Following the success of our youth folk course Gwerin Gwallgo, we developed Gwerin Iau, a weekend course for younger folks aged 8-13 year old. Here, they can learn singing, clogging and instrumental skills with experienced and popular tutors. Before Covid, it was an annual residential weekend held in the glorious setting of the Urdd centre at Glan-llyn near Bala in north Wales. Plans are currently afoot for shorter, more local provision!
In the words of course leader Angharad Jenkins, “Gwerin Iau offers so much more than educating about Welsh music and traditional arts – it develops children’s confidence, social skills, and general life skills while they’re having fun.” Just take a look at the video below and you’ll see what an inspiring time they had. For more Gwerin Iau videos, head to our youtube channel!
The children have a chance to learn with some of the Welsh folk tradition’s brightest stars, including Angharad Jenkins and Bethan Rhiannon of Calan, Sioned Webb, Branwen Haf Williams, Mair Tomos Ifans, and Tudur Phillips. For the instrumental option, children must be able to play their instrument as the course involves learning tunes by ear (and so, is not suitable for complete beginners.)
The course tutors are always specialists in presenting music and folk dance to children of all ages. Children can focus on playing an instrument, singing or step dancing (clogging), while making new friends and developing new skills. When held at Glan-Llyn, there are opportunities to take part in the centre’s exciting outdoor activities, from canoeing, high ropes, and climbing, to ten pin bowling and swimming.
Booking & Bursaries
Booking is currently closed, but when tickets are live again you can find a link here. This course is fully inclusive - the cost includes all meals, accommodation, and tuition. The standard weekend ticket price is £160. Trac Cymru offers a selection of bursaries for young people who face barriers to accessing residential courses. Please contact trac@trac-cymru.org for more information.
From the children’s feedback, one of the most important things about this course is the chance to make new friends. Many of the children like the fact that the course brings together children from north and south Wales, and that they’re able to learn traditional music by ear, in an informal setting. Check out what else young folk tell us about the course below!