The two villages will host a full set of events for the first time in two years – we have all the details
THIS year’s Whitchurch and Tongywnlais Festival will go ahead after a two-year break due to Covid.
The festival will run from June 24 to July 2 and the organisers have revealed some of the events that will take place.
The Whitchurch fete will take place on July 2 on Whitchurch Common and the Tongywnlais Sunset Fair is scheduled for June 24.
Conservative councillor Linda Morgan, who chairs the festival’s committee, told The Cardiffian: “It’s a big thing, and we’re looking this year to also have a music festival and a talent show, as well as historical walks, quiz nights and band nights.
“There’s something on every night, and we try to reach all ages in the community and make sure there’s something for everybody.
“The teenage group is the hardest because gone are the days of village hall dances – but we try and do as many things as we can, just to brighten up the village!”
Also set to return is the Tongwynlais Cycle Hill Climb, organised by the plan2ride cycle shop in Tongwynlais.
All of these events will be subject to any changes in Covid restrictions.
For the last two years, Welsh Government restrictions prevented the festival from going ahead. Last year’s festival was reduced to a historical walk and a treasure hunt.
The last full festival was held in 2019 and included live entertainment, a duck race, a quiz night, performances from students at Jo’s Dancing Academy, and an art exhibition opened by then-Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Councillor Daniel De’Ath.
This year, the festival’s committee of volunteers will play a key role in returning to a full offering of events.
Ann Sullivan was on the committee of the first ever Whitchurch and Tongwynlais Festival in the late 1970s. She said: “We met in the community centre, about a dozen of us. It was hard work for sure.
“I took all the minutes of the meetings. I also organised two fetes at Whitchurch hospital when I worked there, and the street party at Coryton for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee.
“I think it is beneficial for the whole community to have these events.”
The founder of this committee was Coun Morgan’s late father Winston Griffiths.
Coun Morgan said: “In those days, it was only in Whitchurch, and since then people have asked me to put on a festival in Ton, so I combined it. Although I’m the spearhead and organise quite a bit of it now, I’ve got a fantastic committee including Keith Moger who I couldn’t do it without. Councillor Mike Phillips also does a lot of work, and we have a number of other dynamic volunteers.
“We’re not living in the same world my father was part of, but we do tend to be fairly well-supported.
“I always tell people: please don’t be afraid to give us ideas and tell us what you think. I’ve always loved community stuff, and I love Whitchurch and Tongwynlais.”
- Volunteers looking to get involved can contact Councillor Linda Morgan on 07779 975476.
- For updates about the festival, follow the Councillors’ Facebook page and the Tongwynlais website.
- Whitchurch and Tongwynlais residents should also keep an eye out for upcoming announcements about events to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
