NEW YEAR’S EVE A time to a sound reaction celebrate with all the family
When you’ve got kids, it might seem obvious to stay in and celebrate New Year’s Eve with a quick drink when they are in bed... or not bother celebrating at all. But there are ways you can mark the start of a new year with the little ones.We’ve rounded up
Musicians from across South Wales will be hoping for their big break as part of The Forté Project.
Ten new artists have been chosen for the music development programme which aims to uncover and support the next bright young things in music emerging from the area.
Since its inception in 2016, the Forté Project has successfully taken 10 young artists on 10 inspiring journeys into the music world.
On December 18, 10 brand new emerging acts were revealed ready to embark on their own unique musical adventure.
In co-ordination with SONIG Youth Music, the Forté Project is funded by an Arts Council of Wales lottery grant, PRS Foundation For Music and ArtsConnect and takes 10 emerging artists from regions which span across five boroughs in South Wales. The areas of Rhondda Cynon Taff, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan are collectively known as ArtsConnect, and these are the regions the acts are chosen from.
All the acts, aged 16-25, are eager to make their mark on the music industry and enjoy their year-long Forté Project development. The 10 chosen Forté artists for 2018 are: Rhondda Cynon Taff – Christian Punter and The Witching Hour Merthyr – Tracy Island and Al Moses Caerphilly – Serge and Dead Method Bridgend - Vince James and Carolines Vale of Glamorgan – Hana and Perfect Body The Forté Project aims to deliver the following to the chosen 10 acts:
Specially selected industry mentors to help guide and support them across the duration of the Forté Project.
Unique live opportunities through the Young Promoters Network, Orchard Entertainment, Wales’s largest independent promoter and reputable festivals in Wales. Whilst also getting helping apply for other festivals across the UK.
Access to key networking opportunities with industry professionals providing them with sound advice relating to key areas of their development.
Increased artist profile through high profile live performances, audience development and marketing strategies.
Recording opportunities to explore new material with professional studio facilities and technicians.
Valuable experience working with technicians in rehearsal spaces to master their performance techniques and approach to live set-up.
“Forte Project continues to unearth an exceptional amount of talent emerging from south Wales. We’ve had arguably the toughest year in our selection process, with lots of contenders, but settled with 10 acts who really excite us in so many different ways,” said Spike Griffiths, Forté Project Creative Lead.
“The number of applications for 2018 has been the highest to date and there’s such a spirit of creativity and adventure in the music we’ve heard. We’re really keen to start work with each of the acts to support and celebrate this young talent.”
Find out more about all the acts and listen to their music via: www.forteproject.co.uk Where: Cardiff’s New Theatre When: It runs until January 14 but the shows on December 31 are at 1pm and 5pm. Tickets: 029 20787 8889
Samantha Womack, Gareth Thomas , Mike Doyle, former X Factor star Chico and Stephanie Webber will bring the panto to life with an abundance of comedy and music, dance numbers, fabulous costumes and stunning scenery.
Throw in a magical mirror, seven friendly dwarfs, a beautiful princess, a handsome prince and plenty of audience participation as we outwit the Wicked Queen, then you have a glittering festive treat for all ages.
You can also catch Aladdin at Swansea’s Grand Theatre, Jack and the Beanstalk at Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon or Peter Pan at Venue Cymru. Where: Llandudno When: It starts at 6.30pm. If you’ll be ringing in the New Year in Llandudno, you’ll want to see the laser light show on the promenade. This fun light display begins at 6.30pm.
With so many bars and hotels, you’re spoiled for choice in Llandudno for places to enjoy a drink or two after watching the display. Where: St David’s Hall, Cardiff When: December 27-31. The show on New Year’s Eve is at 2pm. Details: Call 029 2087 8444 The Russian State Ballet of Siberia has built an international reputation for delivering performances of outstanding quality and depth.
The soloists and corps de ballet never fail to delight with their breath-taking physical ability.
This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins at nightfall on Christmas Eve. As snowflakes tumble outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents beneath.
When midnight strikes the audience will be swept away to a fairytale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse King and his mouse army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins. Where: Mountain Ash town centre. When: From 5.15pm. Details: Visit Nos Galan website A traditional NYE event in the Valleys, the main race starts with a church service at Llanwynno, and then a wreath is laid on the grave of Guto Nyth Brân in Llanwynno graveyard.
After lighting a torch, it is carried by the mystery runner (who is usually a famous sports person) to Mountain Ash, where the main race takes place.
Chris Coleman was last year’s Nos Galan Races mystery runner.
The current race consists of three circuits of the town centre, starting in Henry Street and ending in Oxford Street, by the commemorative statue of Guto.
The kids get to run too. Here’s the timetable: 5.15pm: 8-9 years.