St David’s Day Celebrated with Poetry, Music, and Reflection

It was so nice to see Caernarfon come alive on St David’s Day as the community gathered at Y Maes to mark the occasion with music, poetry, and a shared sense of identity. The event, led by Mayor Dewi Jones, featured a procession, performances from local musician Phill, and a special address from the town’s recently appointed poet, Iestyn Tyne, making his first official appearance in the role.

Iestyn said of the task of composing his first commissioned poem "Writing an unambiguous, simple celebratory poem felt somewhat incompatible with the state of today's world. So I thought about applying some of Dewi Sant's values to the nearby and far away challenges we face as citizens of Caernarfon town, Wales and the world."

Iestyn Tyne’s poem was the centrepiece of the event, offering a powerful and thought-provoking reflection on the meaning of St David’s Day in today’s world. The poem questions the significance of gathering in the name of an ancient saint while global conflicts persist, while also celebrating the strength found in small acts—community, song, and shared traditions. Echoing the famous words of Dewi Sant, "Do the little things," the poem reminded those present that even in uncertain times, their presence together was meaningful.

Mayor Dewi Jones, following the recital, praised the poem’s themes of resilience, heritage, and collective responsibility, emphasising the importance of community gatherings such as this.

“I wish to thank Iestyn from bottom of my heart for his work. I am extremely proud that we as a Town Council have succeeded in appointing a town poet. Poetry is an integral part of Welsh culture and heritage. Poets have played a key role in our society over the centuries singing about what is happening locally, nationally and internationally. I am confident that Caernarfon's 'Bardd y Dre' will continue, and build on this tradition.”

The event concluded with a rousing performance by the Llanrug Silver Band and the national anthem, bringing the day’s celebrations to a close in a fittingly uplifting manner.

As the first public engagement for Caernarfon’s town poet, the occasion set a powerful precedent for future cultural contributions, ensuring that poetry is at the heart of the town’s identity.

Councillor Nici Beech worked with Iestyn to create a translation of the poem into English.

St David's Day 2025

What update from Caernarfon
on this St David’s day
on the Maes beside the Menai?
Is we are here, OK?

Why bother to assemble
in the name of some old saint,
when explosives are still pouring
on children's play like paint?

Why stream a song from Cadnant,
of welcome, sharing, giving,
if all we have is doubt about
the intentions of those fleeing?

Who knows, while in Coed Helen
which season’s time is near
if all the golden daffodils
are blooming sooner here?

Why party by the Seiont
as our language, don’t you think,
in every single survey
despite targets, seems to shrink?

And who, I wonder really
while waving flags would bet
that talking about the little things
could challenge greater threats?

Well, maybe not. But yet again
this moment, here, with you,
shows me there are some things
to carry as we go through.

A willingness for marching
for sharing poems, songs;
belief and faith like Dewi’s
that the smallest things are strong.

Pride as an invitation
to join us for a meal;
a nurturing conservation
rather than locks and seals.

The guts to grab a challenge
and turn it round for good,
whether that’s in Caernarfon
or a distant neighbourhood.

Considering all the heaviness
on this St David’s day
it may be that just We are here
and nothing more’s OK.

Iestyn Tyne
Translation by Nici Beech

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