Legendary singer Dame Shirley Bassey is visiting North Wales later this year where Snowdon Mountain Railway is naming a carriage in her honour.
Dame Shirley, born in Cardiff, achieved global recognition in the 60s and 70s as the only person to have recorded three James Bond film theme songs.
The carriage naming is the latest in a long list of honours for the Grammy-nominated star which have included a UNESCO Artist for Peace Award, a Welsh Legend Award and the Légion d’Honneur with the highlight in 2000 when the singer was made a Dame by the Queen for services to the performing arts.
Dame Shirley is the fourth and final person to be honoured by the railway and follows fellow countrymen bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel CBE and cycling supremo Sir David Brailsford CBE along with classical crossover singer Katherine Jenkins OBE.
Alan Kendall, General Manager at Snowdon Mountain Railway said:
“We thought we’d save the best ‘til last by naming our final carriage in honour of Dame Shirley.
“For a global superstar like Dame Shirley to take time to visit our railway in North Wales is an absolute highlight of our 122-year history.
“It’s to recognise her glittering 65-year career as an ambassador not only for Wales but also the UK.
“With Dame Shirley’s busy schedule it’s been a long time in the planning and we’re delighted her visit has finally been confirmed for later this year.”
Dame Shirley Bassey DBE said:
“I always look forward to going back to Wales and to be honoured by Snowdon Mountain Railway makes this visit extra special.”
The carriage naming ceremony is scheduled to take place on Thursday 17th May 2018.
For more information about Snowdon Mountain Railway visit: www.snowdonrailway.co.uk or follow on Facebook: SnowdonMR or Twitter: @SnowdonMR