BMJ presents Al Swainger's Pointless Beauty
2025-03-30 19:30 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
With a genre-fluid approach that blends spacey atmospheres, head-bobbing grooves, and immersive soundscapes, this ground-breaking ensemble pushes the boundaries of traditional music to create a fresh, modern sound that captivates and inspires.
Described as ‘Cinematic Fusion for the Emotionally Curious,’ Al Swinger’s Pointless Beauty aims to do more than entertain – its mission is to gently restore mental health and emotional independence through the transformative power of music and art.
Feel the rhythms, surrender to the soundscape, lose yourself in a tapestry of deep groove and ethereal texture.
Al Swainger – Bass and Electronics
Jon Clark – Drums and Triggers
Gary Bamford – Keys
Gary Alesbrook – Flugel
‘Musically ambitious, adventurous and imaginative…played with style and panache’ – Theo Travis (Soft Machine, Steven Wilson)
‘Swainger has a knack for writing catchy melodies with great rhythmic hooks…blown away…highly recommended’ – Nick Lea (Jazz Views)
‘An eclectic range of jazz styles…musically adventurous…’ – London Jazz News

Allan Yn Y Fan
2025-04-26 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Since their formation in 1996 Allan Yn Y Fan has carved out a reputation as one of
Wales’ foremost traditional bands, with an impressive catalogue of concert, twmpath,
festival and recorded work, as well as a number of European tours to their credit.
The multi-instrumental sextet, as famed now for their ‘beautiful vocals’ as for their ‘fiery
instrumentals’, breathe life into the traditional songs and music of Wales as well as
writing their own tunes inspired by their homeland and travels.
Internationally Allan Yn Y Fan has performed at Festival Interceltique Lorient in Brittany,
and at venues in France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Belgium and Austria, as
well as successfully touring in Germany and the Czech Republic.
Festival appearances in the UK include Glasgow’s Celtic Connections, Trowbridge
Village Pump, Bromyard, Beverley, Fylde, Middlewich Folk & Boat, Tredegar House,
Fire in the Mountain, Shepley Spring and Fishguard as well as the world-famous
Llangollen International Eisteddfod and the Royal Welsh Show. Along the way they
have also made a number of radio and television appearances. Since 2003 Allan Yn Y
Fan has released 6 albums and one EP on the Steam Pie Label, all of which have
received terrific critical acclaim.
Allan Yn Y Fan has undertaken major theatre tours of Wales supporting the release of
their ‘Pwnco” and ‘NEWiD’ albums and in 2014 they received a PRSF/St David’s Hall
commission to compose new music with fellow Welsh musicians DnA (Delyth &
Angharad Jenkins) performed at the first Folk Day at the Welsh Proms that summer.
While concert and festival work is the band’s main focus they haven’t forgotten their
roots and still enjoy playing for twmpaths, as well as for private, corporate and public
events. In 2016 they even had 20,000 people dancing in Cardiff’s Bute Park as part of
the mammoth Roald Dahl centenary ‘City of the Unexpected’ celebrations and in 2022
worked with National Dance Company Wales on PARTi, their community celebration of
dance production.
ALLAN YN Y FAN is – Scott Baker – guitar, bass ukulele; Emma Farnsworth – fiddle;
Chris Jones – accordion, flute, low D whistle, vocals; Catrin O’Neill – lead vocals,
bodhran, guitarlele; Linda Simmonds – mandolin, octave mandola, bodhran, vocals;
Kate Strudwick – flute, alto-flute; recorders, whistle, vocals.

Tributaries, Monk and Beyond
2025-04-27 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
The ensemble will explore Monk’s iconic harmonies and rhythms, adding a contemporary twist to his timeless music. This performance promises bold improvisations and fresh interpretations, making it a must-see for jazz lovers.
Released in 1959, Straight No Chaser is a landmark album in jazz history, showcasing Monk’s unique approach to harmony, rhythm, and improvisation.
The ensemble will delve into tracks like the titular Straight No Chaser and In Walked Bud, infusing these timeless pieces with their own creative twists while honouring Monk’s ground-breaking sound.
Elliot Warburton: Piano
Coren Sithers: Saxes
Sabina Turvey: Bass
Liz Exell: Drums

An Enemy of the People
2025-05-01 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Suitcase Theatre Company presents “An Enemy of the People” on Thursday 1st – Saturday 3rd May, 7.30pm. This production will feature a new version of Henrik Ibsen’s classic drama, created by William Gilbert. Set in a small market town in Wales (not very different from Abergavenny) the play tells the story of the local GP, Dr Tomos Hopkins, whose patients start to present with all the symptoms of a waterborne disease. He tests the local river and the lab reports reveal the truth – sewage in the water. But when he tries to bring this health hazard to the attention of the local authorities, he finds that whistleblowers are not always appreciated, let alone supported. In his fight to bring the truth to light, Dr Hopkins realises that those in positions of power in the town see him as an enemy of the people.

