A brand-new festival has been arranged to take place in Llanrwst between 20 and 22 October 2023: Gŵyl Dafydd ap Siencyn Festival.
Over 500 years ago Llanrwst and the forest fortress of Gwydyr in the Conwy Valley were home to a rebel, nobleman and bard, whose exploits, real or otherwise, have earned him the title of the Welsh Robin Hood: Dafydd ap Siencyn. Llanrwst Town Council are delighted to invite you to follow in the footsteps of this colourful and successful rebel, in a festival which celebrates the people, nature, culture and history of a proud community.
The Chair of the festival’s organising committee, Cllr Mostyn Jones said:
“The community has been clear that our town should hold more events, create more activities for young people, and do more to celebrate the best of Llanrwst. I am delighted that we as a Town Council have been able to work with the community to create a truly unique festival. From mediaeval re-enactments to choirs of merrymen, gigs to gravity scooter experiences, talks to massage therapy, an adventurous weekend has been scheduled for all to enjoy.
“On behalf of the Town Council it is my pleasure to thank all who have cooperated with us to make this exciting new event possible and invite everyone to come along and follow in the footsteps of a rebel!”
Programme:
Friday Night:
- Wine Tasting, Y Siop Win, Blas ar Fwyd, 19:00 – 21:00 (£25)
- Gig, Llanrwst Club, 20:00 – 24:00 (Free)
Saturday:
- Announcement of the winners of the art and literature competitions, Ty’r Dref: 10:00 (Am ddim/Free)
- Walking tour from the square to Caerdroia, Gwydyr Forest: 10:30 (Free)
- Gravity Wheelers scooter experience, Caerdroia: 12:00 (£15 single and £10 each for a party of 4)
- Shuttle bus from Golygfa Gwydyr to Caerdroia: 12:00; 13:00; 14:00 & 15:00 (Free)
- Medieval re-enactment: Caerdroia: 12:00 – 17:00 (Free)
- A forest of stories by a storyteller: Caerdroia 12:00 – 17:00 (Free)
- Guided tour of Caerdroia: 12:00 – 17:00 (Free)
- Massage Therapy: Golygfa Gwydyr, 12:00 – 16:00 (Book a slot at 12:00) (Free)
- Forest Art Session: Golygfa Gwydyr, 12:00 – 16:00 (Am ddim/Free)
- Wax Seal Project: supporting local businesses, Elusendai/Almshouses, 9:30 – 17:00 (Am ddim/Free)
- Presentation by Bleddyn Hughes about Dafydd ap Siencyn and St Grwst Church: Eglwys St Grwst Church, 12:00 (Free)
- Medieval Banquet: St Grwst Church
- Gig: Nant Conwy Rugby Club
Sunday:
- St Gwrst special service: Eglwys St Grwst Church: 9:30 (Free)
- Gravity Wheelers scooter experience, Llyn Sarnau Lake (£35)
- Wax Seal Project: supporting local businesses, Almshouses, 10:30 – 17:00 (Free)
- Medieval characters around the Town: Town centre (Free)
- Live Forge on the square (Free)
- Presentation by Myrddin ap Dafydd: Dafydd ap Siencyn Series: 11:00, Glasdir (Free)
- Wars of the Roses guided tour, Gwydir Castle: 14:00 (£10:00)
- Presentation by Daniel Casey about the soldiers of Llanrwst: St Grwst Church, 16:00 (Free)
- Festival Concert with CantiLena and CoRwst choirs: Seion Chapel (Tickets on the door)
Plan your visit and travel by train with Transport for Wales