Sesiwn Fawr Dolgellau facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sesiwn Fawr Dolgellau |
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Dolgellau bridge during Sesiwn Fawr
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| Status | Active |
| Genre | World music |
| Frequency | Annually (July) |
| Location(s) | Dolgellau, Wales |
| Inaugurated | 1992 |
Sesiwn Fawr Dolgellau is a fun music festival that takes place every year in the town of Dolgellau in Wales. It's a "world music" event, which means you can hear many different kinds of music from all over the globe. The festival started in 1992. It was created by five people: Ywain Myfyr, Huw Dylan Owen, Esyllt Jones, Elfed ap Gomer, and Alun Owen. When it first began, the festival was held right in the streets of Dolgellau.
Contents
The Festival's Journey
Early Years and Growth
From 2002 to 2008, Sesiwn Fawr Dolgellau moved to a bigger area. This new spot was called Marian Mawr, a large grassy field next to the Afon Wnion river. During these years, the festival became very popular. It attracted huge crowds, with about 5,000 people attending each year. This was a very successful time for the event.
A Short Break and Return
In 2007 and 2008, the festival faced some challenges. Bad weather affected ticket sales, and like many other festivals in Wales, Sesiwn Fawr did not happen in 2009. However, the festival made a comeback in 2011. It was a bit smaller than before, but it went back to its original style from the early 1990s. The organizers decided to focus more on folk music.
Back to Its Roots
The 2011 festival featured popular folk bands like Mynediad am Ddim, Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog, Calan, and Steve Eaves. There was also a "twmpath dawns," which is a big community folk dance, held in Eldon Square. People really enjoyed the new format, so the organizers decided to keep it similar for 2012.
Since 2012, Sesiwn Fawr has mostly been held in Eldon Square. This spot is considered the festival's true home. The festival has welcomed bands from Wales, Brittany, Ireland, Scotland, and England. Over the years, organizers have also used other interesting places in Dolgellau for performances. They have used hidden courtyards, cellar bars, and coffee shops. This helped to rebuild the festival around Dolgellau's beautiful old buildings.
Amazing Performers
Many famous artists and bands have performed at Sesiwn Fawr Dolgellau over the years. Some of these include Super Furry Animals, Steve Earle, The Dubliners, Iwcs a Doyle, Burning Spear, Bob Geldof, Saw Doctors, Bryn Fôn, Meic Stevens, Geraint Jarman a'r Cynghaneddwyr, Derwyddon Dr Gonzo, Grupo Fantasma, Paul Dooley, N'Faly Kouyate, Endaf Emlyn, Cerys Matthews, and Goldie Lookin Chain.
Awards and Recognition
In 2000, the Sesiwn Fawr Dolgellau folk festival won a special award. It was named the Welsh Event of the Year by the Wales Tourist Board. This award was sponsored by This Week, a national tourism newspaper for Wales. The festival was even called The Greatest Show in Wales!
Images for kids
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Cywion Cranogwen performing at Dolgellau in 2018
