A GRAND concert featuring a host of local talent is to be held in the hope of raising £15,000 to save a Tremadog chapel.

Addoldai Cymru Trust has organised a concert in Criccieth next month with acts such as Rhys Meirion and Annette Bryn Parri taking part, along with local favourites Wynne Roberts, Edwin Humphreys and Côr Rhiannedd y Moelwyn.

The evening will be compered by local DJ Kev Bach.

The trust hopes to raise £15,000 which will go towards restoring Peniel Chapel, which is one of only five Grade I nonconformist chapel in Wales.

Speaking of the significance of Peniel, to him personally in the development of his international career, Rhys Meirion said: “The chapel in which you are raised remains close to your heart for ever.

“The Ministers, the Sunday School teachers, they have all moulded and shaped us as characters and personalities.

“Moreover, to me personally this was the place which nurtured me and planted the seeds of my career as a singer and television and radio presenter by giving me the opportunity to stand in front of an audience and recite Bible verses and perform in services, small eisteddfodau and Sunday School Festivals.

“Peniel Chapel will remain very dear to me as long as I live, and I shall be eternally grateful for the myriad experiences that I had among friends and loved ones in this very special building.”

Former Tremadog vicar, the Rev Wynne Roberts, a popular local entertainer, added: “Chapels and churches are the touchstones of local communities.

“Peniel, Tremadog is a historically and architecturally significant building which has played an active role in the life of the Tremadog community.

“As a former vicar of the parish, I am delighted to take part in Addoldai Cymru’s Grand Concert as part of their appeal to restore the building and its famous pediment in order to secure its conservation as part of our nation’s history and heritage.”

A spokesperson fro the trust concluded: “The aim of the trust’s ‘£1 to Save a Pediment Appeal’, launched last November, is to hit the target so that renovation work on the pediment can be completed in line with the current roof repairs, which commenced at the end of February.

“£136,000 of grants have provided the funds needed to carry out most of the renovation to the roof, but £15,000 is still needed to finish paying for the vital process of repairing the pediment.

“It is hoped that the concert will play a vital part in helping to raise both the profile of the appeal and much needed funds, in addition to providing an evening’s entertainment of a high standard for the local community.”

The concert will be held at 7.30pm the evening of Saturday, 5 May at Criccieth Memorial Hall.