Taliesin Festival, July 28, 2007
July 28th – Llyn Geirionydd – Llanrhychwyn
Report by Liz Noonan, Golygfa Gwydyr
On site at 8:30 am to let the boys from Trefriw Village Fete bring in and set up the marquee next to the Taliesin monument on a hill overlooking Llyn Geirionydd– which is said to be the birthplace of the Bard in the sixth century. It was a glorious sunny day – the first in over a month. – new friendships were started and a group spirit was born to create future events that celebrate the beauty, history and language of this magical pocket of North Wales.
Alan Collinson held a drumming workshop next to the monument and explained that the Welsh drum we were using would have been played by Taliesin all those centuries ago –the Welsh form of drumming had always been used to add to the atmosphere of stories and songs of that time up till now.
The Celtic Cauldron performed a play about Ceridwen with the local children and storytellers who came to take part. There was a colourful procession down to the lake and back acting out the story of Ceridwen and the birth of Taliesin.
A lovely lunch was brought and shared by everyone who attended in the marquee and walkers came by to show their interest in what looked to them like a happy, family orientated festival.
Rhys Mwyn, a well known Welsh musician, gave a talk on Gwilym Cowlyd who had staged Arwests at this location from 1863 – 1921. He explained what a radical thing this was for him to do all those years ago – sometimes even making the performers walk a few miles uphill from Llanrwst to the beautiful site. He believed that the spirit of the traditional songs and poems should be in the open air – whatever the weather!
Rhys brought a copy of a poster promoting the Arwest and an original medal (which had been recycled from another use as a war medal) and a book on the life of Gwilym Cowlyd.
Fiona Collins sang a song about Rhiannon and her birds –Myfanwy sang songs and recited poetry. Alan Collinson played his drum and sang a song with other story tellers taking it in turn to give beautiful renditions of stories of love and kindness.
After goodbyes the marquee was taken down and by 5:30 it was as though nothing had occurred on that magical spot.
Golygfa Gwydyr would like to thank Celtic Cauldron and all those who supported us at this event. It was a wonderful day which we hope to make into an annual event. See you next year.
