Gwerinwyr Gwent

Gwerinwyr Gwent was formed in 1976 by eight people from the Gwent area who were interested in reviving the tradition of Welsh folk dancing.The name of the team can be translated as "folk of Gwent".   Our costume is made from traditional Welsh flannel in a variety of colours and patterns, as we think of ourselves as people from different areas of Gwent coming together to enjoy dancing.   We perform dances which vary from slow, courtly dances to the faster fair dances and also include clog dances. Since our formation, members of the team have taken part in several eisteddfods and  also in festivals, both in Wales and overseas. As a result of this we have hosted many foreign teams on their visits to Wales.   We are often to be seen dancing out of doors in the summer, and we are well known  for organising Twmpaths and Noson Lawen evenings. In 1981, Gwerinwyr Gwent started a festival of Welsh folk dance for children, Gwyl Plant Gwent. The eight schools who originally took part have now grown to over a hundred schools. Over a thousand children take part in our annual festivals in the centre of Cwmbran, Newport, Abertillery and Abergavenny each summer.   Gwyl Plant Gwent led to the formation of Gwyl Plant Cymru in 1992, when children from all over Wales come together to enjoy Welsh folk dance  Our group meets in Bassaleg, Newport on Thursdays, 8.15 - 10 pm. We are a very friendly group and are always pleased to welcome new dancers and musicians.   For further details please contact Mrs Nerys Lines, 5 Hawthorn Close, Magor NP6 3JY