CL ARENCE HALL
NEWSLETTER & WHAT’S ON
A month of culture & celebration at the Clarence Hall!
The Clarence Hall has been a hive of activity in recent weeks, hosting an extraordinary variety of events that have brought music, laughter and history to life.
Music lovers were treated to a remarkable performance as part of a playing day for the Society of Recorder Players Wales
The “Ear worms” concert featured internationally acclaimed recorder player Tabea Debus and lute virtuoso Toby Carr Together, they took the audience on a captivating journey through time, moving from anonymous medieval dances to the works of John Dowland and others, before culminating in the contemporary brilliance of Gareth Moorcraft’s Diaries of the Early Worm. Their exceptional musicianship created an unforgettable evening.
A milestone moment in Crickhowell’s history took centre stage as Crickhowell District Archive Centre celebrated 25 years of dedicated work. A packed hall enjoyed a fascinating exploration of the centre’s achievements, from unearthing family and house histories to its invaluable oral history project, which continues to capture local voices for future generations. Presentations by Elizabeth Siberry, Eliane Wigzell, Gwen Axford and Simon Wragg were followed by an insightful session with Ryland Wallace and John Webb, who brought postwar Crickhowell to life with lively discussion and storytelling.
As part of their fundraising efforts for their 2026 tour to Edinburgh, Piano Orchestra South Wales delivered another standout performance. The ensemble, featuring multiple pianists playing in perfect synchrony, delighted the audience with a diverse programme ranging from film favourites to contemporary compositions. A huge thank you to the performers and to everyone who attended and supported this event - we look forward to welcoming this talented group back soon!
In the first event of its kind since 2018, the Hall was buzzing as 250 children from local schools gathered for a multi-school book event organised by Book-ish. Thanks to Macmillan Publishing, young readers explored the world of stories with bestselling author MG Leonard. With children reading for pleasure in decline, events like this are more important than ever, and the excitement as they left with new books was a hopeful sign.
The Clarence Hall also hosted the Black Mountains Comedy Festival, now in its fourth year. Running from 30 January to 1 February, it featured Ignacio Lopez, Angela Barnes, and Ross Smith, alongside a Fringe event hosted by Huw Davies, showcasing rising talent. A new family-friendly comedy show, created with Kitsch n Sync Collective, will now tour local care homes, bringing laughter to those with dementia - a fantastic new initiative.
Huge thanks to the organisers, performers and volunteers who made all these events possible. Diolch yn fawr! Here’s to more concerts, community events, laughter and literary inspiration at Clarence Hall!
U3A
Join Crickhowell’s thriving u3a for its next meeting on Tuesday, 4 March at the Clarence Hall. Coffee is served from 10.00am, with announcements and u3a matters at 10.30am, followed by the guest speaker. More info at: https:// www.crickhowellu3a.org/monthly-meetings
An Evening with Adam Frost
BOOK-ISH are delighted to be welcoming award-winning garden designer, RHS Ambassador and TV presenter, Adam Frost to talk about his latest book, For the Love of Plants. An Evening with Adam Frost is on Tuesday, 11 March at 7.30pm. Tickets: £15/£30 with book from https:// www.book-ish.co.uk/event/an-evening-with-adam-frost/
Little Shop of Horrors
Crickhowell High School returns to the Clarence Hall from 12-15 March (6.45pm/7.30pm) with its production of Little Shop of Horrors. Tickets available from Crickhowell High School and Crickhowell Library (cash payments only). £15 standard; £12 concessions & school age learners.
Vintage, Antique & Makers Market
The Vintage, Antique & Makers Market, hosted by Mischievous Cow Events, returns to the Clarence Hall on Saturday, 22 March, 10am to 4pm. This vibrant, free-entry indoor fair will showcase a range of vintage and antique treasures, as well as unique creations from local artisans.
Photography Exhibition
Join local photographer Amy Azais at a one-day Photography Exhibition at the Clarence Hall on Saturday, 29 March,10am to 8pm. Entry is free. The event will showcase her pictures and videos of places such as Crickhowell and Llangattock in the snow, the Merthyr reservoir, Llangorse lake, Elan Valley, Tenby and more.
Save the Date: VE Day 80
Commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE-Day on Friday, 9 May Afternoon Tea & Cake at Clarence Hall, 3pm-5pm. Free admittance, everyone welcome, but booking essential via Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau on 01873 812177. VE Party at Clarence Hall, 7.30pm. Music with Universal Translators and local artistes. Food & Licensed Bar available. Free admittance for all ages.
Clarence Hall - where community meets, stays active, learns skills & volunteers
Diary Dates @ Clarence Hall
Chess Club - 3 March
Time to Reminisce - 3 March
Line Dancing - 3 March
U3A Meeting - 4 March
Knit & Natter - 4 March
The Painting Room - 5 March
Line Dancing - 5 March
Hand & Facial Massage - 6 March
Neck & Shoulder Massage - 6 March
Chess Club - 6 March
Tenovus Sing with Us - 8 March
Chess Club - 10 March
Time to Reminisce - 10 March
Line Dancing - 10 March
Knit & Natter - 11 March
Garden Society - 11 March
An evening with Adam Frost - 11 March
The Painting Room - 12 March
Little Shop of Horrors - 12-15 March
Eyes Down!
Monthly Bingo returns to the Clarence Hall at 7pm on Thursday, 20 March to raise funds for ongoing repairs and maintenance.
Admission £10 which includes a bingo book of six games, a pen and your first drink. More information at: https:// www.clarencehallcrickhowell.org.uk/ monthly-bingo-53/
Neck & Shoulder Massage - 13 March
Chess Club - 17 February
Time to Reminisce - 17 March
Knit & Natter - 18 March
The Painting Room - 19 March
Neck & Shoulder Massage - 20 March
Monthly Bingo - 20 March
Chess Club - 20 March
Vintage & Makers Market - 22 March
Chess Club - 24 March
Floral Workshop - 24 March
Time to Reminisce - 24 March
Knit & Natter - 25 March
The Painting Room - 26 March
Chess Club - 27 March
Photography Exhibition - 29 March
Chess Club - 31 March
Time to Reminisce - 31 March
Line Dancing - 31 March
Clarence Hall 500
Join the Clarence Hall 500 to raise funds for the Hall’s ongoing refurbishment and be in with a chance of winning monthly cash prizes. Results of the February Draw, as drawn by random number indicator: £50 - 165; £15 - 93; £10 - 235.
Sign up at: https:// www.clarencehallcrickhowell.org.uk/jointhe-clarence-hall-500-2/
We will be issuing these newsletters periodically to keep our supporters up to date with events coming to Crickhowell’s Clarence Hall and also to tell you about progress with our plans to refurbish the Hall.
You can also keep yourselves informed by visiting our website at www.clarencehallcrickhowell.org.uk where there is a What’s On Diary and News Page, or you can follow @clarencehallcrickhowell on Facebook.
Any questions, please email us on clarencehall@btinternet.com