CRICKHOWELL’S CL ARENCE HALL NEWSLETTER & WHAT’S ON
Welsh Charities Week 2026
Welsh Charities Week returned this year in its new annual home, the second week of February, focusing on the work of charities, social enterprises and volunteer-led groups across Wales.
The initiative highlights both small grassroots organisations and larger, householdname charities, whose activities make a lasting difference throughout the country. Much of this impact rests on the often unseen efforts of volunteers.
At the Clarence Hall, we’re fortunate to have had a dedicated team of Trustees and volunteers who have given their time so generously over the years.
Without their steady support, the Hall would not be where it is today, and we remain deeply grateful to each and every one of you.
Another outstanding month…
February at the Clarence Hall brought together dance, drama, orchestral music, live performances and community engagement in a programme that once again demonstrated the Hall’s versatility.
The month opened with a showcase from Dance Beats, filling the space with the unmistakable energy that comes when young performers take to the stage. Led by Emma Evans, the weekly classes welcome dancers aged four to seventeen and explore contemporary, street and musical theatre styles. The informal presentation offered a glimpse of recent work, with performers dressed simply in black, with bold lighting adding atmosphere. What stood out was the growing confidence across the groups — from younger dancers stepping forward with determination to older performers showing increasing precision and teamwork. It was a relaxed and enjoyable evening, and a reminder of the steady progress taking place here week by week.
Theatre Adhoc then returned with Black Coffee by Agatha Christie. Directed by Andrew Pippen, the production allowed the mystery to unfold, balancing humour with suspense. Strong ensemble work created tension and interplay, while simple staging and thoughtful technical support ensured the focus remained firmly on the storytelling. It was a confident and cohesive performance that held attention from beginning to end, and we look forward to welcoming the company back in June with a comedy, The Haunting of Soddington Hall
February also saw the first Clarence Hall appearance of Baby Darling, bringing a vibrant and heartfelt evening of drag performance to the stage. The night marked something of a full-circle moment — from performing in one of her first musicals here to presenting a headline show of her own. The result was polished, ambitious and full of personality, with months of preparation clearly visible in every detail. The audience response was electric, and it was a pleasure to see the Hall supporting performers as they grow and return with new confidence.
The energy shifted again with the return of British Kingdom Pro-Wrestling for an afternoon of family-friendly action. With heroes to cheer and villains to boo, the event created a lively atmosphere, drawing families together for an experience that was as theatrical as it was athletic. The post-show meet and greet proved especially popular, giving younger audience members the chance to meet their larger-than-life favourites. They return for another bout in April.
Midway through the month, the Hall also hosted a community health drop-in session with Powys Teaching Health Board, offering residents the opportunity to talk informally about local health services and future plans. With no booking required, people were able to call in at any point for a conversation, reinforcing the Hall’s role as a welcoming space for dialogue as well as performance.
Shortly afterwards, a well-attended Persian Rug Sale transformed the space once again, filling the room with colour and craftsmanship. It was another example of how easily the Hall adapts, hosting everything from theatre and concerts to markets and specialist sales.
A different musical richness followed as Abergavenny Symphony Orchestra concluded their workshop day with an informal play-through of Symphony No. 2 by Sergei Rachmaninov, conducted by Michael Bell CBE. From its brooding opening to its soaring climaxes, the symphony resonated beautifully within the Hall. The relaxed setting made this substantial Romantic work feel accessible and welcoming, offering a stirring Sunday afternoon performance for listeners.
The month closed with Global Promotions presenting Hayseed Dixie, pioneers of the rock-grass genre, supported by The Fargo Railroad Co. Blending bluegrass instrumentation with rock classics, both bands delivered high-energy sets, bringing February to a fitting conclusion.
Beyond the performances and events, Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau continued its steady work throughout the month, supporting local residents through initiatives such as the Luncheon Club, Social Groups and Community Transport. Together, these strands of activity ensure the Hall remains not only a place of entertainment but part of a wider network of practical care and connection within the town.
Coming up at Clarence Hall
Crickhowell u3a
Join Crickhowell’s thriving u3a for its next meeting on Tuesday, 3 March. Coffee is served from 10.00am, with announcements and u3a business matters at 10.30am. Non-members are welcome to attend monthly meetings free of charge. Further information at this link
Everest - It’s a long way back down
On Saturday, 7 March, as part of this year’s Crickhowell Walking Festival, mountaineer and photographer Tim Kington, together with LOWA, presents an engaging, honest look at what it really takes to climb Mount Everest. Tickets are £7 from this link Doors 7pm for 7.30pm start. Licensed bar.
