“I was more nervous than the bride,” reflects Aled Jones, the renowned singer and presenter, as he recounts his experience of officiating his first wedding as a celebrant. The Welshman, who first captured hearts as a choirboy with his rendition of “Walking in the Air,” has transitioned into a new role that allows him to conduct weddings, christenings, and funerals.
After decades of success in the music industry, where he has recorded over 40 albums and sold millions of copies, Aled felt inspired to train as a celebrant. This decision came after he discovered that his songs were among the most requested at funerals. “It really moved me,” he shared during an interview with Lucy Owen on BBC Radio Wales.
The UK Society of Celebrants defines the role of a celebrant as someone who officiates formal wedding ceremonies and can also conduct other significant life events, such as vow renewals, baby naming ceremonies, and even divorce ceremonies. Aled noted, “I was told during a filming session for Songs of Praise that my version of ‘You Raise Me Up’ is the most requested piece in British crematoriums.” The realization that people chose his voice for such important moments in their lives prompted him to delve deeper into the world of celebrancy.
Initially, Aled focused on learning about funerals, and only later did he expand his knowledge to include weddings and christenings. At 53 years old, the singer from Llandegfan, Anglesey, has yet to officiate a funeral but describes his first weddings as both “joyous” and nerve-wracking. “It was awful, honestly, I had the shakes,” he admitted. Despite his extensive experience performing in front of large audiences, standing before a small group of 26 people felt daunting. “All eyes were on me until the bride arrived, thank goodness, and then I just did my bit.”
In a delightful twist, one couple even enjoyed a live performance from Aled during their ceremony. “I’ve done a couple of weddings, and they’ve been such joyous occasions,” he said, clearly relishing the experience. However, Aled has not abandoned his music career. He is set to travel across the UK starting in September with his Full Circle tour, where he will perform tracks from his One Voice albums. These albums feature duets with recordings of his younger self, showcasing his journey as an artist.
The idea for the One Voice albums came about unexpectedly. While having dinner with his parents in North Wales, Aled’s father mentioned an old album that had been stored away for years. “There was an old tape there that had been given to us when my voice broke, which had never been recorded. It had been there for 25 years,” he recalled. After taking the tape back to London and letting it sit for a few years, he finally decided to listen to it. “I was in the car after a gig with my musical director and played it, starting to sing along with little Aled. It was just so weird.”
The first album was a surprise success, becoming his best-selling album ever and reaching number three in the pop charts. However, Aled humorously noted that there are no more tapes left in the airing cupboard, indicating that there won’t be any additional One Voice albums in the future.
Reflecting on his career, Aled acknowledges that his new path as a celebrant is quite unexpected. “It’s mad, isn’t it? Life takes you down strange paths sometimes,” he mused. This sentiment resonates with many who find themselves on unanticipated journeys, discovering new passions and opportunities along the way.
As Aled Jones embraces this new chapter in his life, he continues to inspire others with his music and heartfelt ceremonies. His ability to connect with people during significant moments in their lives adds a unique dimension to his already illustrious career.
In a world where life can often take unexpected turns, Aled’s story serves as a reminder that joy and fulfillment can be found in the most surprising places. Whether through music or as a celebrant, Aled Jones is committed to celebrating life’s milestones with warmth and sincerity.
Source: BBC News
