THE HERALD FRIDAY JANUARY 20 2017
45 Entertainment
Ambassadors announced for Year of Legends CERYS MATTHEWS and Iwan
Rheon have thrown their weight behind the campaign which seeks to bring Wales’ past to life like never before, immerse visitors in epic stories, and make new legendary experiences through our wealth of festivals and events. These ambassadors celebrate Wales’
culture and creative industries and our global success in these fields. Iwan and Cerys will joined by others during the year to celebrate all aspects of the Year of Legends – from food to sport. Carmarthen-born Iwan was raised
in Cardiff. A leading Hollywood actor, he started his acting career on Pobol y Cwm, but he is now most well known as being a star in the international series
Game of Thrones. In addition to acting, Iwan is also a singer-songwriter. Iwan is currently abroad filming
for his latest project, Sky Atlantic's new thriller Riviera. He commented: “I’m really excited to be a part of this project. I was so lucky to have Wales’ stories, history and culture as part of my upbringing. Our stories and characters are fascinating and become truly spellbinding when you visit the landscapes and places where these tales and stories are rooted – and you’re never far from a piece of history in Wales. When I’m not in Wales, I never miss an opportunity to talk about it. Being an ambassador for the Year of Legends will be an added string to my bow! I’m looking forward to sharing Wales’ epic
[ Antiques Fair of 2017 at the
National Botanic Garden of Wales will be taking place next weekend (January 28-29). The prestigious National Botanic
Garden is nestled in the Carmarthenshire countryside, on the outskirts of Carmarthen, just 15 minutes away from the end of the M4. Organiser Brita Rogers, of Derwen
Fairs, said: "The fair has proved to be a recipe for success, increasing in size to up to 100 stands and includes many more stands outside. Demand is high, so our Botanic Gardens series of fairs now includes an extra date in July, making four fairs for 2017." With up to 100 stands on display, the
fair has become quite a spectacle since it began seven years ago. Showcasing a wonderful variety of quality antiques and collectables to suit all tastes and budgets, these popular fairs have a friendly and vibrant atmosphere. With buggies whizzing back and forth, transporting the excited antiques enthusiasts from the Gate House up to the Glass House, the weekend of antiques is set to be a busy one. Many visitors just prefer to meander up the path and enjoy the delights of the garden . Fans of collectables, curios and
classic antiques should make their way to the various Botanic Garden venues - including the Lord Foster-designed Great Glasshouse - for displays of Welsh art and pottery, quality jewellery and outstanding militaria collections. The recipe for the success of this fair
is the unique setting, says Brita. To witness the array of antiques with the backdrop of the flora and fauna when you step inside the Glass House is breathtaking. From furniture to fishing reels,
most areas of collecting can be located here. Step next door and again within Principality House (the old servants’ quarters), you will discover good displays of quality antiques. There is also a hidden gem tucked away beside the Millennium Courtyard and that's the large wedding
marquee, where again you will find a large range of country pine furniture, rare books, and Ewenny pottery. Head into Theatr Botanica for taxidermy and the exotic. The fair has also expanded into the
Millennium Courtyard, filling it with a vintage antiques market, which houses smaller marquees showing off vintage toys, clothing and retro furniture, plus numerous up-cycled furniture and quirky items. Brita explained: "The fair will be
showcasing Welsh areas of collecting, including Welsh pottery, Welsh art and furniture. Richard Bebb will be displaying a rich array of Welsh paintings including artists such as Kyffin Williams. "Welsh textiles will also be a main
feature at the fair. There will be a huge range of Welsh tapestry blankets on display with their extensive colour range and intrinsic patterns." The fair likes to bring some rare items
to the market. Two Pontypool Ware tin trays will be on display. They have the classic japanning method of decoration that the factory produced in the early 18th century. In the late 17th century, Thomas Allgood, of Pontypool, during his search for a corrosion-resistant coating for iron developed a recipe that included asphaltum, linseed oil and burnt umber. Once applied to metal and heated, the coating turned black and was extremely tough and durable. Brita concluded: "I am sure collectors
will find the large quantity of impressive stands, showing off a variety of themes, from ancient Chinese to the retro 60s and country farmhouse, to be very appealing." The fair opens at 10am and closes at
4.30pm. Admission to the Garden and the
Antiques Weekend is just £3. Entry is free for Garden members and parking is free for all. For more information about the
Antique Fairs, contact Brita Rogers by calling 01267 220260 or 07790 293367 or visit
www.derwenantiques.co.uk.
Cerys Matthews: Wants to create legendary experiences
Iwan Rheon: Sharing Wales’ epic story
story.” Also working as an official Year
of Legends ambassador is former Catatonia front-woman and founder of Wales’ Good Life Experience Festival Cerys Matthews, who commented: "I’m so excited to share our rich culture and heritage with the rest of the world. Wales’ myths and legends have been huge inspiration for such creativity – from music and art to literature. By giving a modern-day twist to our stories, we can create some legendary experiences and inspire legends for future generations.” Economy Secretary Ken Skates
said: “I’m delighted that Iwan and Cerys have agreed to join us as our Year of Legends ambassadors this year. Our ambassadors play an important role in inspiring the industry and the public and we look forward to working with them on a legendary 2017. “2017 certainly isn’t about looking
backwards; the Year of Legends is about bringing the past to life like never before, with cutting-edge innovation. It’s about creating and celebrating new Welsh legends modern-day personalities, products and events that are made in Wales, or enriched by coming here.” The Year of Legends follows the
successful Year of Adventure - the first in a series of thematic years - which resulted in an epic year, with North Wales being named as one of the top 10 places on the planet to visit this year. Visitor numbers also soared with an increase of over 40% in average expenditure from day-visitors to Wales as well as a growth of 15% in international tourism visits during the first six months of 2016. The ambassadors will help Visit
Wales to spread the word about the Year of Legends during key points of the year through working with the media and on social media to raise awareness of the Year of Legends in Wales.
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