Llandudno Junction fans to star in Wales' football anthem 'The Red Wall of Cymru'

Bradley Evans is among the loyal fans who were invited to take part in the ‘Red Wall of Cymru’ video filmed by The Alarm star Mike Peters ahead of the international tournament this summer.

Before lockdown the group of 12 met regularly at the Maelgwyn Pub in Llandudno Junction and had travelled to far-flung countries such as Azerbaijan and Moldova whenever the national team would play.

“It is not just the games but going with a decent group of people and seeing different places that you would never go on holiday to,” said Mr Evans, who had not missed a home or away game since 2015 until lockdown restrictions were enforced.

Mr Evans (centre) and fans with the famous Llandudno Junction flag, which features the flags of other countries and a tribute to former Wales manager Gary Speed.

“The cultural differences are unbelievable and you can tell who the Welsh people are in the pub. To be honest, we do spend more time in the pubs than sightseeing.”

If one member of the group cannot attend a match they will pass the famous Llandudno Junction flag on to someone who is. The flag, which has the name of the town above the Red Dragon, also features miniature flags of the countries it has been taken to. People at home have spotted it during the national anthem and goal celebrations over the years.

Among the highlights for Mr Evans are the group stages and round 16 fixture of the Euro 2016 campaign, when Wales defeated Belgium on an historic run to the semi-finals.

“Even going to the group games was amazing,” Mr Evans said. “We were just hoping to score a goal.

“Each country has its own atmosphere; some are a bit mental and others are a good laugh. People in the group make the effort to meet and speak to other fans.”

Mr Evans saw a Twitter post by the Football Association of Wales asking fans to meet at Conwy Castle to take part in the video. Mr Evans, dad Haydn and friends Chris Eccles and Simon Thumbs can be seen clapping and shouting in the background as Mr Peters sings the tune, which celebrates the country’s die-hard fan base.

Other locations in the video are Belle Vue in Rhyl and The Racecourse in Wrexham.

“There are not many chances you get to do something like that,” said Mr Evans. “It has been a frustrating 18 months so it was good to have the chance to do something related to football.

“That has been the worst part about Covid. When we can go to matches again it will be good to see everyone.”

‘The Red Wall of Wales’ will be released on Friday, May 28, available on CD, stream and download.