GWRYCH Castle is hoping to amend its premises licence as it bids to welcome back a world-renowned opera singer. Bosses at the famous castle in Abergele want to welcome famous tenor Russell Watson for a special classical concert at the Grade I listed venue.
The event would be made possible through a proposed variation to the castle’s existing premises licence.
The variation of the conditions of the castle’s licence is currently under review by Conwy County Borough Council. Russell Watson was one of the stars of ITV’s 2020 series of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!
The show was famously based at the castle for two consecutive years during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Russell spent 18 days in the camp experiencing everything from being dunked in batter to keeping the other camp members entertained with his vocal talents.
The changes, if accepted, would allow the castle to host up to four large-scale daytime events per year, with attendance exceeding 500 guests.
Speaking about the possibility of returning to Gwrych Castle, Russell Watson said: “Gwrych Castle holds a very special place in my heart after filming I’m A Celebrity there.
“The thought of returning to perform in such a spectacular setting would be incredible.
“I’d love to be part of bringing live music and culture to this iconic place once again.”
Russell is a multi-platinum selling classical singer who rose to fame in 2001 with his debut album The Voice.
Gwrych Castle says it has a strong track record of hosting inclusive, well-managed events that support heritage, community engagement, and the local economy.
“Whether it’s classical concerts or Cliff Richard, being able to host just four large-scale events a year would be a huge cultural and economic boost for the region,” a castle spokesperson said.
The bid calls for a premises variation, which would see the “provision of live music indoors/outdoors on Saturdays and Sundays 10pm – 1am and provision of recorded music indoors/outdoors Saturday and Sunday 10am – 1am”.
It also includes “provision of anything of a similar description to live music, recorded music or performance of dance indoors/outdoors, Saturday and Sunday 10am – 1am”.
There would also be no more than four daytime musical events per calendar year with a capacity for over 500 people. The closing date for public representations is Friday, August 28.
Built between 1812 and 1822, Gwrych Castle is an imposing gothic ruin on the picturesque North Wales coastline, with spectacular sea views and impressive architecture.
