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Nabod Blaenau - What a Weekend!

What a weekend! At the end of September, independence supporters from near and far gathered for the Nabod Cymru festival, organised by YesCymru Bro Ffestiniog.

The weekend kicked off with the first night of the latest series of the popular Caban evenings, held at CellB in Blaenau Ffestiniog to accommodate a larger audience.

Many supporters came from Merthyr Tydfil and others from Caernarfon, with Caernarfon attendees inspired to organise their own weekend event in the future! Others came from Denbigh, Flintshire, and many other areas, joining local members and supporters to fill the large room of the old magistrates' court. They were treated to an evening of exceptional music by Gai Toms, whose heartfelt introductions to each song resonated deeply with the crowd. Local MP, Liz Saville Roberts, also delivered an impassioned and engaging talk. The event was complemented by delicious offerings from Pizza Stiniog and the local Breton crepe company, Cwt Carlwm. After Gai’s second set, which had the audience singing along, an informal session of communal singing in the bar led to a grand finale singalong at the Meirion, led by folk singer Gwilym Bowen Rhys.

Despite a late night for some, a good crowd gathered the next morning for a relaxing breakfast at Caffi Mari, which generously offered a 10% discount for independence supporters. After breakfast, the group split into two. Some joined Dafydd Roberts on a walk to Cwmorthin, where they learned about the valley’s history and the work of Cymdeithas Archeoleg Bro Ffestiniog in preserving and excavating its buildings. Meanwhile, the rest took part in a community initiatives tour, led by Ceri Cunnington, visiting sites such as Antur Stiniog, Y Dref Werdd, and Cwmni Bro Ffestiniog.

 

 

Later, at Siop Lyfrau’r Hen Bost, novelist Dewi Prysor engaged in a discussion with Delyth Gray about his creative work, with the audience joining in over tea and Welsh cakes. The group then moved to Tŷ Coffi Antur Stiniog for a passionate and honest discussion on Wales’s future and what independence would mean for us as a nation. The panel included county councillor Elfed Wyn ap Elwyn, member of the Senedd Mabon ap Gwynfor, Gaynor Jones from YesCymru, and Colin Nosworthy from the independence think tank, Melin Drafod. The discussion was moderated by Cadi Dafydd from Golwg360.

The weekend ended on a high note with a lively night of music and singing at the Pengwern, courtesy of the instrumental group 'Acordions Dros Annibyniaeth'. The pub was packed, and everyone joined in the singing, bringing the weekend to a memorable close.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making this an incredible weekend, and to all who came to support!

This is a translation of a piece written for Llafar Bro, the local newspaper for the Ffestiniog area.

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