St Donats Arts Centre was the venue for one of a series of events to mark the tenth anniversary of Llantwit Major based charity, Major Music and giving all those in attendance the opportunity of seeing first hand the wealth, energy and cross section of young musical creative talent around in the local area..
The evening was attended by the family and friends of those young people performing, in addition to a number of sponsors and supporters of Major Music, local Councillors, Vale Officers and Jane Hutt –AM.
Trustee of Major Music, and compere for the evening Chris Williams took the opportunity of welcoming all those attending and commending the efforts of those young people who had been working hard practicing over the past weeks to perform at tonight’s event, and which included in each set a Beatles number. Chris also made reference to the achievements and success of this innovative project over the past ten years and to the two co-founders, Dave Roberts and Phil Kirkham who had the vision, tenacity and commitment in setting up Major Music. As Chris further outlined, ‘ ….the success of Major Music would not have been possible without the ongoing support received from a number of businesses, organisations and individuals and in particular the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Roland (UK)…..’.
In attendance also at the event was Mark Davies, Officer from the Vale’s Children and Young People’s Partnership who commented, ‘…..throughout it’s ten years Major Music continues to provide an important service to young people, it is a privilege to be involved and help celebrate young people’s skills, abilities and achievements….’.
Alyson Jones, the mother of two young people involved with Major Music made reference to the fact, ‘……Major Music is giving children and young adults confidence they may not have in other areas of their life. It also gives them a focus and builds on the talent they already have. Major Music has supported both my children and enabled them to perform music they enjoy…..’.
Acts performing throughout the evening included The Resistance, Lucy Atkins, Gareth Jones, Red, Turf – with Davey, Breaking the Silence and Skate Ketchup. There was also a surprise in store at the end of the evenings performance, and which saw a number of the mentors and volunteers involved with Major Music take to the stage themselves and do a couple of songs including the Beatles hit – Hey Jude!
Appreciation was also given to all of the staff at the Arts Centre who’s support had been invaluable in promoting this and other Major Music events.
Major Music continues to hold it’s weekly workshops at the Llantwit Major Youth Centre on a Tuesday evening, and where young people also have the opportunity to access the state of the art recording studio. There are plans to hold workshops during the school holidays and other innovative events – watch this space!
If you would like to know more about Major Music; to volunteer at the weekly workshops, offer sponsorship or support, or wish to attend the workshops then contact Phil on 01446-792543.
Photographs by Derek Naylor, ifotoevents.
