This was the first time the festival had been held to celebrate the contribution of Hedd Wyn to Welsh language literature. The event was supported by the Gwynedd Literature Promotion Initiative, a joint initiative between the Academi and Gwynedd Council.

There was an excellent response to the Hedd Wyn Festival and Trawsfynydd village Hall was full with people from the local area and from afar on Saturday, 2 December, listening to Professor Gwyn Thomas and Huw Garmon discussing the work of Hedd Wyn. Many stayed to watch the film and enjoy tea and cakes.

Despite the stormy weather on Saturday night a small crowd came together to listen to John Ogwen and Maureen Rhys’ portrait and a few songs by Band Arall in a cozy gathering in the Oakeley Arms Maentwrog.

Although the unfavorable weather lasted until Sunday a good crowd of people ventured on the walk in the company of Dewi Prysor, a native of Cwm Prysor, through the fields to Yr Ysgwrn and was given a talk about Hedd Wyn’s home and was shown y Gadair Ddu (the Eisteddfod Chair won by Hedd Wyn).

Gwen Lasarus, Gwynedd’s Literature Promoter, said:

“It was extremely heartening to hear that many were interested in organizing an annual Hedd Wyn festival. I would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in taking part in the organizing, on (01286) 679 465, or by e-mail: gwenlasarus@gwynedd.gov.uk”