Local choirs have joined forces to record a fundraising CD of Welsh songs for next year’s Monmouthshire and District National Eisteddfod.
Monmouth MP David Davies championed the idea to raise money towards the cost of hosting the event, of which he will be an honorary vice-president.
The National Eisteddfod, a unique celebration of Welsh language and culture, is being held at Castle Meadows on the outskirts of Abergavenny from 29 July-6 August 2016.
Community appeal committees have been set up across the county to raise £300,000 for the annual festival. It last came to Monmouthshire in 1913.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for school children and adult choirs to showcase their talent whilst establishing a lasting legacy for the Monmouthshire Eisteddfod,” said Mr Davies.
“I got involved after speaking with Antony Smith at Nimbus Records in Monmouth, who very kindly agreed to produce a CD of Welsh songs performed by choirs from the Monmouthshire area.
“I then got in touch with local schools and choirs and invited them to take part in the project.
“Nimbus Records will waive all of their usual charges so that every penny above the material cost of a blank CD will go straight to Eisteddfod coffers.”
The first recording session has already taken place at Wyastone Leys involving Monmouth Male Voice Choir, Caldicot Male Voice Choir, Chepstow Singing Club and Chepstow Chatelaines.
Choirs from Monmouth Comprehensive School, Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls, Chepstow School, Caldicot School, King Henry VIII Comprehensive School in Abergavenny and Ysgol Gymraeg Y Fenni are due to record their songs over the coming weeks.
Antony Smith, business director at Nimbus Records, added: “A disc covering music making from across the county and delivering a range of modern and traditional Welsh songs will be very appealing.
“We would really like to see the community get behind this unique fundraising project as every penny raised will directly benefit the Monmouthshire Eisteddfod, which in turn benefits all music makers in the county.
“You never know – if enough people buy the disc we may even get it into the classical charts!”
It is hoped the CD will be available to purchase in September.