The one big question facing Côr Blaenporth, also known as Blaenporth Male Voice Choir, is how will it fit 70 candles on its birthday cake?

Time has caught up on this celebrated choir, formed in 1947, and on the October 27 they will be celebrating the occasion with a special Noson Lawen at Rhosygilwen at 7.30pm.

From the early post war days of their formation by Aba Jones, the father of the late Dic Jones, one of Wales’ foremost Welsh poets, the choir have been busy every year keeping up the choral traditions of Wales. In addition to writing poetry, Dic wrote the words of a number of songs which are still part of the choir’s repertoire and many remember him with fondness.

The choir competes regularly in local eisteddfodau and is more than happy to appear at local community events, be they fundraisers, weddings or just an excuse to have a good time. Every event is approached with enthusiasm and usually culminates in a hearty sing song in the nearest pub.

The choir is also proud of its international fame, having travelled to Ireland and France for a number of years. The most recent successful trip being to the Pan Celtic Festival in Carlow, Ireland, in April, 2017.

This was the third time in 12 years that the choir had attended, and competed in, the Pan Celtic Festival in Ireland.

In 2011 the choir was invited to sing at a series of 6 concerts at six different locations in Brittany, in front of appreciative audiences in some of the region’s historic cathedrals and churches.