WALKING in the Air singer Aled Jones is now able to officiate ceremonies, such as wedding, vow renewals, naming ceremonies, funerals, memorials and more.

Over the past year, the Welsh vocalist and broadcaster, who was raised on the island of Anglesey, swapped scores for scripts as he underwent immersive training to become a qualified Celebrant. 

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 Jones.

He said: “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.

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"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.” 

Jennifer Constant, from The Academy of Modern Celebrancy, who worked with Jones through his training, said: “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."

This news follows Jones's latest number one 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. 

The newly chart-topping album celebrates Jones's 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. 

Jones will bring his number one album to life with his 2024 ‘Full Circle’ tour across the UK and is inviting fans to join him as he looks back over a remarkable journey through his life, sharing never before heard stories and a few songs too. Visit officialaledjones.com/home for tickets.