Return of Narberth A Cappella Voice Festival

Brief NAVF Description/ by-line in case required:

Wales's only a cappella festival brought to you by Span Arts! NAVF celebrates the art of singing without instruments through a programme of rich and diverse music. Everyone could do with a little bit of NAVF to lift those February blues!

A little bit of NAVF to lift your winter blues!

Span Arts have announced the one-day return of Narberth’s A Cappella Voice Festival (NAVF) at The Queen’s Hall, Narberth this year, which promises to be an evening of rich and diverse singing.

Friday the 18th of February marks the long-awaited return of Wales’ only a capella festival, featuring a spectacular ‘Singing Feast’ at Bloomfield House Community Centre, Narberth, following a live concert at The Queen’s Hall which will feature performances across a variety of genres — there’s sure to be something for everyone!

Supported by the Arts Council of Wales, this year’s impressive triple-bill line-up features captivating performances from sea shanty group The Vagrants Crew, mother and daughter duo Mary-Anne Roberts and Aisling O’Reilly, and 4 times UK champion beatbox artist Grace Savage. Also featuring will be special guests Molara’s Nos Wener a capella youth group and 50 Shades: a new and diverse group of women with an eclectic and inspirational repertoire. Our community singing groups will be ready to usher you into the festivities as you take your seat!

Kicking off the evening is a ‘Singing Feast’, which Span Arts describe as “a celebration of community and song blending sounds and flavours from around the globe to feed your soul — as well as your belly!” The feast will feature a diverse menu of songs and food, as well as special guests Llwy Gariad, who will be launching their outernational community cookery book during the event. In partnership with Race Council Cymru, social group Llwy Gariad present a new book celebrating the rich culinary traditions of Wales’s minority ethnic groups, as well as the unique stories and voices of the people behind these recipes.

Following the Singing Feast is NAVF’s 2022 Queen’s Hall Concert. First on stage will be The Vagrants Crew, “a folk band that will get you singing along in no time with their mesmerising sea shanties”, Span Arts enthuse. Formed circa. 1983, the band have gained renown at concerts and festivals throughout the UK, Ireland, and Europe, and, as Span Arts tease, “are now ready to set their anchor down at NAVF to bring you an enthralling mix of Maritime music!” Next on stage will be mother and daughter duo Mary-Anne Roberts and Aisling O’Reilly, who are “incredibly excited” to embark upon their long-awaited return to NAVF. The pair look set to captivate audiences with their rich and soulful repertoire, including “folk songs and ‘ol’ time calypsos’ from Trinidad and Tobago.” The concert will come to a close with the electrifying sound of Grace Savage; Savage’s multi-faceted blend of electronic alt-pop and beatbox has won her the accolade of UK beatbox champion 4 times over. Her “originality, vulnerability and the darkly humorous bite in her lyrics” can be heard on the likes of BBC Radio 1 and Radio 6 Music, as well as numerous major festival slots over the years, including Glastonbury, Wilderness and Latitude. 

NAVF’s 2022 return is only for one day, however, the festival promises to give audiences a taste of “bigger and bolder things to come in 2023”. In light of the hardships of the past two years, the event will be a fantastic opportunity for people to come together and celebrate in the atmosphere of live music’s return.

Span Arts were keen to stress that NAVF is an extremely popular event, so in order to avoid disappointment, tickets should be booked as soon as possible. Span Arts had this to say of the event: “Please book your tickets now to avoid disappointment and indulge in a little bit of NAVF to lift your winter blues! It’s best to wrap-up warm as a precaution, as both venues will be well-ventilated due to Covid regulations.”

The event will be conducted as government guidance permits, and details of the event are liable to change in the event of further government restrictions.

BOOK ONLINE ON THE SPAN ARTS WEBSITE: span-arts.org.uk

NAVF 2022: Singing Feast

Time: 5-7pm

Venue: Bloomfield House Community Centre, Redstone Road, Narberth, SA67 7ES.

Price: £15

NAVF 2022: Concert

Venue: The Queen’s Hall

Time: 7.30 pm

Tickets: £22/20 (Full/Concession)

For further information, please contact the box office on 01834 869323 / info@span-arts.org.uk. Facebook: www.facebook.com/spanarts Twitter: www.twitter.com/SpanArts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spanartsnarberth/

Booking Links For Online Copy: https://span-arts.org.uk/whats-on/