Gŵyl Ifan is the capital’s annual celebration of folk dancing. It’s an integral part of Welsh heritage which brings the colour, joy and excitement of Welsh dancing to the streets of Cardiff, welcoming folk dancers from Wales and across Europe in this midsummer festival.
The weekend’s festivities will begin on Friday night with the public twmpath (or ceilidh in Irish) in the Angel Hotel in the city centre. This starts at 8pm. Then on Saturday 25 June, everyone taking part will head from the Angel Hotel, processing through the city, stopping to dance outside the New Library and St John’s Church at approximately 11am. The procession then walks on to City Hall for the raising of the summer pole, followed by mass dancing. The dancing then continues from 2pm until 4pm at the National History Museum in St Fagans. This year the festival also welcomes dancers from Holland, Brittany and South of France to enjoy a weekend of folk dancing in Cardiff.
A staple in Welsh dance tradition, the festival has been held annually since 1977 and encourages people from all over Wales and further afield to come and dance, whether you’re experienced or trying out your dancing shoes for the very first time.
Welsh Folk Dance Festival – Gŵyl Ifan, Angel Hotel, Cardiff, Fri 24-Sun 26 Jun. Tickets: £8.00 on the door or £7.00 if bought beforehand. Info: www.gwylifan.org
