St David’s Day Parade Returns to the Bay
The Colwyn Bay St David’s Day parade was able to go ahead this year after the 2021 event had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. Over 250 school children took part, led by members of the new Knights of Snowdon Corps of Drums, the Mayor and local dignitaries. The event, which was organised jointly by the Bay of Colwyn Town Council and Imagine Colwyn Bay, began at Queens Gardens and paraded through the town, delighting market goers. Market Manager Stella McClure said ‘It was wonderful and uplifting to see all the children and local people out celebrating St. David’s Day, really great for our traders and the town’.
The parade wound its way through the town to the gardens of St. Pauls Church, where respected former Headteacher and choir conductor Dilwyn Price led a rousing rendition of the National Anthem. Dilwyn said “it was wonderful to be a part of the celebration. The sun shone and the children’s enthusiasm and behaviour was a credit to their schools, especially after the challenges of the last 2 years”.
The event was a real community effort with Together For Colwyn Bay making use of the laser cutter at the M-SParc Maker Space on Conway Rd, to create recycled, cardboard cut-out daffodils which were handed out to the children. Dafydd Rhys, Headteacher at Ysgol Bod Alaw commented ‘What a lovely morning and a brilliant St David’s Day parade, a big thank you to the organisers. Our year 4, 5 and 6 pupils thoroughly enjoyed themselves’.
Bay of Colwyn Town Clerk, Tina Earley said ‘This event wouldn’t have been possible without our brilliant community coming together – thank you to our volunteer stewards from the Town Council and St David’s Hospice, the Corps of Drums, St John Ambulance, the Mayoral party and local dignitaries who supported the event.’
Helen Jackson, Programme Coordinator from Conwy County Borough Council said ‘Imagine Colwyn Bay, which has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the last 3 years is coming to an end this month. This event has been a celebratory close to the project epitomising the passion local people have for our town’.
There is a newly formed Colwyn Town Team that is aiming to bring more cultural events and community activities to Colwyn Bay. If any local business or individuals would like to be involved please do get in touch by emailing [email protected] or phoning 01492 574253
Photo Credits: Hedd F Williams
