THIS APRIL, experience a vibrant celebration of Welsh culture and creativity at the colourful ‘Gorymdaith y Gwanwyn’ (Spring Promenade), taking place on Sunday, 13 April, at the picturesque Dinefwr Estate, near Llandeilo. Developing on the success of the event last year, National Trust Cymru invites visitors to promenade alongside puppets and spectacularly costumed characters, before enjoying a performance of Mari Ha! by the Welsh dancer Osian Meilir.
This event brings a fresh artistic perspective to the cherished Welsh tradition of ‘Sul y Blodau’ (Flowering Sunday). Sul y Blodau, traditionally a day to honour loved ones by decorating graves with flowers, serves as the perfect backdrop for this exciting occasion.
Visitors are encouraged to come dressed in their Sunday best or flowery finery and revel in the spirit of spring at Dinefwr’s stunning parkland and estate.
The promenade will unveil fantastic new costumes inspired by Dinefwr’s birdlife, including an especially commissioned costume created by artist Ren Wolfe and celebrating a breeding pair of great white egrets that have settled in the grounds.
This event promises to bring the community together, and this starts with the creation of the costumes. Together with members of the public, artist Ren Wolfe will be creating a giant collaborative bird puppet as well as whimsical bird masks to feature in the promenade.
Carmarthenshire-based artist Ami Marsden is also working with three local schools to create masks and costumes for the day. Elements of the parade will then be on display as part of estate’s fun-filled Easter trail that continues until 21 April.
Working with artist Paisley Randell Shillabeer, a new choir has been brought together for Dinefwr who will sing adaptations of Welsh folk songs to inspire and entertain participants on the day,
The promenade will also feature a performance of Mari Ha! an energetic contemporary dance performance by Osian Meilir, creator of the critically acclaimed ‘Qwerin’. This dance will be a spring spectacle that fuses Welsh traditions with contemporary dance and costume. Expect a dynamic exploration of Welsh folklore brought to life through energetic movement and spectacular, colourful costumes created by artist Becky Davies.
Kathryn Campbell, Programming & Partnerships Officer for National Trust Cymru at Dinefwr said: “We are so excited for this event. Not only will Gorymdaith y Gwanwyn will be a reimagining of a Welsh cultural tradition, but we’re also celebrating a living, breathing, evolving tradition that continues to bring people together in Llandeilo.
“The promenade is for everyone who wants to come along. This year, we have particularly been working with artists and communities who are members of the LGBTQ+ community to create the event.”
Gorymdaith y Gwanwyn will celebrate not only the natural beauty of spring but also Welsh culture, biodiversity, and the importance of community. The promenade starts at 1:45pm on Sunday, April 13, starting at the Oak Yard in Dinefwr, taking an accessible loop around Newton House and into the formal garden where the finale performance takes place.
