Welsh Connections

Mike has worked in retail and marketing for over 30 years but has always had a passion for music and he played drums in several Swansea bands from the age of twelve until a torn achilles tendon forced his retirement. Since then hes written for many music publications and hosted the acclaimed Welsh Connections radio and TV show, as well as founding... the SoundBoard magazine and awards. In 2012 he linked up with his former band-mate, Dave Beynon, and created Welsh Connections with the aim of celebrating the music scene of Wales from the 1960s onwards. In the last 7 years that hobby has grown into a fully formed project which promotes, celebrates and supports new music from the whole of Wales as well as keeping earlier music on the radar. Since 2018 Welsh Connections has worked on diverse projects and partnered up with PRS Wales, The National Waterfront Museum, UWTSD, The National Sound Archive, Swansea City Council and Race Council Cymru to promote creativity within Wales and to raise the profile of Welsh culture on the worldwide stage. In 2019 Welsh Connections constituted as a Community Interest Company, with the support of our partners, and now has offices at Swanseas Grand Theatre Arts Wing. Melanie has a passion for supporting and promoting all things welsh. She has an appreciation for music of all genres. She has worked for 15 years in an industry that helps give disadvantaged people a voice when they are at a vulnerable time in their lives. For more than 2 years Melanie has developed and delivered training to professionals and students showing a great deal of passion for her role. She is dedicated, self-managing and is the one who pulls the group together; she certainly keeps us focused. Melanie often gets involved in charitable events and encourages others to do so. She is a good organiser and works really well as part of this small team. Melanie says we have lots of exciting things coming up this year. I am looking forward to meeting new people and helping to promote all the fabulous artists that we have ...Read More