5. 90-second Statements

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:49 pm on 16 June 2021.

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Photo of Vikki Howells Vikki Howells Labour 2:49, 16 June 2021

Diolch, Llywydd. The tenth of June 2021 marks the centenary of the formation of Cwmbach Male Choir. The past 16 months have been challenging for choirs across Wales, but Cwmbach Male Choir has weathered the pandemic, as it has all the hardships of the past century—weathered and emerged stronger, making Cwmbach one of Wales's foremost choirs. They've enjoyed considerable success over the years, winning prizes at eisteddfodau, including first place in the 1966 Port Talbot Eisteddfod, and two years later in Barry. They were the first choir invited by the Welsh Rugby Union to perform at the Arms Park, and they've performed many times in venues around the UK. They also have an enviable international reputation, performing in Europe, north America and Africa, putting Cwmbach on the map. There have been competition wins, such as their first place in the 1966 Limerick festival, and they were the first Welsh choir to sing behind the iron curtain, in Hungary, in 1961. The choir regularly performs for charity, supports memorial events, and shares the concert platform with many of the best-known singers, musicians, orchestras and bands in the world. Their repertoire marries modern songs with older classics, a willingness to adapt that has ensured their survival. I am immensely proud to serve as their vice-president. Happy one-hundredth birthday.