A record number of primary aged children from across Pembrokeshire took part in the recent Valero Primary Music Festival, with a Tenby pupil crowned overall winner.

Pembrokeshire Music Service welcomed nearly 600 young musicians to share their musical talents with a delighted audience at Ysgol Caer Elen on Saturday, March 14.

Hafan y Môr in Tenby pupil Carys Meiring was crowned the overall winner of this year’s festival, following a fantastic performance of ‘Let’s call the whole thing off’ on trombone. Carys won the open brass class earlier in the day.

The afternoon Spotlight concert opened with a bang as young players from across the County’s Second Steps ensembles joined forces to perform together.

Pictured are overall winner Carys Meiring of Ysgol Hafan y Môr, and open winners L-R: Miranda Morgan (music coordinator), Mari Broomfield (open strings), Finn Hickman & Evelyn James (open ensemble), Osian Kite (open woodwind), Aled Hooper (open percussion),Carys Meiring (open brass), Cadi Marshall-Jones (open piano & harp) and Philippa Roberts (Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service).
Pictured (left to right) are: Miranda Morgan (music coordinator), Mari Broomfield (open strings), Finn Hickman & Evelyn James (open ensemble), Osian Kite (open woodwind), Aled Hooper (open percussion),Carys Meiring (open brass), Cadi Marshall-Jones (open piano & harp) and Philippa Roberts (Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service). (PCC)

The concert also featured performances from pupils who had won the open classes earlier in the day.

The open woodwind class was won by Osian Kite from Roch CP School, who performed ‘sentimental serenade’ on alto saxophone.

Cadi Marshall-Jones of Ysgol Bro Preseli was the winner of the open piano and harp class. She performed ‘Over the sea to Skye’ on the harp.

Open strings was won by Roch CP School cellist Mari Broomfield, who performed ‘Vamoose.’

Ysgol Caer Elen pupil Aled Hooper was winner of the open percussion class. He performed ‘Are you gonna go my way’ on drum kit.

The open ensemble winners were Tavernspite piano duet, Finn Hickman and Evelyn James, who gave a beautiful rendition of Handel’s ‘Passacaglia.’

Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service, Philippa Roberts, said: “Pembrokeshire Music Service is proud to deliver the Valero Music Festival, offering an exciting musical opportunity to nearly 600 young performers from across the county.

“Providing children with the chance to perform, shine, and receive supportive feedback from professional musicians is incredibly powerful and helps build confidence that lasts. In line with the Music Plan for Wales, we remain committed to creating meaningful musical experiences for children throughout Pembrokeshire. Our sincere thanks go to Valero for their fantastic support in making this celebration of young talent possible.”