A PROMOTIONAL film introducing the rural Powys market town of Rhayader to the rest of the world has been narrated by its most famous and one of its newest residents – Charlotte Church.

Branded ‘the Outdoors Capital of Wales’, Rhayader is in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains, an Area of Astounding Natural Beauty. Now it has Welsh royalty singing its praises.

‘Voice of an Angel’ star Charlotte narrated the new film, which promotes outdoor activities and events in the town and nearby Elan Valley.

Charlotte shot to childhood stardom as a classical singer and then a pop star in the late 90s and early 2000s, before moving into acting and presenting in more recent years.

County Times: Charlotte Church has opened a wellness retreat, known as The Dreaming, at the former home of Laura Ashley, having bought the estate, just outside Rhayader, in 2021. Charlotte Church has opened a wellness retreat, known as The Dreaming, at the former home of Laura Ashley, having bought the estate, just outside Rhayader, in 2021. (Image: Elliot Cooper)

In March 2021, she bought Rhydoldog House – fashion designer Laura Ashley's former home – for more than £1 million, and has since transformed the 47-acre Elan Valley property into a wellness retreat called The Dreaming.

She voiced the film, released today, after being approached by Rhayader 2000, the organisation that promote tourism in partnership with the town council.

“It was wonderful narrating the excellent promotional video for Rhayader ‘the Outdoors Capital of Wales’,” said Charlotte.

“This really is a magical part of Wales with incredible countryside, spectacular landscapes and warm and welcoming people, which encouraged me to open The Dreaming Retreat near the town.

“I wish Rhayader 2000 every success with this video and hope it helps to attract many more visitors to the area where there’s so much to do, see and enjoy in the magnificent outdoors.”

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The film and two shorter social media clips were made by Tremio over the past year, with supplementary photography for the Rhayader 2000 website captured by Mogwai Media.

Kerena Pugh, of Rhayader 2000, said: “The work that has gone into rebranding ‘Rhayader the Outdoors Capital of Wales’ has really made a difference and will continue to help the town to grow.

“Film is a great way to showcase what Rhayader has to offer visitors. The combination of superb aerial footage from Sam Cook at Tremio and contributions by local people has produced something magical.

“With Rhayader already internationally famous for the Hafod Hardware Christmas adverts, produced by owner Tom Jones, we wanted to continue the creative use of film to show the varied activities, breathtaking scenery and the welcoming community spirit that we have here all year round.”

Mr Cook said he had been inundated with volunteers during the making of the film, which he described as “special”.

County Times: The Caban Coch dam in the Elan Valley. The Caban Coch dam in the Elan Valley. (Image: Tremio)

Rhayader mayor Rhys Thomas added: “This is another step on the exciting journey to make Rhayader a destination in its own right.”

MWT Cymru chief executive Val Hawkins said the film promotes Rhayader both as the Outdoors Capital of Wales but for its strong community spirit.

The film is dedicated to Liz Lloyd, a Rhayader 2000 founder who died in 2022, who served the organisation for 22 years.

“Liz was very passionate about Rhayader and was part of many organisations and volunteer groups that do great work in the town,” added Kerena.

“A donation to Rhayader 2000 made by her family from the funeral memorial service contributed to making the film.”

Rhayader 2000 is a member of MWT Cymru, which represents 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Snowdonia.