THE rise and rise of Welsh music in the 1990s was covered in a special talk held at Oswestry’s Wynnstay Hotel recently.

Neil Collins came to the hotel to discuss his book ‘International Velvet: How Wales Conquered the ‘90s Charts’ at the event organised by Welsh language store Siop Cwlwm in Oswestry.

The hotel also provided a further connection as 90s band 60ft Dolls, from Newport in South Wales, reportedly ‘wreaked havoc’ at the venue when at the height of their fame.

READ MORE: Celebrated author at Oswestry Welsh bookshop Siop Cwlwm

According to Lowri Roberts, owner of Siop Cwlwm and a Welsh language speaker, Neil discussed his fascinating and authoritative book with special guests Cath Holland (writer and spoken word performer) and local musician Neil Phillips.

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The talk was followed by an entertaining audience Q&A and a book signing and was the first International Velvet event held just over the border in England; however, audience members travelled from as far as Cardiff to attend this successful event.

Lowri said she was delighted to be able to welcome her guests to her hometown to discuss the book.

She said: “We want to thank everyone who took part in our first English language event, especially Neil Collins, Cath and Neil Phillips and the team at the Wynnstay Hotel, which was the perfect venue.”

For more than an hour, they chatted all things Cool Cymru and how it still inspires the vibrant scene today.

Cath also shared stories of Wales’ links with Liverpool before jumping on the train back to Birkenhead, in Wirral, and then it became Neil squared as Collins was joined by local musician Phillips.

Mr Collins said he was delighted to make the trip to north Shropshire and was delighted to be able to talk with the crowd.

He said: “There was a lovely atmosphere in the room and the audience were really engaged with some great questions.”

The next event in Siop Cwlwm’s calendar will be on Friday, November 22 at 2pm, at 33 Bailey Street, Oswestry.

Tickets are available by contacting post@siopcwlwm.co.uk or 01691 680401.

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Tickets are free, but numbers are limited, so don’t delay!

Then, on Saturday, December 7, popular children’s TV character Bluey will visit Siop Cwlwm, to celebrate her first book in Welsh.

This will be a bilingual event and open to everyone.