Arrangements have been confirmed for ‘Karl Daymond Day’ which will take place in Chepstow on Sunday 10th September.
The event is being organised by Karl’s family and friends. All are welcome to remember and pay tribute to a much loved local community champion, charity supporter, friend, mentor and singer who died suddenly on 9th August, aged 52.
A procession will gather at Chepstow’s Town Gate from 10.30am for an 11am start. Musical performances and speeches will follow from 12pm to 1pm.
The public are encouraged join the the procession and walk with it to the event.
Karl was well-respected by all members of his singing club, consisting of Chepstow Castle, Duke’s Yard, Forest of Dean and Usk singers, plus the all-female choir The Chepstow Chatelaines. They will all sing loud and proud in memory of their beloved leader and will be conducted by his childhood friend, Jayne Thomas.
Other performers will include The Alasher brothers, Syrian refugees living in Cardiff whom Karl mentored, plus close friend, colleague and opera singer Pippa Dames-Longworth and opera singer Michael Lowe whom the singing club supported.
Attendees will enjoy a bring-your-own picnic from 1pm to 2pm under a Glastonbury Big Top on the river fields opposite Chepstow Castle. There will be a memory yurt to leave messages and mementos relating to Karl.
The procession will walk from the town, over the Old Wye Bridge, and into the fields behind Elmdale. The site is kindly being donated for the event by Lyndon Edwards, Hanley Farm Shop. Attendees are advised to park in the town car parks and walk to and from the site.
A tractor and trailer and an open top vintage bus (which Karl adored) will be provided by Hanley Farm Shop and Chepstow Classic Buses. They will be available for those less mobile but wishing to join the procession. Please execute consideration when using both vehicles.
Wheelchair users who need assistance should notify David Nicholson at [email protected] or message the ‘Karl Daymond Day’ Facebook page. It is strongly advised that suitable footwear and clothing is worn in the field, but please dress in the spirit of celebration. Weird, wacky and wonderful headwear is encouraged in homage to Karl. Organisers ask that attendees take their waste home with them.
Entry is free. To help give organisers an estimate of numbers, please register via www.eventbrite.com/e/karl-daymond-day-tickets-37105503560
Queries regarding the event should be directed to Ruth Holdsworth, email her at [email protected]
Karl’s husband, family and friends are fundraising in his name and memory for The Kaleidescope Trust, an excellent charity that works with the governments of commonwealth countries to improve the rights of members of LGBT communities. Donations can be made on the day or via www.justgiving. com/karldaymond