Photo: Crown Square was a hive of activity as youngsters enjoyed the celebration with Welsh music
Denbigh celebrated in style at the beginning of March, as up to 700 children joined in the special Dydd Gwyl Ddewi Sant celebrations, thanks to the work of Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych, Denbigh Town Council and their partners.
The sun shone as the parade began its journey from the lower end of Vale Street amidst colourful flags, fun and excitement of the young crowd. Children, teaching staff, stewards and volunteers made their way up Stryd y Dyffryn as local residents and businesses came out to greet them and join in the celebrations of our national patron saint, Dewi Sant.
Leading the procession and ensuring the safety of all involved was North Wales Police. Two special young constables ‘Heddlu Bach’ from Ysgol Pendref supported the officers this year, Ojiugo,9 and Leon, 10. Both pupils from Denbigh were given an insight into the work of the police in Dinbych during the morning.
On Sgwâr y Goron, all 14 schools that had attended the event were warmly welcomed by radio presenter, Owain Llŷr and his DJ decks.
Photo: Year 7 pupils from Ysgol Glan Clwyd
Ruth Williams, from Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych said: “It was great to welcome the pupils and staff of Tremeirchion, Bro Cinmeirch, Cefn Meiriadog, Pendref, y Parc, Pant Pastynog, Henllan, Frongoch, Twm o’r Nant, Plas Brondyffryn and Glan Clwyd schools together with Coleg Myddelton back to us this year.
“Joining us for their first experience were pupils from Ysgol Trefnant and Ysgol Santes Ffraid / St Brigids (pictured below). It was lovely to welcome both schools for the first time to participate with us.
One volunteer member on the day was County Councillor Delyth Jones from Denbigh.
Delyth said: “It’s wonderful to be part of this special event. We are fortunate to have an active team at Menter Iaith who give children, young people and adults the opportunity to show pride in their Welshness.
“Giving pupils the platform to come together and celebrate St David’s Day within their community gives status to the occasion and reminds us all of the importance of giving children and young people the opportunity to use the Welsh language here in Denbigh.”
Ruth Williams said: “We are so dependent on the support of the community, and having individuals who support us as volunteers and stewards, is at the core of our activities. I am nearly certain that we have the largest ever number of volunteers and police officers working with us this year, so thank you!
“We are grateful to all the pupils and staff of the schools for their liaising and for their attendance. In addition, the support of Denbigh Town Council, Grŵp Cynefin, Lidl and North Wales Police is crucial to the success of the event, so thank you goes to them, also.”
At the end of the event two pupils from Ysgol Pendref, Jessica and Chantelle, aged 7, (pictured below) presented flowers on behalf of the crowd to show our appreciation to a representative of Denbigh Town Council, Councillor Roy Tickle.
Sqwâr y Goron was packed and the morning’s activities ended with the singing of the national anthem led by Owain Llŷr. St David’s flags were flying high in the air as everyone turned back towards their schools.
For images of the event and further information about Menter Iaith’s services in Denbighshire visit their Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page or visit the website. If you are interested in volunteering within your community or supporting the work of Menter Iaith financially, please contact Ruth Williams on 01745 812822 or ruth@misirddinbych.cymru.