Festival goers in North Wales this autumn will be greeted by a life-size mountain gorilla and an 8ft tall grizzly bear, both striking wooden sculptures loaned by care organisation Pendine Park to celebrate the upcoming North Wales International Music Festival. The unique artwork will set the stage for an exciting schedule of concerts and workshops exploring the natural world.
Massive Wooden Sculptures Crafted by Paul Morris
Pendine Park team member Paul Morris crafted the massive one-ton gorilla from a dead maple tree in Wrexham. He also transformed a fallen sycamore trunk into a towering grizzly bear following a storm in the grounds. The giant ape will take pride of place at St Asaph Parish Church while the bear looms over the cathedral transept.
Mario Kreft MBE to Share Personal Adventures
Organisation chief Mario Kreft MBE will deliver a special talk detailing his personal experiences with wild animals in Africa. He will share adventures from trips to Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo during the event. The presentation will also explore his childhood growing up as the son of a travelling circus tamer.
Mario Kreft MBE, Pendine Park director, said: “We’ve had some wonderful experiences – when you look into a gorilla’s eyes they say you can see your soul and there’s certainly something magical about being within a few feet of these fantastic creatures.” He added: “They are a lot like us in many ways – they live in small family groups and when you see them in the wild they are so like humans.” He continued: “I’m dedicating the talk to a good friend, Ian Baker, who sadly passed away recently. He had visited Rwanda and would wax lyrical about it which was what inspired Gill and I.”
Festival Programme and Conservation Theme
The annual gathering will feature world-famous performers alongside local stars, young talent competitions, and regional choirs. Organisers hope the conservation theme will help visitors reflect on the close links between live music and nature. The North Wales International Music Festival takes place from Thursday, September 10 to Saturday, September 19, at St Asaph Cathedral and Parish Church, St Asaph. Ticket prices vary by event, with all fringe events completely free to attend without any advance booking needed for local residents. Tickets for the main concert schedule can be booked online at www.nwimf.com or purchased via Cathedral Frames on 07471 318723 and Theatr Clwyd on 01352 344101.
