Welsh Proms will go ahead after sponsors found

Owain Arwel Hughes underwrote two concerts last year so the Welsh Proms could go ahead

The founding conductor of the Welsh Proms says that sponsors have helped secure the immediate future of the classical music event.

Owain Arwel Hughes has taken control of the event after Cardiff council withdrew its financial support.

But he warned that only private sponsorship can safeguard its long-term future.

The council said it would still provide the venue, staff and marketing "in the severest of financial climates".

The local authority always helped to underwrite the cost of staging the annual series of classical concerts, now in its 30th year.

Mr Hughes, who has been behind the event since 1986, was forced to personally plug the gap himself for most of the concerts last year.

He will continue to have use of St David's Hall but council funding has run out completely for the next series of concerts in July.

He has managed to secure sponsors for the anniversary season - one of them is the University of Wales Trinity St David - but doubts remain about the long term.

'Predicament'

"I had a very positive meeting with them [the council] and was told straight away - there is no money but I can have the hall but I would have to run the whole proms myself," said Mr Hughes.

He has now set up a charity aimed at encouraging sponsorship for the event from businesses and a longer-term commitment from the private sector.

He said he can rely on ticket revenue but added that if the event is to continue, it will need to attract private backers.

A council spokesman said St David's Hall was also hosting the Tiddly Prom with the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra and presenting the Family Prom as part of the Welsh Proms celebrations.

"Working in partnership with a prestigious musical figure such as Owain Arwel Hughes to preserve this vitally important cultural event shows what can be achieved when all public services are under such enormous pressure," he added.