A treasured, historic Aberystwyth building turned unique family home will open its doors to the public this month for the first in a series of events.

On Sunday, 18 October, The Old Library in town will welcome Iago Banet, 'The Galician King of Acoustic Guitar' who launched his third album in 2023 with a tour that has included multiple sell-out shows and rave reviews from audiences across the UK. The live music event will launch a series of them organised to bring the building back into community use and to raise money to keep up with renovations.

Iago has also showcased his immense talent at a number of festivals including Brecon Jazz, Hellys International Guitar Festival and Aberjazz. His performances display new levels of skill, complexity and versatility, whilst fusing styles ranging from gypsy jazz, blues, Americana, country and dixieland, to swing, pop and folk.

Aberystwyth’s old town library was acquired by a local family. Jo and Stuart Land, together with their children Charlie and Lili, bought the historic building in 2021. It has been undergoing significant renovation and restoration ever since. This year marks the 120th anniversary of the library’s completion, and Jo and Stuart plan to celebrate by welcoming fellow arts and music lovers into this beautiful space.

Jo said: “We feel privileged to be custodians of The Old Library and have always imagined this space evolving into something that can benefit the local community especially within music and the arts. We’re excited to see how it develops!”

The event will be held in collaboration with local CIC Big Wave/Ton Fawr and supported by Noson Allen/Night Out scheme, an Arts Council Wales initiative that works with communities around Wales to bring quality performing arts to local halls and community venues.

Mairead Fagan, music promoter for Big Wave Ton Fawr said: “Iago Banet brings guitar craft that is seldom heard in our corner of Wales, I can’t wait. Events like this invite us to slow down and connect with each other through a unique experience, which is increasingly precious in our fast paced and often disconnected way of living. I hope you will join us.”

The first music event will take place from 3pm to 5pm at The Old Library building on Aberystwyth’s Corporation Street on Sunday, 18 October

Admission costs £10 plus booking fee, with all profits going towards The Old Library’s ongoing renovation work.

The event is suitable for anyone aged 13 and above and will featured two 45-minute sets of instrumental guitar, with an interval. Refreshments will be available to purchase.

A limited number of tickets are available and can be secured online at https://shorturl.at/dHbt5 or purchased at the door (subject to availability).

Pre-booking is advised and early arrival is encouraged.

Big Wave Ton Fawr is a new community interest company and local art collective in Aberystwyth that runs creative programs, public art displays, and cultural events.

To learn more visit https://www.bigwave.cymru or follow https://www.instagram.com/bigwavetonfawr