Crickhowell Garden Society
Join Crickhowell Garden Society for its monthly meeting at 2pm on Tuesday, 10 March, when Dean Peckett will discuss Gardening Under Cover. Tea, coffee, cake and a raffle available after the talk. Everyone welcome!
Cardinal Sin in Concert
On Saturday, 28 March, Cardinal Sin make their Clarence Hall debut with a night of country rock and Americana, fresh from the release of their first single River. Doors 7.30pm, music from 8.00pm, licensed bar by Treebeards. Tickets £5 — book online at this link.
Family Friendly Wrestling
British Kingdom Pro Wrestling returns to Crickhowell on Sunday, 12 April, promising an afternoon of thrilling live wrestling. There’ll also be an opportunity to meet and greet the wrestlers after the event. Doors 3pm, action from 3.30pm. Tickets from this link
Seven Wonders in Concert
Global Promotions present Seven Wonders – The Spirit of Fleetwood Mac on Friday, 17 April. Doors 7.15pm. Licensed bar available. Tickets from Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau on 01873 812177 and from this link
Concert for Crick
Join Rotary Club of Crickhowell for a fundraising concert at 7.30pm on Saturday, 18 April. Featuring Abergavenny based blues band, Mid Loaf Crisis, singer and guitarist Jean Jaques, guitar and keyboards duo Bad Habit and guests. Licensed bar. Tickets £10 from this link. All profits in aid of Crickhowell Rotary Charities.
Diary Dates at Clarence Hall
Christ Church Service & Meal - 1 March
Chess Club - 2 March
Time to Reminisce - 2 March
Line Dancing - 2 March
U3A Meeting - 3 March
Knit & Natter - 3 March
The Painting Room - 4 March
Luncheon Club - 4 March
Line Dancing - 4 March
Neck & Shoulder Massage - 5 March
Tropic Hand & Face Massage - 5 March
Indoor Bowls - 5 March
Everest - It’s a long way back down - 7 March
Chess Club - 9 March
Time to Reminisce - 9 March
Line Dancing - 9 March
Knit & Natter - 10 March
Garden Society - 10 March
The Painting Room - 11 March
Line Dancing - 11 March
Neck & Shoulder Massage - 12 March
Indoor Bowls - 12 March
Chess Club - 16 March
Time to Reminisce - 16 March
Line Dancing - 16 March
Knit & Natter - 17 March
Eyes Down!
Monthly Bingo returns to the Clarence Hall at 7pm on Thursday, 19 March to raise funds for ongoing repairs and maintenance. Admission £10. More information at: https:// www.clarencehallcrickhowell.org.uk/ monthly-bingo-03-26/
The Painting Room - 18 March
Luncheon Club - 18 March
Line Dancing - 18 March
Neck & Shoulder Massage - 19 March
Indoor Bowls - 19 March
Monthly Bingo - 19 March
Rug Sale - 21 March
Chess Club - 23 March
Time to Reminisce - 23 March
Line Dancing - 23 March
Knit & Natter - 24 March
The Painting Room - 25 March
Line Dancing - 25 March
Neck & Shoulder Massage - 26 March
Indoor Bowls - 26 March
Cardinal Sin in Concert - 28 March
Chess Club - 30 March
Time to Reminisce - 30 March
Line Dancing - 30 March
Knit & Natter - 31 March
Save the Date
Family Friendly Wrestling - 12 April
Seven Wonders/Fleetwood Mac - 17 April
Crickhowell Rotary Concert - 18 April
Vintage & Makers Market - 25 April
Clarence Hall 500
Join the Clarence Hall 500 to raise funds for the Hall and be in with a chance of winning monthly cash prizes. Results of the February draw will be published on the Hall’s website. Sign up at: https:// www.clarencehallcrickhowell.org.uk/ clarence-hall-500/
We will be issuing these newsletters periodically to keep our supporters up to date with events coming to the Clarence Hall and also to update you on our ongoing plans to refurbish the Hall.
You can also keep yourselves informed by visiting our website at www.clarencehallcrickhowell.org.uk where there is a What’s On Diary and News Page, or you can follow @clarencehallcrickhowell on Facebook.
Any questions, please email us on clarencehall@btinternet.com
