A SPECIAL choral concert is planned for Newport on October 6, to celebrate 20 years of twinning with the communities of Plouguin and Treouergat in Brittany.

The Newport and District Breton Twinning Association has invited Breton Choir "Gwalarn Uhel" to sing in Ebeneser Chapel, who will be joined by Cor Abergwaun and by Scaramella, based in Newport. They will sing a varied programme of sacred and secular music with a strong Welsh and Breton component, and the programme will also include a contribution by talented local harpist Molly Sharples. For part of the programme the choirs will sing together, with 70 voices in perfect harmony.

During their weekend visit the Breton Choir will give a short concert (free admission) in St David's Cathedral at 12 noon on October 5, with a contribution from Scaramella. The visitors will also take part in a Breton dance and music workshop in Nevern Village Hall at 7.30pm on the same day.

One of the high points of the visit will be a civic ceremony involving representatives of the Twinning communities in Pembrokeshire and Brittany, at which there will be a review of the past 20 years of successful exchange visits. The Mayor of Plouguin will be present with Pete Smith, Mayor of Newport.

Twinning Association chairman Brian John said: "It's a great pleasure to welcome Gwalarn Uhel to Newport for this special occasion, as representatives of the community with which we have established so many strong ties over the past 20 years. We are also delighted that Cor Abergwaun, Scaramella and young Molly Sharples have agreed to help us with our celebrations. We also thank the Newport Music Society and Ebeneser Chapel for all of their support over practical arrangements. The Three Choirs Concert, involving 70 voices, will be a fantastic occasion, and we hope for a great turnout from the music lovers of North Pembrokeshire."

Tickets for the concert (at 7.15 pm) cost £8 or £6 for Music Society members. They can be obtained in advance from Newport PO or purchased at the door.