Rhayader Male Voice Choir pays moving tribute at Menin Gate

Rhayader and District Male Voice Choir joined by friends from Builth Male Voice Choir made a poignant visit to Ypres, Belgium, where, they sang at the Menin Gate Memorial in tribute to those who lost their lives during the First World War.

The choir's performance formed part of the daily Last Post ceremony, providing a moving musical contribution as visitors gathered to remember the fallen.

Singing beneath the memorial's imposing arches was a profound honour for choir members and an experience they will long remember.

The choir gave moving renditions of Calon Lan and Cwm Rhondda, conducted by Musical Director Jonathan Pearce and accompanied by harpist Lynda Pearce.

The Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing commemorates more than 54,000 soldiers of Britain and the Commonwealth who died in fighting around Ypres and have no known grave.

Unveiled in 1927, its walls bear the names of the missing. Since 1928, buglers from the Ypres Fire Brigade have sounded the Last Post beneath the memorial every evening, with the tradition interrupted only during the German occupation in the Second World War.

The choir also visited the Welsh National Memorial Park where a rousing rendition of Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau was sung in remembrance of service men and women of Welsh origin who served during the Great War.

A community concert, accompanied by pianist Bethan Thomas, was also held outside the Flanders Field Museum further strengthening the enduring connection between communities at home and those remembered on the battlefields of Belgium, ensuring their sacrifice continues to be honoured through music and remembrance.

To listen to the choir singing at the Menin Gate visit www.rhayadermvc.co.uk.

Anyone who would like to give male voice a go the choir love to hear from you - all welcome regardless of singing experience or not!