Tickets (on sale from the start of April) are available from the company’s website: www.suitcasetheatrecompany.com. Adults: £12. Under 18s: £6. Entry by pre-booked tickets only.

TangleJack
2025-05-10 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
After three decades of making music together, John-Paul Davies and Duncan Leigh have perfected their unique, acoustic, double-duet sound. Through tight two-part harmonising and intricate, interweaving guitar lines TangleJack conjure an extraordinary four part texture. And it is on stage that the chemistry behind the TangleJack sound can really be seen.
Sharing a history that began some 30 years ago, as the arty outsiders in the brass bands of the South Wales valleys, John-Paul and Duncan formed a friendship that outlasted their teenage rock band years, as well as the jazz and classical meanderings of their studies, to return to their folk rock roots as musicians well-travelled. Having spent their lives becoming the band, and the people, they were always supposed to be, John-Paul and Duncan are preparing to share the experiences of friendship and love with their ever growing audience as they perform their live classics and new songs from The Ragged Edge.
TangleJack’s latest album, The Ragged Edge, was received as “a work of genius” (Fatea) that “fused together the brilliant complexities of folk with the wondrous harmonies of vintage pop.” (Aldora Britain Records)
Now, following a tour of intimate gigs, the South Wales duo is taking their songs of quiet contemplation and rousing roof-raisers to new venues across the UK.
This is a band that can really move an audience and keep them engaged and involved. I highly recommend heading out to one of their live shows.” ABABAC Magazine
“If Simon and Garfunkel had grown up in contemporary South Wales, this might have been the music they produced” folking.com

Poetry Upstairs (Phil Bowen & JLM Morton)
2025-05-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Melville Centre Cafe-Bar, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Phil Bowen is a poet, performer, biographer and playwright.
Salt published Nowhere’s Far – New & Selected Poems in 2008. His biography of the Mersey Poets, A Gallery to Play To was republished by Liverpool University Press also in 2008. His plays include A Handful of Rain, (an imagined meeting between Bob Dylan and Dylan Thomas), and Anything But Love, an adaptation of the writings of Dorothy Parker and the lyrics of Dorothy Fields. His poem ‘Blue Docs’ won The Quaterly Prize for the 2023 Spring Issue of The Lyric (est 1921) Recent work includes ‘Love Somehow’ – a multi award winning film about Caitlin Thomas and the long poem ‘All the Stuff ‘, recently curated by The Poetry Archive.

JLM Morton is from Gloucestershire in the west of England.
Her poetry has appeared in Poetry Review, Rialto, Magma, Mslexia, The London Magazine, Berlin Lit, Anthropocene, Bad Lilies, Modron, The Sunday Telegraph and elsewhere. Highly commended by the Forward Prizes, she is also a Pushcart Prize nominee and winner of the Laurie Lee, Geoffrey Dearmer and Poetry Archive Worldview prizes. Her first poetry collection is Red Handed, a Poetry Society Book of the Year out now with Broken Sleep Books (2024). Juliette has collaborated with musicians, artists and field recordists and held residencies at the Cotswold Water Park, Stroudwater Textile Trust, Corinium Museum and Sladebank Woods.

METTLE
2025-05-31 19:30 - 21:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
“Mettle”
Written and performed by Nicholas Collett and directed by Gavin Robertson.
Following the performance of “The Ghost Of A Smile”, award-winning solo performer
Nicholas Collett (British Arrows Best Actor, Special Performance Award World Duo
Festival, Seoul South Korea, Best Theatre Award Adelaide Fringe 2023) tells the
story of his father’s service during the Atlantic Convoys of World War Two. A true
odyssey, that takes us from Sheffield to Liverpool to Nova Scotia, Boston to West
Africa and home again, amidst the constant threat of U-Boat attack and treacherous
weather. Physical theatre and storytelling, with a dramatic soundscape and 40’s
music, this is a tribute to those who served, those who were lost – and those who
lived to tell their story.
In association with the Daparian Foundation – committed to those on trauma
journeys, supporting veterans and blue lights personnel.

