WELSH traditional band Allan Yn Y Fan celebrate their 22nd year on the road with the release of their first single and a major European tour starting at Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, tonight (Friday, September 14).

After dates in Luxembourg and Germany, they will be appearing at The Function Room at the Old Mill, Llanidloes, on October 13; and at the Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Oswestry, on October 14.

Released last Friday on the Steam Pie label, the single consists of two tracks 'Ym Mhontypridd' and 'Gorthrwm y Gweithiwr'. The latter, which the band believes to be the first ever recording of the song, refers to the struggles of the workers,versus their Beaufort, Ebbw Vale ironmasters in mid 19th century Wales.

The tour title is inspired by the musical bridges that supporters of the band have enabled them to build over the decades, reflected by returns to venues from Luxembourg and Spiegelberg to Ystradgynlais and Abertyleri.

The band is mindful of the Welsh proverb “A fo ben bid bont” – which could be translated as “If you want to be a leader, be a bridge.” A possible interpretation of which is to become a leader, you must help others achieve their aims!

Allan Yn Y Fan is especially pleased on this tour to be paying first visits to Papenburg where they will perform the first concert in the newly restored Altei Droste venue; a premiere concert in the Studio Theatre of Dresden’s Staatsschauspiel; plus first visits to Llanelli, Oswestry and Llanidloes.

Tickets to tonight’s Brecon concert cost £15 from the box office on 01874 611622.