Who Knows Where The Time Goes...?

As Sandy Denny sang so memorably what seems just a short while ago...! Suddenly the end of April is looming and looking at our website you might be forgiven for thinking that nothing is happening in the world of Allan Yn Y Fan...You’d be wrong, of course!

Looking back to the start of the year we finally got to play at the estimable Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow. It was well worth the drive through snowy England and Scotland to the former “second city of Empire” for the world’s best midwinter festival. We had the delight of appearing in the Strathclyde Suite supporting our dear friend Brian McNeill and his host of friends and alumni, before moving on to our second slot in the Festival Club. Well, our support acts there (!) included the aforementioned Brian McNeill, Show of Hands and, just before us, Radio 2 Folk Award winning best live act - Lau!! You can’t bottle out in this festival! It might have been 3.30 a.m. in the morning but we needed to shine then and we did! All in all it was a great experience and one we hope to repeat soon!

Other gigs in the harsh February included :- playing for teachers from Zambia and Nigeria, as well as a few from closer to home that were hosting this “connecting classrooms” visit; a Menter Iaith gig for St. David, our return to Blackwood Miner’s Institute and a return to the Cwlwm Celtaidd Festival in Porthcawl.

The real reason that our postings on this website have been conspicuous by their absence is that every other band waking moment has been spent on preparing our new album for your delight and delectation. The album is to be called Trosnant - named after the Brecon Beacons cottage where much of the material was prepared (and inspired by the fabulous location). The twelve tracks include our versions of some terrific Welsh traditional songs including Deio I Dywyn and Ar Hyd Y Nos; some traditional tune sets and, as is now usual, some great home grown compositions from our very own Chris and Kate. The official release date isn’t yet fixed - but we will be able to update you all on this very soon. Come back to the site soon to see a great offer to our fans for the official launch concert for this album.

Despite the credit crunch we continue to be busy and are really looking forward to our summer appearances at some festivals. We are particularly pleased to be performing at the Two Rivers Festival in Chepstow on Friday 3rd July and the following day to be travelling to Hitchin in Hertfordshire for their Rhythms of the World Festival. If you can get to either of these events please do come and say hello to us (and buy a copy of the new album!)

Also this summer AYYF are delighted to be returning to Germany and playing at Ludwigsburg’s major summer festival. Whilst in Germany we have managed to also be added to the bill of the World Music Festival in Munich! Looking forward to seeing some of our German fans and friends in June!

We’ll be back with more news very soon!

Cofion cynnes

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Who Knows Where The Time Goes...?