Welsh male voice choir 'thrilled' at being able to sing together again
Video report by ITV Wales correspondent Dean Thomas-Welch
Members of a Welsh male voice choir are finally able to sing together in person for the first time since lockdown began.
For five months, the Cowbridge Male Voice Choir has been holding weekly rehearsals on Zoom.
But with gatherings of up to 30 people now permitted in Wales, its members are able to meet for rehearsals at last - although things look a little different as the pandemic continues.
The sessions are split into groups of 30 and choristers must stand at a social distance wearing face shields to keep themselves and each other safe.
The choir, founded in 1971, is among the first in Wales to resume rehearsals in person. It has around 80 members.
"We're a big family," said musical director Rhiannon Williams.
"It's not just the music - it's also about the social aspect and just being together. It's really important."
The choristers are used to rehearsing every Wednesday night and performing on Saturday nights, but have instead had to make use of video technology.
For many in the choir, lockdown has also meant shielding from family and friends.
"We've been doing regular Zoom rehearsals every Wednesday; we've had lots of [online] social events - but truthfully, there is huge excitement," said vice-chairman Jon Wilks.
"This is the first opportunity for us to really do the real thing - albeit outdoors and with face shields and a fully risk assessment through Public Health Wales.
"But we are just thrilled."
The choir performs a mixture of songs, from medleys to musicals, contemporary popular songs and traditional Welsh hymns - although only around a dozen members speak fluent Welsh.
The choir appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain this morning, where they delivered a spine-tingling live performance of the Welsh song 'I Bob Un Sydd Ffyddlon'.
Watch the choir perform live on ITV's Good Morning Britain:
Choir chairman Leon Fear told presenters Sean Fletcher and Ranvir Singh: "I've been with the boys for 22 years and it's been unprecedented times the last couple of months. So to finally be back together with these guys has been fantastic.
"They're like an extended family. We've been together through the good times, we've been together through the bad times, and we've been all around the world together as well."
Vice-chairman Jon added: "This is a choir that's based around camaraderie - like all choirs are, right across the world. It's based on friendship and community, and a bit of history and legacy. And why wouldn't we want to sing when we live in Wales - the land of song!
"There is no feeling in the world like singing in a Welsh male voice choir."