IT HAS BEEN a long time coming but The Gathering is back. 

The Gathering, an annual two-day concert and walk which takes place in the homeland of The Alarm, at the Arena, Venue Cymru, Llandudno, will be held on Friday, January 27; Saturday, January 28 and Sunday, January 29. The event concludes on Sunday with a charity hike along the promenade of Llandudno to the Pier and back to the Arena.

More than 1,500 Alarm fans travel from all over the world for the concert, which is marking its 30th anniversary. 

The Gathering promises to be especially memorable after a difficult 2022 for the Peters’ family.

Frontman of The Alarm Mike Peters was hospitalised in September. Earlier in 2022, following an acclaimed national tour with his band, Mike relapsed [Mike was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in 2005].

The rocker stopped responding to his medication and had to undergo a new gruelling treatment plan.

Jules, Mike's wife and breast cancer survivor, said: "The idea of the Gathering is role reversal - whereby the band stay at home and the fans pack up their bags to go on tour. It started 30 years ago when Mike devised the unique idea to invite The Alarm fans to gather in his beloved North Wales.

"This year, over 1,500 Alarm fans are currently preparing to make their journey from as far afield as Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, USA, Australia, all over Europe and from every corner of the United Kingdom.

"The future of The Gathering was in the balance but now after life-saving and pioneering treatment at the North Wales Cancer Centre, Mike is feeling fitter than ever and raring to hit the stage on. It will be an emotional experience for Mike and his loyal fans to be reunited after such an emotional few years through the Pandemic and Mike’s personal health battles."

The first Gathering took place at Rhyl Town Hall in 1992.

As the years rolled on and demand increased, a bigger venue was required.

Jules said: "There were moments last year when I wasn’t sure that Mike would pull through. It’s been an immensely stressful time for ourselves and our immediate family and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the North Walian folks who have taken the time to reach out with a smile, text, phone call, letter and enquiry.

"The constant love and affection from neighbours and the extended Alarm family has helped me stay strong more than you will ever know.

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"I for one am so excited to see this Gathering go ahead which will be a huge extended celebration of life and 'Staying Alive'."

Last year Jules led 50 people across the Sahara on behalf of the Peters’ charity Love Hope Strength and raised more than £100,000.

Jules and Mike have just revealed new details of a new trek for September 2023; Mike plans to trek with Jules for ‘Rock the Alps’ which take in three countries in three days.

For more information visit www.thealarm.com