Owain Glyndwr
Festival Success 16th & 17th Sept 2005
 Wow
what a weekend it has been! From the opening night with
Mari Lwyd to a scorching set Saturday night by Boys
From The Hill, the first Owain Glyndwr Festival organised
by The Sleeping Giant Foundation has been a resounding
success with all.
Mari Lwyd started the event rolling
on Friday night with a set in the Ancient Briton followed
by a well attended jam session.
The
Sleeping Giant Foundation Festival PICTURE GALLERY click
here>>
Icon Photography
Gallery click
here >> Professional prints available for
£5 A3 and £2.50 A4. Please call Tim Russell
on 01639 844529 quoting photo number.
Saturday's weather was kind and the
festival kicked off in earnest with lots of people attending.
The entertainment was fantastic, with music from Graig
Garw Valley Voices, Mari Lwyd, Pontardawe Acoustic Music
Club and Hafwen the young harpist. James from the Juggling
Roadshow kept the young and young at heart entertained
with circus skills, fire juggling and the appearance
of a 7ft 'Gandalf'.
Jason Gardner demonstrated the art of
the blacksmith and displayed the replica of Owain's
sword of state to a rapt audience. He was also wearing
the most hilarious pair of home made safety boots that
needed to be seen to be believed.
Stories were told by Linda Ware and
wonderful crafts, delicious local food and real ale
kept people going all day.
 The
highlight of the day was the appearance of Owain Glyndwr
and his standard bearer, both on war horses, opening
the festival and being presented his sword in the closing
ceremony. Children had the chance to form ranks for
a parade with Owain as he led them around the field
and the sight of the horses in full regalia was very
impressive.
'It's been a big hit,' said Eleanor,
The Sleeping Giant Foundation's Development Officer
and Festival Organiser, ' People have been saying how
much fun it has been and how informative it is. We've
had numerous comments on the welcoming, family friendly
atmosphere we've had on site. We'll definately be back
next year with a bigger and better festival.' Good to
hear, especially as last seen Eleanor was riding into
the hills on Owain Glyndwr's horse, being led by the
Prince himself!!
The festival closed with a spectacular
performance by Boys From The Hill that left no-one in
doubt that there are some very talented artists in our
valley. |
