself becoming a werewolf when she least expects it. Suddenly, she becomes an immensely powerful, ferocious, and cunning creature, inspiring both fear and awe in those she encounters. Yet, mastering her wolf-self proves to be a challenge, especially when she realizes she can harness its power to her advantage, while never quite getting used to having such hairy arms! Enter Claire Crook, a brilliant circus and theatre performer, who takes us on a captivating journey celebrating the strength of women, the allure of magic, and the ability to overcome adversity. Experience the exhilarating power of turning disadvantages into advantages through this interactive tale that combines aerial and physical theatre with mesmerizing dance performances. Although “Howl” is performed in Welsh, the magic of this theatrical wonder transcends language barriers, making it accessible and enjoyable for non-Welsh speakers as well. Embrace the richness of Welsh culture while getting lost in the mesmerizing magic of “Howl.”

  SPAN Arts’ choir Côr Pawb invite you to Y Canu Mawr! / The Big Sing! 29th May 2023 | 11.15 – 12.00 | St Davids Cathedral Span Arts Choir Côr Pawb performed a short programme of pilgrimage related songs at St Davids Cathedral as part of a Pilgrim Fayre.Live stream from St. Davids – 29th May. Watch above or in a separate window. The event was a celebration of the Pererin Wyf / Is Oilithreach Mé / I am a Pilgrim project including a performance of a new song An Dara Craiceann (Tr. The Second Skin) written by Rachel Uí Fhaoláin in response to the project and concluded with a massed a Capella singing of the hymn ‘Pererin Wyf’ by William Williams, Pantycelyn where all assembled were invited to join in!  The project Pererin Wyf / Is Oilithreach Mé / I am a Pilgrim culminated this Spring with an online film screening followed by a short live streamed concert at St Davids Cathedral. The project which has sought to connect with the Welsh and Irish diaspora through identity, language, travel and song was inspired by an 18th century Welsh hymn and has resulted in a new macaronic song.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Popty Ping Productions & Span Arts presents ‘Bipolar Me’ (English language production) and ‘Bipolar Fi’ (Welsh language production.) A new play about mental health by Ceri Ashe, performed at Theatr Gwaun, Fishguard on the 21st, 22nd and 23rd April 2023. A truthful, dark comedy based on the Pembrokeshire born writer’s experience of living with bipolar.  Book tickets here. After a sell-out 4 star run in London, Span Arts and Popty Ping Productions are delighted to present this punchy, enlightening and moving show that takes you on a roller coaster of emotions from the highs of a festival, to the depths of depression and suicide, while shining a light on a still much stigmatised subject. ‘Recommended for anyone who loves a gritty, naturalist and thought provoking drama.’ London Theatr1.com ‘A necessary and inspirational production that’s as urgent as it is moving’ Broadwayworld.com Welsh language ‘Bipolar Fi’ was commissioned by the National Eisteddfod last year, and writer and actor Ceri Ashe is delighted to present both versions of her play at Theatr Gwaun.  Ceri commented, “I hope ‘Bipolar Me’ and Welsh language ‘Bipolar Fi’ will get people in Pembrokeshire talking about mental health, and help lessen the stigma around mental health conditions. I’m delighted

  Join us in creating something special in the open air! Here are the latest opportunities to take part in our Love Stories to Nature Commissions. Songlines – A drawing and poetry event in celebration of birds at Whitesands beach. With artist Charlotte Cortazzi and poet Sue Kullai. Come join Charlotte and Sue by adding your birds and words to create a giant flock along the beach! We’re inviting everyone to come and draw their own sand art masterpiece. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just looking for a fun way to spend a day at the beach, we welcome you to join us.   [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Chef Adeola is feeling the heat, and we’re not talking pepper soup! With the pressures of a new business, a lockdown baby and an upcoming food safety inspection, how is our budding foodie entrepreneur going to cope? The House of Jollof Opera is a live pop-up experience serving a Nigerian delicacy (100% vegan) in places of communal gathering across Wales, accompanied by a 15-minute hip-hop influenced operatic story. Take a journey in taste, aroma and rhythms in this one-of-a-kind show. The show is written and performed by Welsh-Nigerian artist Tumi Williams and also stars acclaimed soprano Gweneth Ann Rand. Directed by Welsh-Indian Sita Thomas, The House of Jollof Opera is a true celebration of modern, multicultural Cymru. Based on a Celtic Film Award-winning short film by the same creators, The House of Jollof Opera was created to shake up and reshape conceptions of opera and live artistic performance as well as address inequities in access to art and culture. A multidisciplinary artist, Tumi Williams’ first artistic love is music, working in a blend of styles including hip hip, Afro funk and jazz. He is also a chef and founder of Jollof House Party, a pop up serving vegan Nigerian food.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  We are incredibly excited that the Narberth A Cappella Voice Festival (NAVF) will be back from the 3rd – 5th of March 2023. This festival weekend will be packed with live music, an incredible singing feast, as well as engaging and uplifting workshops led by a cappella masters. Full Festival Tickets, Singing Feast, and Saturday Concert tickets now available. BOOK HERE or via the box office on 01834 869323. Individual Sunday concert and workshop tickets will be available to book soon via the SPAN website. See below for more information about our performers and the full festival schedule. Meet the performers & workshop leaders [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  Verbatim theatre is made from real people’s stories. Playwright Ceri Ashe has been working with people of all ages and backgrounds from across West Wales to gather stories about the highs, the lows, and truths of what life in this new normal means to them. This tapestry of true stories from young students, hardworking mothers, pensioners and grandparents to list a few, will be brought to life this winter via our ground-breaking, livestreamed Theatr Soffa project. From first hugs and first loves to buzzcuts and dancing like no one’s watching, this poignant, raw, and heartfelt verbatim show will take you on an emotional journey, and encourage you to reflect on what this new normal means to you. Book your free ticket here Theatr Soffa is an online community theatre company presenting live-streamed community performances through zoom in both English and Welsh. It was initially conceived as a creative way to connect rurally isolated and housebound individuals across Pembrokeshire through the arts and technology. To date, we have presented several additional livestreamed productions, including Under Milk Wood, Dan Y Wenallt, Dracula, A Child’s Christmas in Wales, Nadolig Plentyn yng Nghymru, and Lady Windermere’s Fan. During the Autumn, Pembrokeshire-born actor, playwright,

  In 2015, SPAN created Côr Pawb (Everyone’s Choir), a 70-100 strong mass community choir featuring singers ranging in age from six to ninety-six from across the county and beyond.   We are thrilled to announce that Côr Pawb will be back with a spectacular performance to draw the Narberth A Cappella Voice Festival to a close on Sunday the 5th of March 2023 at The Queen’s Hall. The mass choir will meet for a series of rehearsals in Clynderwen Community Hall led by experienced choir leaders Molara Awen (One Voice and Cân Sing), Maya Waldman (Sweet Harmony and Lleisiau Preseli Voices), and Tomos Hopkins (Côr Dysgwyr Sir Benfro). Rehearsal dates: 19th November, 7th January, 29th January, 18th February. Sessions will take place from 11am – 4pm. Rehearsals are free to attend, but donations are welcome. Founded upon the principles of community strength and resilience, Côr Pawb welcomes all voices, regardless of singing ability, to come together for an uplifting celebration of song. You don’t have to be a member of a choir or have sung before to join in. Everyone is welcome – experienced singers and newbies alike! We invite anyone interested in getting involved to the initial rehearsal