Poetry Upstairs with Michael W Thomas & Emily Cotterill
2025-06-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Monmouthshire
Michael W. Thomas’s latest poetry collection is A Time for Such a Word (Black Pear Press). His latest novel is The Erkeley Shadows (KDP / Swan Village Reporter). His work has appeared in, among others, The Antioch Review, Critical Survey, The London Magazine and the TLS. He is on the editorial board of Crossroads: A Journal of English Studies (University of Bialystok, Poland).

Emily Cotterill is a Cardiff based poet, originally from Alfreton in Derbyshire. Her debut collection Significant Wow was published by Seren in February 2025. The collection explores themes of celebrity, story-telling and pop culture. The collection follows the 2019 pamphlet The Day of the Flying Ants (smith|doorstop) which was part of Carol Ann Duffy’s Laureate’s Choice selection. Her work has appeared widely in print and online including in The North, Poetry Wales, bath magg.

ReVibe Fest - ReLaunch, ReFresh, ReVive
2025-06-13 18:00 - 2025-06-15 22:00 | Monmouthshire
Program of events & activities:
FRIDAY 13th JUNE
6.30pm – Poetry Cafe – Open mic with Ric Hool – (Free Entry)
6.30pm – Youth Circus Cabaret @ Dance Blast – Monmouthshire Youth Circus Company will amaze you with their skills in this cabaret of circus.With Trapeze, Hoop, Rope and Silks in the air and acro on the ground, there will be something for everyone. https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/danceblast/t-lnqnvop
8.30pm – Gin & Karaoke Cafe – Feel like a star on our mini stage: Fun 4 all
9.15pm – Bliss out with the Harp by Josie Felce. A late session relaxing with improvised sounds on the 34 string folk harp. Please bring a mat or blanket to lie on to make yourself comfortable. This aims to really relax you, taking you to the ‘island of the self’ within you. (Donations accepted for Entry/Participation)
10pm – Fire Side Fables – Stories around the camp fire (Bring along your marshmallows, a stick and a scary story)

SATURDAY 14th JUNE

Dance Blast’s Aerial Rig (Give it a Go) and Aerial Demonstrations from 11am to 5pm.

11am – Mad Hatter fun, games and activities – Aimed for children under eight, but fun for all the mad amongst us… (Free Entrance)
11am – Creative Drop in: Join us for a relaxed, creative drop-in session where we’ll co-create a large, shared artwork that explores the question: What do the arts mean to you? This is a space for everyone — all ages and abilities — to take part in a collaborative drawing. You can doodle, write words, add colour, draw memories, symbols, or simple marks. Whether the arts have inspired, comforted, challenged, or connected you, this is your chance to express it visually – together with others.

No art skills required — just bring your curiosity and imagination. 🎨 Materials will be provided. 🤝 Come for five minutes or stay for the full two hours — your contribution matters.

