For the second consecutive year, Bethesda and the surrounding area will be hosting Gŵyl Gwenllian with a variety of events being held between Thursday 11th and Sunday 13th June 2021.
With the easing of social distencing, face to face events are held including an arts and literature workshop for children, a presentation on Gwenllian’s history by the bard and local historian, Ieuan Wyn and a walking tour around the ruins of Garth Celyn –Gwenllian’s birthplace –in the company of Rhys Mwyn the archaeologist.
A live gig will be held at Neuadd Ogwen with Gwilym Bowen Rhys and ‘Pesda’s own Neil ‘Maffia’. Tickets on sale via Neuadd Ogwen – be quick as numbers are limited!Full details available at Gwenllian Festival ’21 Facebook page
Gŵyl Gwenllian held by Partneriaeth Ogwen, Y Carneddau Landscape Partnership, Dyffryn Gwyrdd, Neuadd Ogwen, Menter Iaith Bangor and Hunaniaith (Menter Iaith Gwynedd)
Who was Gwenllian?The 12th of June is the birthdate of Princess Gwenllian, the daughter of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (‘Ein Llyw Olaf’) who was abducted as a baby from her home and family in Garth Celyn (Abergwyngregyn). She spent the rest of her life ina priory in Sempringham, England until her death at 54 years of age. She died on this day, 7th June. It’sunlikelyshe remembered any Welsh and spelt her name as ‘Wentliane’.
On 26th September 2009, Carnedd Uchaf in Snowdonia was renamed Carnedd Gwenllian following a campaign by The Princess Gwenllian Society. Carnedd Gwenllian stands next to Carnedd Llywelyn, Carnedd Dafydd and Yr Elen, as a timeless reminder to the history of the Gwynedd and wales Princes and Princesses. Bethesda, the slate mining town stands at the foot of this mountain range.