Historic Church Hosts Festival for Iolo Morganwg's Bicentenary
A one-day festival of words and music will take place at the historic St Illtud's Church in Llantwit Major, marking the bicentenary of Iolo Morganwg, also known as Edward Williams. He is recognized as one of Wales's most influential, imaginative, and controversial cultural figures. While denounced as a forger in the past, recent scholars like Professor Geraint H Jenkins have hailed him as "The most interesting man in Welsh history."
Significance of the Location
The festival, scheduled for Saturday, March 7, is set in a place of deep personal significance to Iolo's life and legacy. As a young stonemason, he practiced his craft here, recovered the Samson Stone, and his beloved daughter, Margaret, is buried just outside the Galilee Chapel. Kath Giblin, owner of Bardic Books and the event organiser, emphasized the fitting nature of celebrating Iolo in this location, stating it brings his story back to its roots and reflects the richness and contradictions of his legacy.
Diverse Programme Highlights
The programme is divided into three distinct sessions combining drama, scholarship, music, and contemporary writing. The festival opens with the premiere matinee reading of Gareth Thomas's play, Peggy Roberts and Her Husband, featuring Eiry Palfrey as Peggy Roberts and Danny Grehan as Iolo Morganwg, with music by Wil Morus Jones. This play offers an intimate perspective on Iolo's domestic life, as noted by playwright Gareth Thomas, who aimed to explore Iolo through his closest relationship.
Following this, a discussion between two of Wales's foremost scholars, Professor Mary-Ann Constantine and Professor Damian Walford-Davies, will examine Iolo Morganwg's literary, cultural, and political legacy. They will address both his visionary achievements and the controversies that continue to shape his reputation.
The day concludes with an evening of music and words celebrating Iolo, featuring traditional musicians like Guto Dafis and Bob Evans performing folk ballads collected by Iolo. Additionally, the official launch of The Honest Forger: An Anthology of Writing to Celebrate the Life of Iolo Morganwg will include readings from contemporary writers such as Gwyneth Lewis and Peter Finch.
Community and Historical Impact
Local historian Phil Carradice praised Iolo as a remarkable man who has polarized opinion over the past 200 years, emphasizing his role in preserving the concept of 'Welshness.' Phil Cope of Culture and Democracy Press highlighted that the festival promises to be a major event of the bicentenary year, with its diverse offerings.
Tickets are priced at £10 per event and are available from Bardic Books in Church Street, Llantwit Major, or via the event's online platform. For more information, contact organiser Kath Giblin at the provided email addresses.
