Dinbych gave a celebratory feel to Dydd Gŵyl Ddewi celebrations on Wednesday 1 of March, as over 500 youngsters marched up Vale Street in procession, led by Band Cambria’s upbeat sounds.
The event, arranged in partnership between Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych, Grŵp Cynefin, Denbigh Town Council and Urdd Gobaith Cymru with support from North Wales Police brought school children from primary and secondary schools in Denbigh and the surrounding area together to celebrate Wales’ national patron saint, St Davids.
Leading the way from Lidl car park up Vale Street with the towns folk and businesses gathered to support and enjoy the celebrations, Denbigh High School’s year 7 pupils joined the procession for the first time this year. In another first for the event, Popeth Cymraeg’s adult learners joined the procession to savour the Welsh atmosphere created on the streets of Denbigh.
Also in attendance were pupils from Ysgol Gymraeg Henllan; Twm o’r Nant; Bro Cinmeirch; Pant Pastynog; Tremeirchion; Cefn Meiriadog, Pendref, Frongoch and Myddelton College.
Ruth Williams, Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych said: “We are delighted to see so many youngsters joining us to mark Dydd Gŵyl Ddewi. The support from the schools and their staff members to the celebration is to be congratulated.
“Marking Dydd Gŵyl Ddewi is one of the highlights of our calendar year, and we are proud to give youngsters the opportunity to identify with their heritage, language and culture. The team involved in organising and our partners thoroughly enjoyed the procession and we are grateful to everyone for their support. Diolch Dinbych!”
Ffion Pittendreigh, from Grŵp Cynefin’s Community Initatives team said: “Grŵp Cynefin is delighted to be part of this event in Denbigh and we are proud to give pupils from primary and secondary schools the opportunity to attend and mark St David’s Day in this wonderful atmosphere.
Alyn Ashworth, Denbigh Town Mayor received a bunch of leeks from two secondary Denbigh High School pupils to mark the occasion outside the town hall. With Band Cambria accompanying the crowd, the youngsters sang Dafydd Iwan’s well known song ‘Yma o Hyd’ and Wales’ national anthem to conclude the gathering at the top of town.
Dywedodd Alyn Ashworth: “Cawsom fore hyfryd a dwi’n falch bod trigolion Dinbych wedi dod allan i gefnogi’r Alyn Ashworth said: “We had a delightful morning and I am proud that Denbigh came out to support the event and mark this special occasion. A huge thank you goes to Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych and all the partners for their diligent organisational skills. Everyone left Denbigh in high spirits, ready for more St David’s Day celebrations in their own individual schools.”
To see a video of the procession, click here.