Allan Yn Y Fan Explained

Allan Yn Y Fan are a folk group originally formed in southeast Wales, but now containing members from north Wales and across the UK. They have been touring across the UK and Western Europe for over 20 years, performing in Welsh and English.

Background

Allan Yn Y Fan (translating as 'on the spot' in English) were formed in South Wales in 1996 as a four-piece consisting of Geoff Cripps, Chris Jones, Kate Strudwick and Linda Simmonds.^[1] They have since performed in Wales, England,^[2] Ireland,^[3] France, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Switzerland and twice toured Germany.^[4]

The band was joined by fiddle player Emma Trend between 2002 and 2007. Between 2008 and 2014 she was replaced by Meriel Field. Singer Catrin O'Neill (from North Wales) and fiddler Alan Cooper joined in 2015, bringing the band to six members.

Allan Yn Y Fan released their sixth album, called NEWiD, in 2016.^[5]

Notes and References

1. News: Now We Are Six! Allan Yn Y Fan look forward to a long Euro-odyssey with Catrin and Alan . FolkWales Online Magazine . 9 October 2015 . 24 March 2017 .
2. News: Andy Howells . Welsh folk band Allan Yn Y Fan to perform in Newbridge . . 27 May 2016 . 24 March 2017 .
3. News: FolkWorld CD Reviews . FolkWorld . May 2007 . 33 . 24 March 2017 .
4. News: Taking Welsh traditional music to the European masses . . 18 July 2014 . 24 March 2017 .
5. News: Helen Gregory . Allan Yn Y Fan: Newid - Featured Review . F R U K . . 20 September 2016 . 24 March 2017 .