A PENARTH singing group is branching out - by inviting men to join for the very first time.

Criw Canu - meaning 'singing crew' - Penarth is extending an invitation to male singers to help them grow their choir, which was founded in 2016.

Bethan Vaughan Cartwright and her friend Sian Fox from Penarth created the group to be part of a Welsh community-driven choir.

Ms Carwright said: “Up to now we have been a female group of singers, full of fun, always with the Welsh language at the heart of what we do.

“We wanted to be community-driven so members can experience the joy of singing and harmonising together.”

Since creating the group eight years ago, they have been rehearsing at Foxy’s Deli, performing at pop-ups in Penarth and concerts across the Vale of Glamorgan and even singing in the Green Man Festival.

The choir sing a range of different genres from classical to contemporary - both in Welsh and other languages too.

As Penarth welcomed Ukrainian people to the town, Cirw Canu added the Ukrainian National anthem to their programme.

The group's musical director Angela Morris, a soprano and music tutor, added: “We want Penarth to have its very own mixed Welsh choir.

“This will mean that we’ll be able to expand the repertoire and harmonies to go beyond the current soprano and alto to include tenor and bass voices too.”

Rehearsals accompanied by Helen Robers take place every Thursday at the Glamorganshire Golf Club at 7.30pm.

The group will provide a welcoming environment for men who share a love for music, anyone interested is encouraged to attend the open rehearsals on the following three Thursdays - October 12, 19, and 26.

For more information contact or call in to see Sian at Foxy’s Deli, or call Bethan on 07974217562 or email criwcanpenarth@gmail.com