This year’s Ruthin Festival will be the sixteenth and will run from 28 June until 4 July.
The usual climax will be “Top of Town” on the town centre square on 3 July and will feature six different bands and dance groups performing non-stop from 2-8pm. This event is always very popular with a warm atmosphere which appeals to old and young alike. Last year the crowds were the largest to date – so be sure not to miss out on what promises to be another exciting day.
Two favourites from last year, Dr Jazz and Gwibdaith Hen Fran, will be here again along with the Polonez Polish Dancers who performed in 2008 and 2003. Three newcomers will also be on the scene Yr Ods, Derwyddon Dr Gonzo and Bangor Batala Samba Band. In addition, TV chef Dudley will be doing a cookery demonstration to kick off the event at 1pm.
Please note that licensed premises will only be selling drinks in plastic glasses and bottles no glass containers (bottles or glasses) will be permitted to be brought onto the square. Stewards and police will be on hand to enforce this requirement.
During the week a variety of concerts are on offer due to the Festival Association teaming up with other musical organisations. It is local young talent who will be starting the week off on Monday 28 June with a “Stars of the Vale” Concert at Theatr John Ambrose. This will include the Adran Choir, the Denbighshire County Brass Band and Stagecoach Denbigh who have all excelled in a variety of venues. Also a number of school groups from Ysgol Brynhyfryd, Ysgol Pen Barras and Rhos St School will be taking part.
Tuesday 29 June will be the evening from jazz enthusiasts as, in conjunction with North Wales Jazz Society, a performance by top saxman Dave O’Higgins has been arranged. This will be at Ruthin Castle and will also feature Trefor Owen (guitar) and the Andrzej Baranek Trio on keyboards.
The venue for Wednesday 30 June is Nantclwyd y Dre where Ruthin Town Band will perform at a Garden Concert arranged by Friends of Nantclwyd y Dre .
On Thursday 1 July it is the turn of Ruthin Music Club to stage an event and they have booked exciting young Russian pianist Alexander Karpeyev for a concert at Theatr John Ambrose. This is also the venue on Friday 2 July when Wales’ unique folk orchestra, the Glerorfa, with their numerous harps, fiddles, flutes and a whole variety of lesser well know instruments, are sure to get the audience tapping their feet.
Also on 3 July, from noon to 4pm, Peter Bull will be performing and playing a variety of medieval period instruments at Ruthin Gaol.
Finally, and for the first time, the festival will extend to the Sunday (4 July) when a choral workshop and performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria at St Peter’s Church will be held. This has been arranged by the new organist at St Peter’s Dr Peter Litman who invites anyone and everyone to come along and take part.
Tickets for concerts are now on sale from Ruthin Library or Siop Elfair, Clwyd St, Ruthin or by phoning 01824 702703.
Entry to the Top of Town event is free but donations will be requested to help to cover the costs.