12pm – Stories to change your life (Theatre) by Josie Felce. Open to all ages. Come and hear stories that will amaze and surprise you! In stories you can find the way to sort out your challenges in life, meet kindred spirits, realise that everything is possible if you are inspired. (Donations accepted for Entry/ Participation)
2pm – Family Dance Session – A family dance session for parents and their under 5’s. Come and have fun, moving together. Led by Dance Blast’s wonderful Zoe 🙂
This session is under the tent on the front lawn of The Melville Centre – Saturday June 14th at 2pm. The session is free. However numbers are limited so please book ahead to guarantee a place. https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/danceblast/t-vvrxxpn
2pm – Textile Rosettes Workshops with Emma Bevan: Celebrating special moments – Join Emma Bevan for an enjoyable and relaxed workshop, making your own ‘rosette-brooch’, inspired by The Community Shawl and using pre-loved and recycled fabrics. This is a free workshop; donations welcome towards materials.
We will use needle-felting and/or sewing to create your own rosette, with the intention of commemorating an achievement or celebration of your own, or of a woman you admire, such as a family member, a friend, or a public figure, for example. No prior experience or skills are required, and the workshops are suitable for anyone aged 14 years old (all minors are to be accompanied by an adult). The maximum number for the workshop is 8 participants. You will have the fabulous opportunity to also view The Community Shawl in person, and find out more about its history. The workshop will run for 2 hours, from 2pm to 4pm. You are very welcome to bring a favourite button, shell or other treasured object, including a scrap of fabric, to include in your rosette. We will take some photos of your creations at the end, and then you can take home your rosette, to wear, to display, or to gift to someone you love. To book, please email Emma at communityshawlproject@gmail.com
3pm – Rock Choir on the lawn – Rock Choir Abergavenny, Monmouth, Chepstow and Newport (led by Karl Montgomery-Williams) is a contemporary choir experience with no auditions and no sheet music requirement. We focus on fun, friendship and community. We aim to create a life affirming experience for our members, fostering a sense of belonging and confidence through singing. Our Abergavenny choir meet at The Priory Centre every Wednesday.
4pm – Suitcase Showcase – Enjoy scenes from our latest productions and get the inside scoop on Suitcase Theatre – how we work and why we love it, and why we think theatre is for everyone. (Free Entrance) www.suitcasetheatrecompany.com
5pm – “Film & discussion – “Dawn” – Tickets £5 https://melvillecentre.org.uk/event/revibe-fest-dawn/
6pm – Story Slam Cafe – With Andy North – The Monmouth Story Slam is inspired by the long running ‘Moth Hour’ (https://themoth.org/) broadcast across the US and UK on public Radio. And also by our friends in Boston, Massachusetts who founded the Story Slam in the City of Newton and regularly attract an audience in the hundreds.

Volunteers from the audience share true stories about themselves, their friends, families (pretty much anything) that can be funny, uplifting, sad or touching.

Often you will find that a story inspires you to tell your own and you can submit your name at any point in the evening.

The rules are….

You get FIVE minutes (and no more)

Notes are allowed (but it’s much better without)

Enjoy yourself (The great thing about story telling is that the crowd will ALWAYS be with you)

7.30pm – Albino Frogs (Funk) – Be prepared for Funky Grooves – Tickets £8 https://melvillecentre.org.uk/event/albino-frogs-are-back/
7.30pm – Space to Dance – with Keef Wesolowski-Miles aka Hummingbird Dreamer. Eclectic music, partly guided, sober space to dance, connect and awaken the wild dancer in you. Liberating structures designed for freedom and unity. From 7:30PM to 10:00PM – £14 in advance / £20 on the door https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/danceblast/t-rpmpxjx
10pm – Fire Labyrinth – Face your fears and Face the Fire! Hummadruz, Theatr Uwchfioled Cymru, are known throughout the Festival scene for their Ultraviolet Fire shows and Labyrinths. Combining UV and Fire spectacle and circus with the finest DJ mixed soundtrack, this half hour show is an exhilirating experience as our performers do death-defying tricks and light our fire labyrinth. Everyone is then invited to walk, dance and party through the labyrinth! Great music and great vibes! Suitable for ages 7 and above (under 16’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult) All tickets: £5 https://melvillecentre.org.uk/event/hummadruz-uv-fire-labyrinth/

SUNDAY 15th JUNE
10:30am – Creative/Contemporary dance class for Adults & Teens @ Dance Blast. This is an open, creative class for all abilities, Led by Fran. Participation is Free… Reserve your space at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/danceblast/t-jzozqxp
11am – Soundings – Acoustic music on the lawn (Free Entrance)
12pm – An introduction to Flamenco (Workshop) – Bring along your shoes and skirts and enjoy some Flamenco time.
1pm – Cinders Lost their Dance Shoes (Adults), Dance workshop with Joon Dance https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/danceblast/t-krkrozj
2pm – Ukelele on the Lawn
3pm – Cinders Lost their Dance Shoes (11 – 18 yrs), Dance workshop with Joon Dance https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/danceblast/t-vvrvepj
3.30pm – BMJ’s Improv Workshop – This workshop, which has been specially arranged for the Revibe Fest, is designed for people of any age who would like to explore playing and improvising jazz. All instruments are welcome – including voice. https://www.blackmountainjazz.co.uk/event-details/playing-and-improvising-jazz-workshop-1
6pm – Gin & Karaoke Cafe – Feel like a star on our mini stage: Fun 4 all
7.30pm – Jazz Pick ‘n’ Mix Presented by Black Mountain Jazz (Free Entrance) https://www.blackmountainjazz.co.uk/event-details/jazz-pick-n-mix-at-the-revibe-fest

Dawn
2025-06-14 17:00 - 18:00 | Melville Centre, 5 Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UN, United Kingdom
A short film set in the 1990s about a woman called Dawn, inspired by Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads.

