AN ACTRESS and singer who grew up in Llansannan recently released her second single in homage to Rhyl, a place where she made many happy memories.

Tara Bethan, the daughter of the late professional wrestler and wrestling promoter, Orig Williams (“El Bandito”), wrote “Rhyl” as a love letter to a town she has a great deal of affection for, and which she feels gets “bad press” which it “doesn’t deserve” at times.

Tara, 38, has performed at Rhyl Pavilion as an actress on numerous occasions, and is now looking to transition into a career in music under the name "Tara Bandito", having sang from a young age.

She said: “I grew up in Llansannan but my dad’s office was in Rhyl, my grandma lived in Rhyl, and all of my dance classes were there, so I was in Rhyl pretty much every day.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for Rhyl and just wanted to bring a bit of positivity, really. Sometimes, it gets bad press and it doesn’t deserve it.

“I think of the arcades, the prom – trying cider for the first time - and of sunshine and freedom.

“The saying ‘Brill like Rhyl’ (a lyric in the song) has always been something I’ve been very keen on. Lockdown meant I ended up writing quite a lot of music, and launching my career as ‘Tara Bandito’.”

An accompanying video for “Rhyl”, which followed the January release of Tara’s debut single, “Blerr”, was shot in the town itself, and is available to watch on YouTube.

Her music, meanwhile, can also be listened to on apps including Spotify and Apple Music.

Elsewhere, a billboard has recently been erected at Rhyl’s train station to promote the new single, as well as it being advertised on the back of buses in the town.

Tara is also set to release a third single – “Drama Queen” – on Friday (March 25).

She added: “It’s something I’ve wanted to do forever. I’ve been a singer since I was little, but always sang other people’s songs.

“It felt like the right time; being locked in the house, it finally gave me time to get all of the songs I’d written over the years and put them into use.

“Releasing music is pretty scary because you’re letting people into your life, but you’re also being creative.

“Its taken me a long time to feel confident and ready to put my stuff out there, but I finally felt this was the time.

“I started writing music when my dad passed away (in November 2009). It’s been a long time coming, so it feels good to finally get it out there.”