Coleg Cambria writes its name in history with epic awards performance

Coleg Cambria wrote its name in history at a spectacular celebration of Welsh culture and heritage.

Drama and Music students from the college’s Deeside Sixth Form Centre gave an epic performance of The Mighty Quill at the inaugural Heritage Awards Wales.

Held at Caerphilly Castle, the show was written by Adam and Claire Tranmer, with a score produced by Cambria lecturer and award-winning composer, Tim Heeley.

Mr Heeley – winner of the prestigious Musicians Medal at the 2018 National Eisteddfod – created eight pieces for the programme, inspired by the story of Gerald of Wales and commissioned by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service.

“It was an incredible night and I am so proud of how the students performed,” he said.

“To be at the centre of such a landmark occasion for the Heritage Angel Awards and Wales was a huge honour we will never forget.”

He added: “Our students were joined by pupils from Denbigh Hugh School on stage, and together they delivered routines and songs of the highest-calibre, accompanied by animation from the talented Ben Davis.

“The audience absolutely loved it and from a personal perspective it was a fitting end to what’s been a terrific year.”

Funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, the Heritage Angel Awards are a celebration of the people who make a difference to preserving and maintaining the UK’s history and tradition, through fundraising and restoration of buildings, to construction skills and training.

Cadw’s Head of Lifelong Learning Susan Mason said the event was organised in partnership with the Royal Commission on The Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales and congratulated the students.

Reflecting on the journey of Gerald of Wales and those involved in this unique production, Claire Tranmer added: “The piece became a thanksgiving for our Welsh culture and heritage.

“Working in collaboration with Tim has been a joy, and of course a huge thank you to the students of Coleg Cambria and Denbigh High School, who breathed life into The Mighty Quill.”

For more information on the Heritage Angel Awards, visit the website: www.rcahmw.gov.uk/about-us/heritageangelawardswales