A CONCERT was held last week to raise funds to enable Wrexham-based community radio station Calon FM continue broadcasting.

The not-for-profit station is currently run by a team of volunteers who broadcast 24/7 to provide a range of shows featuring community news, arts, business, specialist music and live sports coverage. The radio station used to receive financial support but this was cut in 2018 so funds are now needed to cover all licensing costs and enable the station to remain on air.

The concert was held in Glyndwr University’s Centre of Creative Industries on Saturday, October 19 and as well as performing to the studio audience, it was live-streamed globally including to an audience of over 300 veterans who had gathered to watch the event in Arizona in the USA.

It was arranged by Sunday Classical Crossover show presenter Jannie Rawlinson. She has been presenting the show for four years during which time it’s gained a global audience. All the classical crossover artists donated their time to show their appreciation for the long-standing support and exposure Jannie’s show has given them.

Jannie said: "I’ve been blown away by the reaction we’ve had – both from the live audience and also from everyone watching it online.

"It was a wonderful opportunity to see some incredible artists performing live and I’m so grateful to them all for giving up their time to support Calon FM".

Among the artists performing at the concert were Lucy Thomas from ITV’s “The Voice Kids”, Keedie Green from BBC One’s “The Voice” and Hercules Smith as seen on BBC One’s “The Voice” and “Let it Shine”. They were joined by royal composer Olga Thomas and Elan Catrin Parry from Wrexham, whose debut appearance was on ITV’s “This Time Next Year” with Davina McCall. On the show she told viewers she would achieve a recording contract within a year – and she is now the first female Welsh singer to be signed by Decca Records.

The concert also featured musical theatre West End performers Adam Lacey and Robert Durkin performing together as Il Destino, soprano Natasha Hardy, Beth Ford and Joanna Forest whose two albums went straight to number one on the Official Classical Album Charts.

The night included the first public performance of the song ‘By My Side’ recorded by Olga Thomas and Joanna Forest in aid of Cruse Bereavement Care, plus several performances by the Wrexham Singing Hands choir.

The concert can be viewed on YouTube and the station is continuing to gratefully accept donations towards the costs of the licensing via its GoFundMe page www.gofundme.com/f/calon-fm-fundraiser.