Denbigh celebrated in style on the 1st of March, as up to 700 children joined in the special Dydd Gwyl Ddewi Sant celebrations, thanks to the work of Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych, Denbigh Town Council and their partners.
The sun came out as the morning progressed and the parade began its journey from lower Vale Street amidst the fun, colourful banners and excitement of the crowd.
Children, teaching staff, stewards and volunteers made their way up Stryd y Dyffryn as local residents and businesses came out to greet them and join in the celebrations of our national patron saint, Dewi Sant.
North Wales Police project 'Heddlu Bach' saw Zacharay and Maisie from Ysgol Pendref supporting the event
Leading the procession and ensuring the safety of all involved was North Wales Police. Two special young constables ‘Heddlu Bach’ from Ysgol Pendref supported the police this year, Zacharay and Maisie. Both are being given an insight into the work of the police in Dinbych.
Denbigh's Sgwâr y Goron saw everyone enjoying the Welsh music to celebrate St David's Day.
On Sgwâr y Goron, the 12 schools that had attended the event were warmly welcomed by radio presenter, Owain Llŷr and his DJ decks.
Ruth Williams, from Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych said: "It was great to welcome back pupils and staff from Tremeirchion, Bro Cinmeirch, Cefnmeiriadog, Pendref, Pant Pastynog, Henllan, Frongoch, Twm o'r Nant, Coleg Myddelton, and Denbigh High schools.
"For the first time this year, year seven pupils from Welsh medium secondary school, Ysgol Glan Clwyd joined us on the parade together with Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn pupils who we welcomed for their first experience on St David's Day’s parade.
Ysgol Henllan pupils led the Dydd G?yl Ddewi procession
One of the crew who was busy volunteering on the day was Emyr Thomas from Denbigh.
A Côr Meibion Dinbych member and Clwb Rygbi Dinbych supporter, Emyr said: “It’s great to be a part of this great event. We are fortunate to have a brilliant team at Menter Iaith, full of ideas and innovation, and they are able to inspire young people and adults to show pride in the language. I love being part of this great event for the town.”
Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn pupil, Deiniol Horner, 15, was delighted to meet Denbigh Town Mayor, Alyn Ashworth and presented flowers to him.
Ruth Williams said: "We are so dependent on the support of the community, and having individuals who support us as volunteers and stewards, is at the core of our activities."
“On Dydd Gŵyl Ddewi, we are grateful to all the pupils and school staff for organising and attending. In addition, the support of Denbigh Town Council, Grŵp Cynefin, Lidl and North Wales Police is crucial to the success of the event, so diolch.
"One of the highlights of the morning for me was seeing Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn pupil, 15-year-old Deiniol Horner presenting flowers on behalf of the crowd to the Mayor of Denbigh.
Radio presenter and DJ Owain Ll?r led Dafydd Iwan's 'Yma o Hyd' with the youngsters.
Deiniol said that having walked the journey up Stryd y Dyffryn, he felt confident, was not tired but was very excited to be meeting a real Mayor for the first time.
Sgwâr y Goron was full to the brim and to the sound of 'Yma o Hyd' youngsters sang along and closed the morning’s activities with the national anthem led by Owain Llŷr. Dewi Sant's flags were flying high in the sky as everyone turned back to the schools to continue their celebrations.
"Thank you, Denbigh, for giving us a worthwhile show on March the first!" said Denbigh town Mayor, Alyn Ashworth.
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