CANTORIAN CANTABILE SIR BENFRO COMPETE IN EISTEDDFOD Y GARREG LAS 2026

Pembrokeshire has been honoured this week to host the National Eisteddfod 2026. This prestigious event also known as Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, is particularly fitting as it marks the 850th anniversary of the first recorded Eisteddfod in 1176. The festival celebrates Welsh language, literature, art, and culture, with a strong emphasis on heritage and storytelling, alongside contemporary Welsh culture.

The Cantabile Singers of Pembrokeshire known as Cantorion Cantabile Sir Benfro qualified to enter the “New to The Eisteddfod” choir competition category on Sunday 2nd August.

Based in Haverfordwest the 3-part harmony ladies’ choir are predominately non-Welsh speaking, so it was a challenge to learn two pieces in Welsh and compete. Singing Bendigedig by Robat Arwyn and Ti Yw Hon by Alan Lleweleyn Thomas.

It was a fabulous experience like no other. Cantabile lost out to much bigger mixed choirs from Welsh speaking regions but had amazing and encouraging comments from the judges. Cantabile Chairperson Jill Ellis stated that “we had the most wonderful experience and the hard work practising for 8 months has been so worth it. The production was breathtaking and the talent amongst the other choirs was world class. Jill would like to thank her fellow choristers for their hard work and dedication, but special thanks go to Beverley Humphreys our took the lead in entering us, for painstakingly selecting the correct songs and encouraging us with Welsh Pronunciations. Also, a big thank you to Luke Spencer our Musical Director who continues to guide and encourage us every step of the way”

2026 is the 20th Anniversary of Cantabile and are celebrating with an anniversary concert in October, singing at the County show on Wednesday 19h August and have many other events planned for the rest of this year.

If you wish to join or hire Cantabile, please visit the website www.cantabilesingerspembrokeshire.co.uk or Facebook page for further details.