NHS celebrates 70 years with month-long festival

ON July 5, 1948, one of the biggest ideas ever to come out of Wales was born. The brainchild of Ebbw Vale MP and the UK’s Health Minister Aneurin “Nye” Bevan, the National Health Service was a revolutionary idea, formed along with the Welfare State during Britain’s austere post-war period, and under the principle of collective responsibility.

National Theatre Wales will celebrate the National Health Service’s 70th birthday in July 2018 with a month-long, multi-artform NHS70 Festival, inspired by the staff and patients of this unique institution.

This country-wide festival will feature productions and events made and performed in locations across Wales, including hospitals, schools, hydrotherapy pools and arts venues – all celebrating one of Wales’ best exports.

A performance will also take place in Tredegar, the birthplace of the NHS’ founder, Aneurin “Nye” Bevan. This pan-Wales festival which pays tribute to the NHS will feature productions and events, taking in new writing, sensory and immersive theatre, dance, music and live comedy.

Book your tickets, sing along with Gruff Rhys and join NTW as it celebrates the birth of one of Wales’ best exports.

For more information about and to book tickets, www.nationaltheatre wales.org. Follow National Theatre Wales via @ntwtweets / #NTWNHS70