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Aber Valley Male Voice Choir has flown the flag for Wales at one of rugby union’s most prestigious charity fundraising events.
The 2023 Rugby Ball, which was held at London’s Landmark Hotel on February 10, is organised by the Wooden Spoon Society each year and features musicians from England, Scotland, Ireland and of course, Wales.
The charity aims to support disabled and disadvantaged children through rugby.
The choir performed a number of hits during their 20-minute performance, including World in Union and Sweet Caroline – the latter a nod to Saracens Rugby Club, which provided sponsorship for the choir to attend the night.
Choir member Alun Thomas said: “The night went very well for us. It was an honour for us.
“We took a full coach up with around 35 to 40 of us.”
Alun added: “It was a great honour for this area and for Wales.”
It was the 40th anniversary of the event, which was attended by many prominent figures from across the world of rugby – who were lucky enough to meet with the choristers.
Speaking before the event, Paul Newman, choir chairman said: “This invite is a huge accolade for the Aber Valley Male Voice Choir.
“We are so proud to have been chosen to represent the musical talent of Wales at this event and to offer our support to such a worthy cause.”
“This event provides the choir with a vital opportunity to enhance our profile, and that of both the Aber Valley and wider Caerphilly County.”
The invite builds on the choir’s rugby links, having performed at the Principality Stadium before the Wales v Argentina match last autumn.
In 1999, the choir sang at the opening of what was then known as the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, which saw Wales beat South Africa for the first time ever. It was also the first time a piano has been played on the hallowed turf.
Read more about the choir’s history here.
Aber Valley Male Voice choir will perform before the Saracens v Ospreys in the European Championship Cup on April 2.
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