Albino Frogs "Are Back"
2025-06-14 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
The Albino Frogs come back to the Melville after their successful performance last September.
Back by popular demand, the boys are happy to be included in the first Melville Festival.
Dancers be prepared for funky grooves. Listeners take in the lush chords and melodies associated with their original songs.
These together with their light hearted approach to the gig, serve up plenty to tickle yer fancy.
Be there or be square!

Hummadruz UV Fire Labyrinth
2025-06-14 22:00 - 23:00 | Melville Centre, 5 Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UN, United Kingdom
Face your fears and Face the Fire!
Hummadruz, Theatr Uwchfioled Cymru, are known throughout the Festival scene for their Ultraviolet Fire shows and Labyrinths. Combining UV and Fire spectacle and circus with the finest DJ mixed soundtrack, this half hour show is an exhilirating experience as our performers do death-defying tricks and light our fire labyrinth. Everyone is then invited to walk, dance and party through the labyrinth! Great music and great vibes!
Suitable for ages 7 and above (under 16’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
All tickets: £5

A Poet's Life - Poetry Workshops
2025-07-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Monmouthshire
Explore the Art and Passion of Poetry
Course Description:
Dive into the world of poetry with A Poet’s Life, a course designed for
aspiring poets. Explore poetic forms, creative expression, and engage in the
life of influential poet, playwright and artivist, Mark Christmas, who will be on
hand to offer encouragement in developing your own, unique poetic voice.
The course is limited to a group of 6 people and offers opportunity to write
then read your work (if you want to).
Please bring all of your own writing material and implements, tea and coffee
will be supplied at a minimal cost.
What’s on Offer:
✔ The fundamentals of poetry writing
✔ Different poetic styles and techniques
✔ How to find inspiration in everyday life
✔ The impact of poetry on culture and society
✔ How to share and publish your work
Who Should Join?
This course is perfect for aspiring writers, literature lovers, and anyone
passionate about self-expression through poetry.
Course Details:
📅 Start Date: Each Wednesday from 9th July 2025
⏳ Duration: 1830hrs – 2030hrs for 7 weeks
📅 Location: Melville Centre for Arts Abergavenny
📅 Fee: £10 per session or £60 in advance for the full 7 weeks.
At time of booking a deposit is required and full course fees are payable in
full before the course starts.
Sign Up Today!
Please contact:
Themis Jones (themis.jones@btinternet.com) for further information.
or the office at
Melville Centre (events@melvillecentre.org.uk or 01873 853167)
*** Please note this course is for open minded people, willing to engage in
debate and discussion about all manner of subjects, or even those who think
they have an open mind***

A Weak and Feeble Woman (Script in hand readthrough performance)
2025-07-18 19:30 - 21:00 | Monmouthshire
PLEASE NOTE: This is a script in hand readthrough performance.

Olivia Henly is doing a Masters’ in feminist history, busy preparing for her upcoming presentation about the sexual identity of Queen Elizabeth I. Having been abandoned by her father as a teenager, Liv lives alone with her stepmother Alison, and aside from her on/off boyfriend Jesse has no social life to speak of.

When Liv meets Poppy, a beautiful and mysterious young woman, her understanding of her identity becomes confused, as the boundaries between where she ends and Elizabeth I starts begin to break down.

July 18th 19:30 show starts
£5

Lost Treasure: Youth summer school
2025-07-21 - 2025-07-25 | Melville Centre, 5 Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UN, United Kingdom
For more information contact Junior at 074481 33152

Black Mountain Jazz Presents: Ursula Harrison & Sylvie Noble
2025-07-27 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
We’re thrilled to welcome two extraordinary young artists to the BMJ stage!

Ursula Harrison – BBC Young Jazz Musician 2024 winner, renowned composer and bassist, with performances across Europe alongside ensembles like the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and the JM Jazz World Orchestra.

Sylvie Noble – A rising star in UK jazz vocals, known for her soulful storytelling and adventurous improvisation, with standout shows at venues like Pizza Express Soho and The Vortex.

