Welsh Proms conductor to meet costs if ticket sales fail

The conductor of this year's Welsh Proms will have to pay the orchestra out of his own pocket if tickets do not sell.

Owain Arwel Hughes says that without him willing to act as a guarantor, three of the four concerts in this year's series simply would not go ahead.

Mr Hughes set up the Welsh Proms in the 1980s. This year will be the 29th proms.

In the past Cardiff council, which has backed the Welsh Proms since the start, has ensured that the orchestras wages can be paid, but this year it's only backing the fourth concert, the last night of the proms.

Mr Hughes told BBC Wales that his decision is a risky strategy.