Weekend of joyous events and social reawakening
OVER the weekend, I had the huge pleasure of attending a number of different events in our area which symbolised a joyous social reawakening after the difficult past two years.
They were also inspiring examples of the vibrant contemporary Welsh way of life that we are privileged to enjoy in our area.
The Caernarfon Food Festival returned after three years. We gathered in our thousands under beautiful blue skies.
There was a special buzz and bustle the length and breadth of the town.
This was the fifth festival after a gap due to Covid lock-downs. There were 130 stalls.
There was food and drink but also all sorts of local, small businesses set up stall to sell their wares – from bags made from old sails to flagrant candles unique to Snowdonia.
There were four stages and 24 performers – bands and choirs, local school children and young dancers.
The conversations flowed freely, mainly through the medium of Welsh – the first language of most people in this area.
The natural living language of our towns and villages.
Over in Bangor, the Friends of the Pier had organised a Fun Day to celebrate the 126th birthday of Garth Pier, Bangor.
The Pier has recently been voted Pier of the Year and Bangor City Council and all the volunteers are to be congratulated on their fantastic achievements.
I joined the Fun Day on the restored pier in such a beautiful location.
I also had the privilege to attend live theatre.
Theatr Bara Caws are touring with Drarenen Ddu, an adaptation by local author Angharad Tomes of the drama Blackthorn by Charley Mills.
A timely drama about growing up in rural Wales with emotive performances by local actors.
I spent a leisurely afternoon in the Shed, Felinheli last Sunday.
A few hours of acoustic sets with Achlysurol, Elis Derby, Kim Hon and Papur Wal.
Talented young musicians who attended schools in the area. A joyous gathering to appreciate contemporary Welsh music and socialise – through the medium of our first language.
These are just some examples of what can be found every week in Arfon and post-Covid we are re-discovering and enjoying our local, vibrant social scene.
As we enjoy, we must also celebrate our unique and contemporary Welsh-medium cultural, urban scene.
Thank you to all the partners involved in organising events that contribute to this vibrancy – especially the huge number of volunteers associated with the abundance of activities in this area.
But most of all, thank you, the people of Arfon, for continuing to embrace our very special way of life.