Since meeting on the vibrant South Wales jazz scene, this dynamic duo has created magic together — and now they’re recording their debut album this summer. Don’t miss the chance to see them live!

Watch them perform My First Lover here: https://youtu.be/P7eYW6F946A
Tickets: £17 standard | £15 Friends of BMJ | £8.50 under 18s
Book now https://www.blackmountainjazz.co.uk/…/ursula-harrison…

info@blackmountainjazz.co.uk
07958612691
https://www.blackmountainjazz.co.uk/

Queering the TARDIS- Doctor Who and LGBTQ+ representation
2025-08-23 13:30 - 14:30 | Melville Centre, 5 Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UN, United Kingdom
NB: Tickets Available at the Door
A look at the Queerness of Doctor Who, from ideas of chosen family, through to Queer aliens and LGBTQ+ companions. With particular reflection on the Russell T Davies era (s) and the shift towards deliberate, visible Queerness in Doctor Who. A conversation around representation and why it matters, the impact on a generation of Doctor Who fans, and where the show can go from here to continue pushing LGBTQ+ representation across time and space.

Hosted by Emily Garside, author of Queer Aliens and Gay Folks, How Russell T Davies cahnged TV.

Emily Garside is a Queer writer and LGBTQ+ educator. Beginning with a PhD on theatrical responses to the AIDS crisis and the evolution of LGBTQ theatre, I have since expanded my work into Queer cultural history, including writing books on TV, Film and Welsh Queer History. Since leaving academia, I have worked with organisations like Bishopsgate Insitute and London Playwrights to share Queer history and culture. I also work to develop diversity and inclusion in my other passions: Ice Hockey and Figure skating. As an Asexual, non-binary, neurodivergent person, I combine lived expertise with research and knowledge to educate— and occasionally entertain.

John Higgs talk
2025-08-23 16:00 - 17:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
NB: Tickets Available at the door

John Higgs is an English writer, novelist, journalist and cultural historian. The work of Higgs has been published in the form of novels (under the pseudonym JMR Higgs), biographies and works of cultural history.
He will be talking about his most recent book about the history of Doctor Who titled: Exterminate/Regenerate: The Story of Doctor Who

Jon Crespo Quartet - Beyond Armstrong
2025-08-31 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Jon Crespo is a musician with vast global performance and touring experience. His credits include
Lenny Kravitz, The Beach Boys, The Box Tops, KC and the Sunshine Band, The Platters, Michael
Ball and Gareth Gates.
Beyond Armstrong is a unique tribute to trumpets players who were inspired by and appeared on the
jazz scene after Louis Armstrong. Arguably, one would suggest that modern jazz trumpet playing
owes its roots and influences to him. In some way, every trumpet player owes approach,
understanding and their sound to Armstrong. This tribute will explore and pay homage to some of
those players – including Miles Davis, Tom Harrell, Woody Shaw and more.

Jon Crespo – trumpet and flugelhorn
Mark Sambell – keys
Jon Goode – bass
Greg Evans – drums

Poetry Upstairs - A book launch of Shook Up! by Ric Hool
2025-09-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Melville Centre Cafe-Bar, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
A book launch of Shook Up! by Ric Hool
Ric Hool has 13 collections of published poetry and is widely featured in poetry magazines & anthologies. His poetic themes include psychological and geographical impact of place, time and space on experience.
He has run the reading series Poetry Upstairs in Abergavenny for 30 years.
Ric Hool is from Northumberland.

September Art Courses
2025-09-08 - 2025-09-30 | Melville Centre, 5 Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UN, United Kingdom
For more information please contact: 07970 219503 or email abergavennycommunitylearning@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Gig Comedi Alun Saunders / Alun Saunders Comedy Gig
2025-09-19 19:00 - 21:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Dewch i wrando ar y comedïwr a’r awdur yn gwneud sioe newydd sbon i siaradwyr newydd
Come and listen to the comedian and author who is doing a brand new show for new Welsh language speakers

The Misha Mullov-Abbado Group
2025-09-26 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Our wall2wall Jazz Festival weekend starts with an exciting lineup – The Misha Mullov-
Abbado Group brings together some of London’s most acclaimed jazz musicians. Blending
jazz with classical, folk, and Latin influences, the group performs original music that’s rich in
melody, rhythm, and groove.

