Last Saturday saw the return of the brilliant St. Giles sessions in what was both a memorable moment for those who attended, and for the Wrexham arts scene.
As the last of the setting sunlight streamed in through stained glass windows, Wrexham singer-songwriter James MacGregor opened the line-up with a soulful Ryan-Adams influenced acoustic set. He was followed by another
singer-songwriter Meilir, his second time performing at the St. Giles Sessions. The ancient venue, fading light and Meilir’s unique voice made for a truly atmospheric performance.
Next on the bill was Shy and the Fight, a six-piece who played an energetic set, very clearly enjoyed by the audience and band alike. Their excellent musicianship and vocal harmonies resounded throughout the church, delighting a now full congregation of listeners. Next, it was time for the evening’s headliners, Golden Fable, to take the stage beneath St. Giles’ ornate 16th century roof and apocalyptic ‘Doom Painting’.
Surrounded by gilded angels and eagles, clad in gold outfits and glistening gold-leaf make-up, it was hard to imagine a setting more perfect for this band. Enchanting the audience with their captivating stage presence and electronic-infused melodic folk, Golden Fable’s set was a true ‘I was there’ moment. From their single ‘Always Golden’ to a perhaps improbable but nonetheless beautiful cover of the Manics’ ‘Motorcycle Emptiness’, the end of their performance provoked heartfelt applause from the pews: an audience clearly moved by Golden Fable’s powerful yet delicate sound.
With some brilliant DJ sets between performances from Gallops and BBC Wales’ Adam Walton, church volunteers serving wine and Wrexham hipsters instagramming every moment, it was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended, and a triumph of the ongoing collaboration between The Foundry, Focus Wales and St. Giles’ Church.
Leaving the gig was an experience in itself. From such an amazing venue filled with beautiful sounds and then back out into the middle of a standard Wrexham night out in full swing was quite a contrast. Those who attended the gig dissolved away through the rowdy crowds and into the night, safe in the knowledge that they’d witnessed a special moment, and part of the vibrant cultural scene bubbling away beneath Wrexham’s sometimes bleak exterior.
-Deian Timms
