Gwerin Iau

Our 3-Day Residential Junior Folk Course

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. 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. In the words of tutor 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.”

The children have a chance to learn with some of the Welsh folk tradition’s brightest stars! 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. 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.

Booking & Bursaries

This course is fully inclusive - the cost includes all meals, accommodation, and tuition. The standard weekend ticket price is £180, there are 5 bursaries available to attend the course at a discounted fee of £50 for economically disadvantaged participants. Email jordan@trac-cymru.org for more information!