On Sunday, March 9, Llansantffraed Church launches its 2025 programme of concerts and special events with a concert from the Unicorn Singers in collaboration with the Crickhowell Walking Festival, which starts this weekend.

This year marks three hundred and thirty years since the death of the renowned poet Henry Vaughan (1621-1695), who spent most of his life within a few miles of Llansantffraed Church and is buried in the churchyard.

The Unicorn Singers’ concert, that begins at 7pm, is entitled Natural Wonders and is inspired by Vaughan’s love of nature.

Musical Director Stephen Marshall describes the concert as: “A must for all nature lovers, this event celebrates the poet Henry Vaughan: the Brecon Beacons' very own Wordsworth, who is known as both the Silurist and the Swan of Usk.

“Vaughan’s poetry extols nature as a means to understanding the human spirit and we hope the audience will enjoy the varied programme we have put together in by composers old and new, from Tallis and Purcell to Sir John Tavener and Ola Gjeilo.”

The choral music will be interspersed with readings from poetry by Henry Vaughan and others.

The Unicorn Singers were founded by Stephen over thirty years ago and specialises in choral music from the Medieval, Renaissance and Early Baroque period. They have performed extensively, including at St David’s and Llandaff Cathedrals. The Crickhowell Walking Festival runs from the March 8 to March 16.

Tickets for the Natural Wonders concert at £12 (including refreshments) are obtainable from the Crickhowell Walking Festival website (click on the Book Events tab and select Unicorn Singers Concert), or by telephoning 01874 676640, or on the door.

A choral memorial evensong to celebrate Henry Vaughan and his legacy will take place at the church on Sunday, April 27 at 3pm.