Festival 2004:

We tend to say this every year – but overall probably true this time – 'This was the best Festival we have ever had'.

This was justified because we had full houses for almost every performance, the quality of performance largely exceeded expectations, and for Top of Town, despite a forecast of heavy rain, it stayed dry and warm and the sun shone for most of the afternoon.

Star of the week was undoubtedly the wonderful Catrin Finch whose majestic and entertaining harp playing enthralled a packed theatre. Her supportive approach to the young harpists for whom she provided a masterclass was a joy to witness, even for the non-harpists among us.

The week began with the – by now – tradition of a group from a totally different culture . This time APU from Peru delighted first the children from local primary schools, then a full public audience, with their powerful and exciting mix of ancient and modern compositions from Cuzco in the sacred valley of the Andes.

Over 120 children from the four schools in the town benefited from a few days of tuition by musicians from the African continent, then took to the stage to delight and excite their large evening audience with their own performance of dance, drama and music in the show 'O Affrica!!' It is so encouraging to see what children can achieve in such a short time , especially as this children of all abilities rather than just the most naturally talented.

In other events, Dom Duff from Brittany gave two fascinating performances of story and song from his homeland. Similarly baritone Paul Carey Jones and pianist Helen Collyer delighted their audiences in Awelon and the Manorhaus with a range of famous songs from the classics and light opera. Gogz and MC Saizmundo provided the heavier rock at the Venue on Friday night.

Back to Top of Town – the massed crowds in the square were in great form as they enjoyed the treat of an amazing variety of non-stop music. Aelwyd Hafod Wennog provided the traditional dances and music of Wales, while Cajuns Denbo and Y Moniars showed the versatility of music in Wales. A taste fo the Caribbean came from Stockport's Pantonic All Stars Steel Orchestra, Beer for Breakfast turned the afternoon into a celidh, a while the lively and humorous Wonderbrass entertained everyone with their brand of big brassy tunes. With many other activities up on the square a good time was had by all. Who will forget the young children and adults dancing together to Y Moniars while the older folk were tapping their feet – truly a day for the whole community to be together.

A BIG thank-you to all of our supporters, sponsors and grant providers for Ruthin Festival 2004, especially:

Arts Council Wales
Cadwyn Clwyd
Ruthin Town Council
Denbighshire County Council
The Dyer-Gough family
The Manorhaus
The Boar's Head
Denbighshire Free Press
Ruthin Rugby Club
Llewellyn Jones and Company
Huw Howatson
Dodd's Property World
Tommy's Hair
Siop Elfair
I.T. Williams
Ruthin Library staff

… and all those other businesses and citizens who made a donation.

Finally, thanks to all of the organising committee – a group of 'volunteer amateurs' – who did such a great job throughout the year that the week ran like clockwork, and to the many others who gave of their time and advice in some way.