The Gwyl Daniel Owen Festival returns to Mold this October for a week of arts, literature, and heritage in the name of Mold’s most famous son.

Here is what can be expected across the course of the festivities which will feature a range of activities and events.

Saturday, October 15

The festival’s opening event will be the colourful apple’s and dance; which will see apple pressing and traditional dancing come to Daniel Owen Square from 11am to 3pm.

The Relish Club, supported by North Wales Wildlife Trust and FlintShare will organise demonstrations of apple pressing and juices to sample.

This will be followed by a feast of traditional Morris dancing, hosted by Tegeingl Tanglers and guest team Malkin Morris Dancers who will be joined by Cambria Band with their stirring brand of Welsh marching music, and popular local choir Côr y Pentan.

Monday, October 17

The prestigious annual lecture will be presented on Monday by award winning author Rebecca Roberts, at 7.30pm in Bethesda Chapel Schoolroom.

Her theme ‘True to Nature’ considers the use of English in Welsh novels. The lecture in Welsh, with simultaneous translation into English, is at Bethesda Chapel Schoolroom and is kindly sponsored by Cymdeithas Wil Bryan.

Monday will also feature a historical walk to one of Mold’s significant locations – The Old Gaol.

Tuesday, October 18

Other events across the week of festivities include local historical walks which pays homage to Daniel Owen, hosted by the Clwydian Ramblers and Walkabout Flintshire which will feature locations which have had a significant economic impact on the area. Tuesday’s walk will be to Loggerheads and Maeshafn.

A ‘Poems and Pints’ open-mic event with real ale will also take place on Tuesday at 7.30pm at Y Pentan in Mold. Arranged in partnership with Pinboard Writers.

Wednesday, October 19

On Wednesday at 7.30pm, a presentation in English by Dr Robert Lomas, is about Daniel Owen’s development ‘From failed preacher to promising novelist’ and includes a rare opportunity to join a guided tour of Mold Masonic Hall.

Thursday, October 20

Thursday will see a fun quiz, the ‘Welsh Night Out’. Suitable for Intermediate and Welsh Learners, held at Mold Rugby Club at 8pm. Arranged jointly by Coleg Cambria, Menter Iaith Fflint a Wrecsam and the Centre for Learning Welsh.

Friday, October 21

Historical walks will continue Friday with a fascinating trip to the Rhydymwyn Valley site – another place with a firm place in Mold’s social and economic history

Saturday, October 22

The week of celebrations will culminate with ‘Every Now and Then’ - an afternoon of short performances by young people, exploring the past of Bailey Hill, as well as its present, written by Theatr Clwyd’s writers’ group, Cwils, which will be held on Saturday at 2pm on the Inner Bailey at Bailey Hill. Arranged in partnership with Theatr Clwyd and The Bailey Hill Project.

Everyone is welcome, with many events are free of charge with programme details outlined in the Festival leaflet, and on the Daniel Owen festival website www.danielowenfestival.com.

Alternatively, further information is available on Facebook and Twitter @DanielOwen1836.

Any questions can be answered via GwylDanielOwen@gmail.com or phone Mold Town Council on 01352 758532. 

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