Llanelli’s Ffwrnes Theatre will host a special Festival of Remembrance next month to honour those who have served and sacrificed for their country, while raising funds for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.
Organised by the Llanelli branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL), the event will take place on Saturday, November 14, bringing the community together for an evening of music, song and remembrance in support of the Armed Forces community.
The Festival follows a successful period for the branch, whose growing membership and fundraising achievements have attracted praise from Secretary of State for Defence John Healey MP.
After Llanelli MP Nia Griffith brought the branch’s work to his attention, Mr Healey wrote to branch secretary Catherine Davies to recognise the contribution made by its committee, volunteers and members.
In his letter, Mr Healey praised the branch for increasing its membership from 33 to 91, raising over £21,000 for the Poppy Appeal in 2025 and organising a programme of events culminating in Llanelli’s first Festival of Remembrance.
He also highlighted the vital role played by volunteers and communities across the UK in supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families.
“The nation owes a profound debt of gratitude to those who have served,” he wrote, recognising the extraordinary service of the men and women of the Armed Forces.
He added that the work of volunteers who recognise and support the Armed Forces community exemplifies the spirit of service that brings communities together.
Catherine Davies said: “The Poppy Appeal is about so much more than wearing a poppy. It is about remembering the courage and sacrifice of all those who have served and continue to serve our country, honouring those who never returned home, and ensuring that veterans, serving personnel and their families receive the support they need today and in the future.
“As Branch Secretary of the Royal British Legion Llanelli Branch, I am incredibly proud of what our members, volunteers and wider community have achieved by coming together in support of such an important cause.
“Every donation, every poppy purchased and every act of kindness makes a difference.”
She said the Festival of Remembrance would provide an opportunity for people from across Llanelli and the surrounding area to come together in a shared act of remembrance.
“It will be a special evening in which we can reflect, remember and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice, while recognising the courage and commitment of today’s Armed Forces community.
“I would like to thank all our sponsors for helping make the event possible, and every performer who has generously given their time and talent to create an evening worthy of those we remember. Their generosity, commitment and community spirit mean a great deal to us.
“By coming together, we can honour the past, support those who need us today and help protect the future of the Armed Forces community. We will remember them, and we will continue to support those who serve.”
The Festival will feature an outstanding line-up of local musical talent, including the Carmarthenshire Symphony Wind Band, Meibion Elli Male Voice Choir, soprano Lauren Elizabeth Williams, LARS soloist Scott Holmes, Bryngwyn School Choir, piper David Blewitt, soloist Rhodri Rutherford and guest accompanist Stewart Roberts.
The evening’s master of ceremonies will be the Reverend Eldon Phillips.
Through music and remembrance, the event will pay tribute to the fallen while helping raise funds for the Poppy Appeal, supporting the Royal British Legion’s work with serving and former members of the Armed Forces and their families.
The Festival of Remembrance begins at 7pm on Saturday, November 14, at Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli.
Tickets are priced at £15, with a half-price concession for Royal British Legion members, and are available from the Ffwrnes Theatre box office.
