Home » Vibrant Festival of Love in Aberystwyth a big success

Vibrant Festival of Love in Aberystwyth a big success

A VIBRANT new festival celebrating love in all its forms has launched in Aberystwyth, beginning with the Santes Dwynwen Parade on Saturday (Jan 25).

Residents and visitors gathered in the streets of the Ceredigion town to honour Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers. The colourful parade featured a giant puppet of Santes Dwynwen and a salsa band, culminating in a traditional “twmpath” (Welsh folk dance) at Ceredigion Museum.

The Gŵyl Cariad Aber, or Aberystwyth Festival of Love, spans from Dydd Santes Dwynwen to Valentine’s Day (Feb 14). The festival has transformed Aberystwyth’s high street into a gallery of love-themed art, created through collaborations between local artists and businesses. Shop windows now feature unique displays celebrating themes of love beyond romance.

The event boasts an exciting line-up of activities, including workshops, film screenings, drag performances, karaoke, spoken word sessions, and a traffic light date party. A community photo challenge invites residents to contribute images on the theme of love, further fostering connection and creativity.

Festival Creative Director Jess Baudey said: “This festival is about showing how art can connect us, celebrate our community, and explore love in its richest, most diverse forms. We’re creating a space where creativity and connection can flourish.”

Curator Isaac Peat praised the collaboration between businesses and artists: “This festival celebrates the love that binds our community – the connection to each other, to our landscape, to our creative spirit, and to our Welsh heritage.”

Co-founder Sally Blaise added: “It’s about celebrating the creativity bubbling away in Ceredigion, connecting artists with local audiences, and showing the many ways we love and support one another.”

Visitors can explore the shop window art trail or download the events programme from the festival’s website. Follow @gwylcariadaber on social media for updates.

PHOTOS BY ROSE CHING SEE VOON/HERALD

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