A renowned Anglesey choir gave a show-stopping performance and performed a first-ever in France last week.

The 36th International Celtic Festival at Lorient in Brittany saw world-class male choirs come from thousands of miles around.

However, it was Côr Meibion y Traeth choir from Anglesey, who stormed in with the first female conductor to direct the 600-strong group of bands at the packed football stadium venue

Annette Bryn Parri, music director of the choir, said it was an amazing time: "It was a fantastic experience to ensure that so many musicians from different countries gelled into one great sound, particularly as the nightly events were being broadcast on television."

New Handlebar Club member Gwilym Lewis had the honour of conducting at the festival for the first six days in the absence of Annette Bryn Parri.

The Celtic festival attracts more than 700,000 visitors and 6,000 musicians and dancers each year,

It was the second time the choir was asked to represent Wales at the event, considered a prestigious honour.

Choir chairman Gareth Ogwen Jones said the choir gave 10 performances at the Magic Nights Show at the soccer stadium, as well as various cabarets and sacred concerts.

He said: "The festival invites the best from eight Celtic nations, all working together to maintain our unique cultures."

"I think the choir members have heard enough bagpipes for a lifetime."

The committee wanted to extend a special thank you to Gwilym Lewis, who stepped in to conduct the choir until Annette was able to join them.

Now the choir members are considering an invitation to attend the annual Celtic Fetival in Paris next year.

Before then, they are due to give a series of concerts in the Irish Republic in October.

The choir committee also invites new members with practices restarting at Ysgol Goronwy Owen, Benllech, on Monday September 4.