In 2002 a number of people came together to discuss starting a new festival in Llanrwst, that would happen in Welsh but would welcome everyone. It would be a festival that would offer a variety of entertainment – bands, drama, literature, – as well as various activities – football competitions, Pub games – and bring Welsh Heritage and traditions to our door step.
The result was Llanast Llanrwst, and the first one took place in pubs, schools, centers, fields and the streets of Llanrwst in 2003, for the youths and adults of all ages. It was an opportunity for learners, Welsh speakers and anyone who wanted to take part in the activities, watch, listen and for those who just wanted to come out and have a nose!
Llanast Llanrwst has happened every year since 2003. The festival has changed considerably in that time; it started as a week of activities with a magnificent ending on the last Saturday in November. One of Llanast Llanrwst’s original ideas was to expand the festival to be one program of activities throughout the year, and it is slowly progressing to be like that, as 2008 & 2009’s festival ran from October to the start of December.
Having started off with the financial and practical support from different establishments, by now the group operates completely voluntarily by the people of Llanrwst and the surrounding area. The group also collaborate with organizations like Dyffryn Conwy Mountain Biking Club, Nant Conwy Rugby Club, Dyffryn Conwy Folk Club, The Urdd, TWF, Schools, Local Businesses, Conwy Council, Menter Iaith Conwy, The Welsh Language Board and ‘Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin’.
We hope that Llanast Llanrwst will become a very stable group and will continue arranging activities in the town for years to come.
