A TALENTED young dancer from Denbighshire melted hearts with her remarkable performance at a special Christmas concert.

Efa Williams, 14, from Corwen, took centre stage with her starring role at the service held at Bangor Cathedral.

The pupil at Ysgol y Gogarth in Llandudno also made a bit of history as it was the first ever fully inclusive and accessible service at the cathedral.

The Christmas Celebration was led by Naomi Wood, the cathedral's family minister, and it was attended by more than 180 people.

It was organised by mum-of-three Davina Carey-Evans, the current High Sheriff of Gwynedd, whose 27-year-old son, Benjamin has severe autism.

 

Denbighshire Free Press: Efa Williams during her dance performance.Efa Williams during her dance performance. (Image: Submitted)

 

She has set up a community interest company called PIWS (Welsh for purple) to help businesses and other venues improve access – especially for those with hidden disabilities.

In recent months, PIWS has unveiled a major campaign helping tourist businesses across Wales, after running the pilot project on Anglesey with a holiday club providing attraction visits and quiet safe spaces for families at popular events such as the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

According to her mum, Ceinwen Williams, Efa loved her moment in the spotlight, particularly as she’s a big fan of hit TV show Strictly Come Dancing.

The congregation burst into a round of spontaneous and enthusiastic applause after her moving performance.

Ceinwen said: “We went to see the Strictly Show Live and we’ve been a few times to Venue Cymru in Llandudno and to Theatr Clwyd in Mold to see dance shows, such as Diversity, with Oti Mabusi.

“Efa sees dance as an easy way to communicate her feelings - easier than verbally she says. She really enjoys all kinds of dancing, and really enjoyed the dance club at school.”

Also among those taking part was a choir from Conwy Connect, an organisation set up to promote the rights of people with learning disabilities from the counties of Conwy and Denbighshire.

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Using Makaton, a language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech, the choir’s diverse repertoire included the Christmas carol, Silent Night, and the classic Elvis Presley number, Can’t Help Falling in Love.

Jane McIlveen, from Penmaenmawr accompanied her son, Sean, 31, who has Down’s Syndrome and loves singing with the Conwy Connect choir.

"It's been a lovely morning. The service was a wonderful opportunity for us all to get together. We've known many of the people here today for many years," she said.

There were also performances by Ysgol Pendalar in Caernarfon, Canolfan Addysg y Bont in Llangefni and Ysgol y Gogarth as well as residents from a care home.

Speaking after the service, Davina Carey-Evans said the event was "humbling and moving".

She said: “There were brilliant performances by everybody who took part and Efa’s  dancing was just remarkable and melted all our hearts.”