FESTIVAL-lovers are being invited to follow in the footsteps of a Welsh 'rebel, nobleman and bard' as part of a brand new event. 

Gŵyl Dafydd ap Siencyn Festival will take place in Llanrwst between October 20 and October 22.

More than 500 years ago, Llanrwst, and the forest fortress of Gwydyr in the Conwy Valley, were home to a rebel, nobleman and bard, whose exploits, real or otherwise, have earned him the title of the Welsh Robin Hood: Dafydd ap Siencyn.

With this in mind, Llanrwst Town Council have created new festival which celebrates the people, nature, culture and history of a proud community.

Cllr Mostyn Jones, chair of the festival’s organising committee, said: “The community has been clear that our town should hold more events, create more activities for young people, and do more to celebrate the best of Llanrwst.

“I am delighted that we as a town council have been able to work with the community to create a truly unique festival.

“From mediaeval re-enactments to choirs of Merry Men, gigs to gravity scooter experiences, talks to massage therapy, an adventurous weekend has been scheduled for all to enjoy.

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“On behalf of the town council it is my pleasure to thank all who have cooperated with us to make this exciting new event possible and invite everyone to come along and follow in the footsteps of a rebel."

Full line up:

Friday Night:

Wine Tasting, Y Siop Win, Blas ar Fwyd, 7pm until 9pm (£25)

Gig, Llanrwst Club, 8pm until midnight (Free)

Saturday:

Announcement of the winners of the art and literature competitions, Ty’r Dref: 10am (Am ddim/Free)

Walking tour from the square to Caerdroia, Gwydyr Forest: 10.30am (Free)

Gravity Wheelers scooter experience, Caerdroia: 12pm (£15 single and £10 each for a party of 4)

Shuttle bus from Golygfa Gwydyr to Caerdroia: 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm (Free) 

Medieval re-enactment: Caerdroia: 12pm until 5pm (Free)

A forest of stories by a storyteller: Caerdroia 12pm until 5pm (Free)

Guided tour of Caerdroia: 12pm until 5pm (Free)

Massage Therapy: Golygfa Gwydyr, 12pm until 4pm (Book a slot at 12:00) (Free)

Forest Art Session: Golygfa Gwydyr, 12pm until 4pm (Am ddim/Free)

Wax Seal Project: supporting local businesses, Elusendai/Almshouses, 9.30am until 5pm (Am ddim/Free)

Presentation by Bleddyn Hughes about Dafydd ap Siencyn and St Grwst Church: Eglwys St Grwst Church, 12pm (Free)

Medieval Banquet: St Grwst Church

Gig: Nant Conwy Rugby Club

Sunday:

St Gwrst special service: Eglwys St Grwst Church: 9.30am (Free)

Gravity Wheelers scooter experience, Llyn Sarnau Lake (£35)

Wax Seal Project: supporting local businesses, Almshouses, 10.30am until 5pm (Free)

Medieval characters around the Town: Town centre (Free)

Live Forge on the square (Free)

Presentation by Myrddin ap Dafydd: Dafydd ap Siencyn Series: 11am, Glasdir (Free)

Wars of the Roses guided tour, Gwydir Castle: 2pm (£10:00)

Presentation by Daniel Casey about the soldiers of Llanrwst: St Grwst Church, 4pm (Free)

Festival Concert with CantiLena and CoRwst choirs: Seion Chapel (Tickets on the door)