On Saturday morning, 29 September, Cardigan town came to a virtual standstill as over 100 school children came together to perform a Flashmob. The Flashmob dance was created as part of the town’s Gŵyl y Cynhaeaf (translated as Harvest Festival) programme of events to celebrate Welsh culture with performances taking place on the Quayside, in the Castle and on the town square. The dance was performed to the music of local band Ail Symudiad.
Pupils from primary schools including Aberporth, Cardigan, Beulah, Cenarth, Llechryd, Penparc and T.Llew Jones had been preparing over recent weeks in their individual schools with a group rehearsal at Cardigan Castle on the Thursday before the performance.
The idea for a Flashmob came from the Gŵyl y Cynhaeaf committee with support from Cered: Ceredigion’s Welsh Language Initiative. The dance itself was created by Theatr Felinfach’s Creative Officers Lowri Briddon and Sioned Thomas who were also responsible for teaching the children.
Using the music of local group, Ail Symudiad was not only an opportunity to raise the children’s awareness of Welsh music but a means of noting the fact that the band are celebrating their 40th year this year.
Cered Manager, Non Davies said, “It was great to see so many local children performing together accompanied by Welsh music. The event succeeded in drawing a large audience not only of parents and teachers but of visitors along with Saturday morning shoppers eager to see what all the fuss about. Hearing Ail Symudiad music echoing around town was a bonus.
“This is the third Gwyl y Cynhaeaf to be held in the town. The aim of the annual festival is to create opportunities for local people to enjoy Welsh culture via a variety of media whether it is art, poetry, literature or music. The Flashmob was a completely new experience but one that has no doubt created a lasting impression.”
03/10/2018