X Factor classical hit maker Rhydian Roberts rocked South Pembrokeshire on Saturday night.

A sellout capacity crowd was wowed by a stunning performance from the Welsh singing sensation and his guests at the Follies Theatre, Folly Farm.

The Gravell’s Kia and Folly Farm sponsored charity concert, part of Rhydian’s ‘One Day Like This’ British tour, and promoted by the Rotary Club of Narberth and Whitland, which left the spellbound audience delighted and cheering for more, climaxed with a mesmerising performance of Puccini’s opera classic Nessun Dorma, with Rhydian being joined on stage by special guest Lucy Kay and West End musical star Jodie Steel and Simon Crick, professional musician, to earn the third and hugely deserved standing ovation.

The first half had begun with highly-talented local soprano, Sioned Llewelyn, of Efailwen, who sang three songs, including ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ and a beautiful acappella version of the Welsh traditional love song ‘Ar Lan Y Mor’. (As Simon would say, ‘that record would go straight to number one!).

Sioned was followed on stage by young saxophonist Talfan Jenkins from Wiseman’s Bridge. Talfan belied his 14-year age, with a composed performance of two classical performances, including Phil Wood’s ‘Sonata for Alto Sax’ and the popular ‘Autumn Leaves.’

Bringing the ‘first act’ to a close was Britain’s Got Talent 2014 runner-up, Lucy Kay. Looking resplendent in her Vivienne Westwood dress, she gave a taste of what was to come in the second half, as she sang with her powerful melodic voice three operatic classics, including Habanera and the classic ‘O Mia Babbino Caro’ (O My Beloved Father) from the 1918 Puccini opera ‘Gianni Schicchi.’

The second act began with an impactful entrance by Rhydian and his five-piece band and backing vocal Jodie Steele, with a powerful performance of Elbow’s 2008 classic ‘One Day Like This.’ Rhydian continued his set with his powerful, melodic style, hitting all the big notes with gusto and enthusiasm, to give an unforgettable performance of many songs with a wide variety from pop classics such as Bowie’s ‘Life on Mars,’ the Moody Blues’ ‘Nights in White Satin’ and Elvis Presley’s huge hit ‘American Trilogy,’ a performance that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, that even the king himself would have been proud of! Then followed an operatic classic, the ‘Pearl Fisher’s Duet,’ the hymn Jerusalem, (with Lucy Kay) and musical hits like Lloyd Webber’s ‘Music Of The Night’ (Phantom of the Opera), all sung in his inimitable style that has seen him win two platinum awards, a Classical Brit nomination and album sales in excess of a million worldwide.

Rhydian’s set was interspersed with excellent performances from one of musicals’ rising stars, Jodie Steele, with a soulful version of the Roberta Flack classic ‘First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’ and a lively energetic and captivating performance of ‘River Deep Mountain High.’ It really was an evening that will live long in the memory of those privileged to attend.

During his performance, Rhydian was delighted to be able to present three cheques to the evening’s charity recipients.

Rotary Club president, Dr. Paul Crawford, introduced Tony Key OBE (Wales Air Ambulance) and Christine Mackeen (Kidney Wales Foundation), who were each presented with £2,000 by Rhydian for their respective charities, and South Wales Rotary District Governor Chris Williams (Rotary Club of Fishguard and Goodwick), who received £1,000 for the Rotary End Polio Now campaign. This will be trebled to £3,000 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation who treble all donations to the worldwide Rotary ‘End Polio Now’ initiative. The remainder of the proceeds will be split between Rotary charities, both locally and internationally.

On behalf of the Rotary Club of Narberth and Whitland, president Dr. Paul Crawford would like to show appreciation to the following people who made the evening a great success: Rhydian and fellow performers, Lucy, Jodie, Sioned and Talfan, together with the band and accompanists Seimon Morris and Angharad James. The sponsors Gravell’s Kia of Narberth and Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo. The local media for publicising the event, ticket sellers, Folly Farm, Dale’s Music of Tenby, Victoria Bookshop, Milford Travel and Ticketmaster, all programme advertisers and especially a huge thank you to all the audience who supported the unforgettable event. A huge‘thank you to you all.