Owain Glyndwr Festival

The Owain Glyndwr was set up by The Sleeping Giant Foundation in 2005 as a way of celebrating the talent of people living in the Swansea valley, increasing tourism and economy and as a way of educating and highlighting our history and culture. We chose Owain Glyndwr to represent our Festival as he was Wales' greatest Prince who still inspires people to this day. He knew that Wales held creative, artistic, musical, forward thinking people as we do today.

Music, Crafts and Art
The Festival gives an opportunity for local musicians, crafts people and artists to promote themselves and their products in a positive and encouraging environment. We welcome local bands and budding musicians to either have a spot at the festival or join in one of the many music jam sessions. Although we promote Welsh traditional music, it is not exclusively this that you hear at the Festival. We've had everything from rock to folk to gypsy jazz, but we do stress that the music has to be able to stand on its own acoustically.

We encourage local crafts people and artists to book a stall and sell, even if it is someone's first venture into selling their goods, as we keep stall prices to a minimum. To this end we do not offer stalls to big traders or those who buy their goods in bulk from abroad. You can be certain of finding unique gifts made locally when you browse at the craft fair.

Culture, Stories and History
We are all aware that the Swansea valley and surrounding area is a rich source of traditional tales including many from the Mabinogion. Storytelling is a big part of the Festival where these tales are brought to life and others devised.

The history of our area, and especially the medieval years when Owain Glyndwr ruled, is seldom taught. History is brought to life at the Festival with our medieval camp where people can learn about the Welsh longbow, what it was like on campaign, how knights fought on horseback and what it was really like to live in those days.

Food and Beer
The Festival is held in the grounds of the Ancient Briton Pub in Ynyswen, Swansea Valley which is a member of CAMRA and won their award in 2007. A real ale bar is on site for those who wish to sample Wales' finest and locally produced hot and cold food is served all day and into the night.

Family
To ensure that this Festival is available to our local community we heavily subsidise the running of it by applying for funding and from donations. We charge minimal entry fee and do not charge for children. Once inside parents know that their children will be safe and be entertained and educated in a friendly atmosphere.

Basic Camping is available, though we've been led to believe that a shower and loo block is on the way.