Led by award-winning bassist and composer Misha Mullov-Abbado, their latest album,
Effra (Ubuntu Music 2025), follows three critically acclaimed releases, with previous praise
from The Telegraph and BBC Radio 3.

Expect vibrant, genre-crossing sounds from one of the UK’s most exciting jazz ensembles.
Adam Chatterton (Trumpet)
Tom Smith (alto Sax)
Liam Dunachie (piano)
Misha Mullov-Abbado (Double Bass)
Jay Davies (Drums)
“An unfailing inventive, artfully produced, and delightfully sunny debut.” – The Telegraph on
New Ansonia(UK)

“One of the finest young bands in the country” – Jazz FM
“Soul-enhancing jazz” – BBC Radio 3
“A mouthwatering prospect” – Jazzwise

The Siglo Section featuring Kat Rees
2025-09-27 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
wall2wall Jazz Festival is proud to welcome The Siglo Section, Cardiff’s hottest young big
band, to this year’s festival lineup.

Founded in 2019 by dynamic duo Matt Lush and Loz Collier, The Collective has quickly
established itself as one of South Wales’s premier jazz ensembles – bringing a bold, youthful
energy to the big band tradition.

This 18-piece powerhouse features the classic big band formation – saxes, trumpets,
trombones and a full rhythm section. Their repertoire blends swing-era classics with modern
funk, innovative arrangements and original works from within the band.

This vibrant ensemble showcases South Wales’ top emerging talent and features the
standout vocalist Kat Rees. Kat is a Welsh bilingual jazz singer celebrated for her soulful
voice and innovative blend of traditional and contemporary jazz. Featured on BBC Radio
Cymru and BBC Radio3, she made history with The Siglo Section by releasing the first
original Welsh-language big band jazz EP. Praised as the “Welsh Ella Fitzgerald,” Kat
continues to captivate audiences both live and on air.

More than just a band, The Siglo Section is a vibrant musical community – a hub for
creativity, collaboration and high-calibre live performance. Whether they’re channelling the
golden age of jazz or pushing boundaries with contemporary sounds, their performances are
electrifying, fresh and not to be missed.

Join us at wall2wall Saturday to experience the energy, skill, and spirit of the next generation
of big band jazz.

Ian Shaw Performs the Music of Joni Mitchell and David Bowie
2025-09-28 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Closing our festival weekend, multi-award-winning singer, Ian Shaw, performs one of his
favourite shows, fusing the words and music of two of popular music’s genius giants – Joni
Mitchell and David Bowie.

Traversing the mammoth back catalogue of these legendary and influential artists, this solo
show draws on stories from the early seventies and our own ideals of love, hope and the
endless presence of the darker truths of recent times.

Shaw recorded a critically highly praised album of Joni Mitchell (‘Drawn To All Things’, Linn
Records) and has a personal connection to both, which is the core of this exciting show. This
promises to be a highly charged evening of tears, laughter and simply great song writing.

“Jazz singer Ian Shaw is almost too talented for his own good…a brilliant vocal chameleon”;
The Telegraph
“Great jazz singers, like great comedians, are masters of timing. That Ian Shaw is a virtuoso
of both disciplines, balancing stand-up and concert gigs, speaks to the breadth of his genius
and to the singularity of his style as a singer”: Jazz Times (USA)

Website
www.ianshaw.biz

BMJ Collective with guest Nigel Price
2025-10-12 19:00 - 21:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Award-winning jazz guitarist Nigel Price is widely regarded as one of the UK’s finest jazz
musicians. With a career spanning more than 25 years, his blend of flowing bebop lines, deep
blues feeling and masterful chording has won him acclaim from audiences and fellow
musicians alike.
A regular at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club (with over 500 performances), Nigel has worked with
stars including Van Morrison, James Taylor, Gladys Knight and David Axelrod. He has
recorded more than 50 albums and picked up multiple awards, including Best Guitarist at the
British Jazz Awards (2016).
Performing with our brilliant house band, The BMJ Jazz Collective, expect a night of
swinging, soulful jazz from a true master of the guitar.
 Guitar: Nigel Price
 Bass: Nick Kacal
 Drums: Ryan Thrupp
 Sax: Jack McDougal
“For me, this is how jazz should be; communicative and inclusive. Jazz performed this
way feels like a gift, a here, this is for you scenario’ – Denny Ilett, London Jazz News
“Nigel Price is probably the most dynamic and gifted guitarist on the British jazz scene
today” – All About Jazz
Our early-month events support our youth initiative – the BMJazz Katz, helping to keep jazz
alive in the younger generations of musicians in Abergavenny.
BMJazz Katz currently have 18 youngsters who meet once a month at the Melville Centre-
Abergavenny. There is room for more – if you know any interested young musicians.
Website
nigethejazzer.com

