18 December 2023
Newsdesk
Over the past year, one of the UK’s most popular vocalists and broadcasters, Aled Jones MBE, swapped scores for scripts as he underwent immersive training to become a qualified Celebrant. Newly qualified, he is now able to officiate ceremonies, such as weddings, vow renewals, naming ceremonies, funerals, memorials and more – potentially performing a song or two along the way. This news follows his latest No.1 album, ‘One Voice: Full Circle’, which flew straight to the top of the classical charts upon release last month via Decca Records in association with Classic FM.
Jones first became interested in becoming a Celebrant when he was told that his music is amongst some of the most requested for funeral services. This struck him as being one of the greatest honours as a performer and drew him toward the Celebrant world. In between recording sessions for his new album, he spent a year in training with members from The Academy of Modern Celebrancy, Jennifer Constant and Penelope Boycott, often taking in lessons in airport lounges or during down time filming on location.
Training with the team in real life scenarios was extremely moving for Aled, “It is so humbling knowing that my music is used at such pivotal times in people’s lives. Now being able to share in those happy and poignant moments makes the music seem even more powerful. I’ve learnt a lot about different ceremonies and the process of building these. I can’t wait to be a part of those life changing experiences.” he explains.
Jennifer Constant from The Academy of Modern Celebrancy, who worked with Jones through his training, adds “Aled possesses all the attributes and life experience to become a phenomenal celebrant. His compassion comes through in the genuine care and attention he pays to understanding each family's unique needs through his training assessments. We admire Aled's talent for bringing people comfort and crafting services that beautifully honour both the joy and grief woven through life's journeys. It was a pleasure to take him through his accreditation and we cannot wait to see where he takes this”.
Jones’ newly chart-topping album celebrates his incredible 40 years in showbusiness and sees the singer duet with his younger self on tracks recently unearthed at his parents’ house in Anglesey. These tracks had never been released or even heard since they were originally broadcast on a BBC series he made four decades ago – until now. The hit record also features his biggest-selling single, and one of the most-played tunes at Christmas time, ‘Walking in the Air’, here arranged for solo piano and played by the man himself.
The vocalist and broadcaster will bring his No.1 album to life with his 2024 ‘Full Circle’ tour across the UK, inviting his adoring audience to join him as he looks back over a remarkable journey through his life, sharing never before heard stories and a few songs too!
