Festival 2005:

Did we say this last year? Maybe – but again this was again the biggest and best ever. Brilliant performers, full houses, superb organisation – and all within budget.

The week began with the traditional overseas performance – Black Umfolosi from Zimbabwe provided a thoroughly entertaining and educational workshop for over 200 children from local Primary Schools before a thrilling , vibrant and moving evening performance with Theatr John Ambrose packed to capacity.

On Tuesday guitarist Peter Stevens' 'Songs with a Story' was a witty and interesting lunch performance at the Manorhaus. In the evening Ruthin Castle was a great venue for the brilliant saxophonist Alan Skidmore, playing with the local Trefor Owen Quartet. The Festival's partnership with the North Wales Jazz Society ensured a great night for another full house.

The dynamic accordion and fiddle duo Edward Jay and Oliver Wilson-Dixon ('New Folks') gave us two enjoyable and different shows on the Wednesday – before entertaining the night diners at the Manorhaus, they put on a great show for the senior Citizens at Awelon.

The 'global citizenship' schools theme this year was 'Celebrating Japan' – Pen Barras, Borthyn, Rhos Street and Brynhyfryd pupils receiving expert tuiton before a wonderful , colourful show and exhibition, involving dance, theatre, taiko drumming, origami, the tea ceremony , silk-screen printing and martial arts. Nealy 150 children were involved in the performance, rapturously received by a full-house audience.

The classical concert on Friday night was an early sell-out – justifiably so as the return of Catrin Finch - probably now the best harpist around – and the introduction to the Festival of Ruthin's own gifted young concert pianist Teleri-Sîan – produced an unforgettable evening of the highest musical quality. Catrin's masterclass earlier in the day was genuinely inspiring for the young participants.

Lat into the night , Frizbee, the award-winning Welsh rock band, was bringing the house down in The Venue.

St Peter's Church hosted two pleasant events – Philip Smith's organ recital, and a choral evening with St Peter's Church Choir being joined by Chor Toszecki 'Tryl' from Poland.

Finally, Top of Town was the greatest ever – the biggest crowd we have ever had – how many thousands? - and from the moment Karambasamba kicked off the proceedings with their march into St Peter's Square every performance kept up the momentum through the afternoon and evening. Dr Jazz, Y Moniars, the Bucket Band, Beer for Breakfast, La Strada and Clocswyr Maes Garmon kept the huge crowd entertained for six hours, while Vagabondi puppets worked their magic with the children.

None of this would have been possible without the hard-working volunteers on the committee supported by a team of supporters during the week.

Huge thanks too to:

The people of Ruthin who gave magnificent support throughout the week and bought the tickets!

Arts Council Wales

Cadwyn Clwyd

Ruthin Town Council

Denbighshire County Council

Live Music Now!

North Wales Jazz Society

The Manorhaus

Ruthin Rugby Club

Denbighshire Free Press

Llewellyn Jones & Co.

Dodd's Property World

Huw Howatson

Siop Elfair

Ruthin Library Staff