5th Owain Glyndwr Festival
18th, 19th & 20th September 2009
The Ancient Briton, Pen y Cae, Upper Swansea Valley

Fine weather again attracted record crowds and the giant Cribarth looked down upon a colourful spectacle of a busy medieval scene, in the beautiful rural setting of the Ancient Briton in the Upper Swansea valley.

Lazarus and the Lambs had people dancing, clapping and singing to the newly composed Owain Glyndwr song and many talented singers and musicians joined them on the Friday evening stage, making merry, ready to welcome Owain Glyndwr. Real ale and good food from Govinda’s, S.Hughes and A. Howells replenished all.

Saturday saw the Prince and his escort greeted on site by Merlin (Jimmy Juggle) and exchange his personal standard for a gleaming sword crafted by Blacksmith (Jason Gardiner). Craft stalls mingled with Voluntary Organisations; Jimmy Juggle demonstrated circus skills; Nick Waller’s Play Supply team initiated medieval play activities, weaving a tableau for the Prince. MC, Owen Staton, captivated audiences with local myths and legends; the Gyrlais choir and Fiddlebox delighted all with their musical repertoire. Visitors wandered through authentic encampments of the Knights of the Freemen of Gwent and the Meibion y Ddraig Archers, and watched re-enactment displays from Horses through History.

Saturday evening brought a hog roast and traditional Celidh dancing with the Bear Band; gipsy jazz from Esinti and Appalacian folk from the Foundlings.

The medieval scene was recreated on Sunday with smoking campfires, colourful standards, the sound of battle and metal-working, mingling with Triphlyg’s harps, and the swinging Philanderers. Then the final Children’s Parade closing ‘the best little Owain Glyndwr Festival in Wales’.

Sponsored by:

Glantawe Lions Club

'Improving lives in coalfield communities'
COAL INDUSTRY SOCIAL WELFARE ORGANISATION. The Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation is a UK wide charity delivering community and welfare services to former mining communities, we offer advice and practical assistance to former mineworkers and their dependants. We offer, bereavement advice and support, financial assistance for those facing hardship, help with independent living and assistance with convalescence. Our contact telephone number is 01443 485233'