Poetry Upstairs -Graham Harthill & Clare e Potter
2025-10-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Melville Centre Cafe-Bar, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Graham Hartill moved to the Black Mountains in 1992.
He has published seven co-translations with Wu Fusheng (of the University of Utah) from classical Chinese.
Graham teaches post-graduate students Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes for the Metanoia Institute in London
and was a writer-in-residence at HMP Parc, Bridgend.

clare e. potter is a poet and radio presenter who studied and taught in The Deep South (USA). She has had poetry residencies
with the Landmark Trust, performed at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC and was a Hay Festival Writer at Work.
Healing the Pack (Verve Poetry Press) her second poetry collection was published in 2024.

It helps to know in advance the number of attendees in order to arrange the seating,
so please register with Nicky Hassett (Melville Events Manager) Phone: 01873 853167
Then pay on the door as usual

Iago Banet, ‘The Galician King of Acoustic Guitar’
2025-10-25 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Described as ‘a master of the guitar’ by Sean Rafferty, BBC Radio 3 In Tune; as ‘nothing short of phenomenal’ in a recent review, and as a ‘highly recommended artist’ by Celtic Connections, Iago creates stories without words, enthralling audiences as he does so.

Iago Banet, ‘The Galician King of Acoustic Guitar’ launched his third album, TRES, in 2023, with a tour which has included multiple sell-out shows and sensational receptions from audiences across the UK. He has showcased his immense talent at festivals including Brecon Jazz, Hellys International Guitar Festival and Aberjazz, displaying new levels of skill, complexity and versatility, whilst fusing styles, ranging from gypsy jazz, blues, Americana, country and dixieland, to swing, pop and folk

Since 2018, Banet has been building an impressive career as a solo fingerstyle acoustic guitarist, displaying his exceptional abilities and receiving rave reviews along the way. He has performed with artists, including Josh Smith (Joe Bonamassa), Mark Flanagan (Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra), Jack Broadbent and Clive Carroll, amongst others.
Iago’s technique and approach to performance have captivated crowds across the UK and Spain. He is a one-man-band on acoustic guitar not to be missed.
Video 1: https://youtu.be/vTFkiwyVp8s
Video 2: https://youtu.be/QUgpfSbbPEU

Chris Cobbson Quartet - From Dixie to Smooth: The History of Jazz Guitar
2025-10-26 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Chris ‘Santo’ Cobbson is one of the most exciting and in-demand
guitarists in the UK. He has performed with Osibisa, Courtney Pine, The
JBs (Maceo Parker, Pee Wee Ellis, Fred Wesley), Monty Alexander, Andy
Sheppard, Clifford Jarvis, Jean Toussaint, the Ronnie Scott’s Big Band,
Sheila Ferguson, S.E. Rogie, Gasper Lawal, Dick Heckstall-Smith, Jim
Mullen, Ray Gelato, David Newton, Omar, Curtis Stigers, Imelda May,
the Ebony Steel Band, Jay Rayner, and many other artists across a wide
range of musical genres. He is also a prolific composer and arranger.

In this captivating project, Chris traces the history of jazz guitar, from its
early roots in Africa to the present day. With a masterful command of
guitar styles from every jazz era, he delivers a performance rich in
historical insight, musicality, and humour – sure to engage and entertain
any audience.

“Swinging”-James Moody
“Wonderful musician, beautiful music”- Russell Malone
“Sweet textures”- Music Republic Magazine
“Intriguing voicings”- Sounds of Surprise
“Beautiful fluid guitar grooves”- Courtney Pine
“Impressive variety of musical styles”- the Jazz Mann
“Wonderful guitar solo”- the Funk and Soul Review

 Chris Cobbson (guitar)
 Andrew Hooley (saxophone and clarinet)
 Paul Jefferies (acoustic and electric bass)
 Mike Cypher (drums)

Third man, Plant Species & Meg Wassell
2025-11-08 19:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Join us for a night of live music that includes:
Indie Rock
Rock Pop Psychedelia
Jazz/Blues/Soul
