A Swansea teenager is gearing up for her very first public singing gig, preparing to take to the stage at this year’s GOWER FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL, which will take place on Saturday September 7th at Pennard Playing Fields.
Having only taken up the guitar last year, armed with her favourite electro-acoustic version fourteen year-old SEREN ELLIS from Loughor will perform a varied playlist of some of her favourite songs – all completely self-taught and learned purely from listening to the tracks and having a go!
Penyrheol Comprehensive pupil Seren is described by mum Michelle as generally very shy with music allowing her to express herself in a whole new way.
“Seren has always been musical with a really good ear; nurtured by my lovely mother-in-law who is now sadly battling a terminal illness but still such a positive influence, she took up piano at the age of five and made it her aim to pass her exams for mamgu.
Outside of her music, she really is so unassuming but in the last twelve months has blossomed with the instruments she’s now enjoying including drums and of course, the guitar. It’s been such a confidence builder and to see her about to take to the stage at the Gower Food and Drink Festival is just amazing.
The school has been so supportive, encouraging Seren to find her way with the music and express herself; she really enjoys her music lessons but so much is also self-taught, particularly with the guitar.
She had it mastered within a week of us managing to get hold of one for just £10 from marketplace and then other versions that her grandad has scooped from car boot sales!
Singing and being behind an instrument just seems to bring Seren completely out of herself and as a family – myself, Seren’s dad Stephen and brothers Ash and Jake – we couldn’t be prouder.
It’s like a suit of armour for her – so much so that I nearly fainted when she asked me earlier this year if she could try busking!
That’s why I was so delighted to see the festival asking for local artists to come forward; it’ll be her first event outside of school concerts and shows so a local community event will be great for her to do and hopefully a real stepping stone.”
Seren – whose taste ranges from sixties / seventies classics right up to current favourites – will take to the stage at the festival in the 4pm slot, performing her versions of songs from artists including Oasis, Amy Winehouse, The Cranberries and Arctic Monkeys.
Speaking about her upcoming performance, Seren told us…..
“I’m really excited about the festival – I’m a bit nervous but I love my music so much and I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone thinks of it on the day; I’d love to maybe make this a career – hopefully everyone will like it!”
Other local artists set to perform at the festival include Saxology, Hermione Wild, Robyn Benge, John Davies and Set the Tone.
Over 40 fantastic exhibitors are set to tempt the taste buds with an array of sweet and savoury treats, moreish meats, scrumptious ciders, vegetarian varieties, perfect preserves and so much more.
The festival – which is funded by the Rural Anchor Fund at Swansea Council – promises fun for all the family with something to suit all diets, ages and interests, children’s activities and also the great live music planned throughout the afternoon.
Gower Food and Drink Festival manager Tracy James-Lieberman added……
“It’s always fantastic to be able to showcase young talent and we’re delighted to have Seren with us at the event, along with all the other amazing local artists.
This is a first for the Gower and we’re looking forward to welcoming all our festival goers on September 7th for a great day of all round entertainment!”
The festival will take place on Saturday 7th September (10am-6pm) at Pennard Playing Fields, Park Road, Pennard SA3 2AQ. Tickets are £3 with children under 11 free. Find out more HERE.
