June 02, 2026 - 163 views
A Coleg Llandrillo music student has raised £800 for charity in memory of her stepdad after organising a special live music event as part of her final college project.
Nineteen-year-old Ashton Allen, who is studying Level 3 Music Performance and Production, hosted the “Symphony of Giving” concert at Theatr Alwyn on the college’s Rhos-on-Sea campus in May.
The event was organised in memory of Ashton’s stepdad, Bayley, who died from a lung condition last year. Funds raised from the concert will go to New Start, the Wythenshawe Hospital Transplant Fund, a cause close to her family’s heart.
Ashton worked alongside friend Jenny, a Level 2 music student, to bring the event together, with a line-up featuring local bands made up of Coleg Llandrillo students. Performers included Bluefin, Amidarla, Anyway Champion, Assembly Point and Glass Angels, while music tutor James also took to the stage with Bluefin.
The concert marked the culmination of Ashton’s college journey, but it came after an incredibly difficult year following Bayley’s death in August.
“It has been hard for me to not quit,” Ashton admitted.
She dedicated the event to Bayley, describing him as “genuinely the strongest person I’ve ever known in my whole life.”
Reflecting on why she chose to organise the concert, Ashton said: “I couldn’t think of a better way to end my third and final year with a big end of year gig and just give everybody a chance to perform together one last time.”
Although nervous about speaking in front of the audience, Ashton said the support she received made the experience unforgettable.
“I felt like running away, but once I got half way through and took a deep breath I calmed down,” she said. “It was amazing seeing how people reacted. I really felt the support and it made me feel that we did something great.”
Ashton, who completes her studies this summer, plans to take a gap year to travel, spend time with friends and family, and continue developing her musical talents before heading to university.
“I’d love to live in the city at some point and learn more about the industry,” she said.
The successful event not only raised vital funds for charity but also provided a fitting tribute to Bayley and a memorable finale to Ashton’s time at Coleg Llandrillo.
