A pillar of the Conwy community has been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours for a lifetime of dedication. Chris Roberts has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to young people, charity, and music in the North Wales town.
Five Decades of Musical Devotion
Chris Roberts' remarkable journey in music began fifty years ago. At just 14 years old, he first played the organ at St Mary's Church, Conwy, in the Diocese of Bangor. By the age of 21, he had taken on the leadership of the church choir, a role he has held ever since, becoming the central figure in maintaining the church's rich musical tradition. This includes sustaining a monthly Choral Evensong service.
His commitment to bringing music to the wider community started in 1981, when he began organising lunchtime concerts at the church with soprano Myfanwy Roberts. This initiative laid the groundwork for his most significant contribution: the founding of the Conwy Classical Music Festival in 2005.
Creating a Cultural Legacy
The festival, which runs for a week each July, has grown into a major event on the regional cultural calendar. It features internationally renowned performers while crucially providing a vital platform for local musicians, particularly those at the very start of their professional careers. Chris Roberts also serves as the accompanist for the Llanrwst-based mixed choir, Côr CantiLena.
His influence extended into his professional life, where he served as head of music at Ysgol Aberconwy in Conwy and later at Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy in Llanrwst, directly shaping young musical minds. Beyond music, he fulfills the role of church warden for the Bro Celynnin Ministry Area, which includes St Mary's Church.
A Humble Reaction and Community Pride
Reacting to the honour, Chris Roberts said he felt "very humbled and privileged" and had been "overwhelmed by the response." He expressed particular joy in supporting emerging talent. "It has been an absolute pleasure to have been able to offer a platform... to so many young musicians at the start of their careers and to follow their successes on the professional stage," he said, noting that many return to perform at the festival annually.
Revd Kevin Ellis of the Bro Celynnin Ministry Area praised Chris as a "talented organist and dedicated director of music" who was instrumental in establishing the renowned festival, making the church a focal point of Conwy's cultural life. He added, "Much more than this... is Chris's dedication to his faith, humility and prayerfulness. I am delighted for him, as is the town."
The Diocese of Bangor also extended its warm congratulations, thanking him for his exceptional service to church music, young people and the wider community. This award solidifies Chris Roberts' status as a true local hero whose five decades of voluntary and professional work have profoundly enriched Conwy's cultural and community spirit.
