About us

The Festival’s purpose is to encourage interest and enjoyment, mainly amongst children, relating  to Welsh history, and create unique opportunities to learn about characters and stories from the past; discover sites of historical importance, and celebrate Wales’ rich heritage. 

 

The festival was first held in September 2015, following one of the festival’s Board members, Eleri Twynog, seeing a performance for children,  based on the story of Henry Tudor, at Raglan Castle. It was a thrilling experience which planted the idea of holding an annual festival at locations all over Wales, to celebrate Welsh history. 

 

The festival is not for profit, and every September and October,  over a period of six weeks, heritage sites come to life with performances; workshops and exhibitions. As well as live events, many sessions are held online thus extending the festival’s reach and appeal. Since it’s inception, and with the support of many partners, the festival has co-ordinated hundreds of events and welcomed thousands of children to take part.

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Festival Board

Carys Howell - Carys has been very involved in the heritage and environment sector in Wales.  As part of her role as Public Affairs Manager for the National Trust she was responsible for overseeing education at National Trust properties in Wales. She is a trustee of Amgueddfa Cymru and was on the Wales committee of National Heritage Lottery Fund.  She currently sits on the advisory board of RSPB Cymru and Bwrdd Glandwr Cymru.

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Rheon Tomos - Originally from Llanrug, Gwynedd, Rheon’s work as an accountant led him to South Wales, where, over the last forty years, he has lived, worked and raised two boys.   Now a grandfather Rheon is still committed in giving every possible opportunity to the children of Wales to nuture their understanding of the importance of their country and culture. He is also a Trustee and Vice Chairman of Urdd Gobaith Cymru, Chair of the Advisory Board for the Centre for Welsh Learning, a Director of National Theatre Wales (Productions) Ltd,  a member of the Audit and Risk Committee of National Museum Wales and a Member of the Welsh Revenue Authority. 

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Phil Williams

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Nia Downes - Nia, who is originally from the village of Trefor at the foot of the Eifl, is Head Teacher at Ysgol Gymraeg Tonyrefail in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Her love for history began at Primary school, and she is passionate about the importance of teaching Welsh history to every child in Wales. 

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Eleri Twynog  - Former Head Of Marketing and Events at S4C, Eleri now combines her interest in history and theatre having set up her own company back in 2014 - Mewn Cymeriad/In Character. The company stages  shows on Welsh history and tour schools all over Wales.  

www.mewncymeriad.cymru