Taking a Break to Secure the Future of Our Festival
10th June 2025A month after the most successful festival to date – the biggest yet, with all costs met – the Gŵyl Fwyd Caernarfon committee has made the difficult but unavoidable decision to take a year's break in 2026. Since our first festival, Gŵyl Fwyd Caernarfon has grown beyond all expectations in terms of size and popularity. The addition of the family area at Coed Helen Park last year was an important step, and while the growth is a source of pride and a huge boost for the town, it has also brought significantly higher responsibilities and pressure on our team of dedicated volunteers. It is difficult to convey the human cost of organizing a festival on this scale. We as volunteers have given endless hours of our time, energy, and passion to make each festival a success. However, some key volunteers need to step aside in the year ahead, and we recognise that the current model imposes an unsustainable burden on those who remain. After careful consideration, at a meeting on 9 June, the committee voted to take a break in 2026, and designate the said year as a 'year to develop'. The break will allow us to:
We want to reassure the people of the town that Gŵyl Fwyd Caernarfon is not coming to an end. During our year off, we will continue to organise our popular fundraising events such as our curry competition, and commit to supporting events such as the annual Fireworks display (organised by the Town Council) and the Christmas market (co-organised with Galeri Caernarfon). The committee will meet regularly throughout 2026 to continue these arrangements and to develop our new vision, provide training opportunities, and develop relevant skills for members. We will also, of course, start planning for the 2027 festival. We are also calling on interested individuals to join us afresh to plan for 2027. We appreciate any contribution. We see next year as an opportunity to work more closely with businesses and the local community to ensure our community can maximise the economic benefits of the festival in 2027 and beyond. We would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported Gŵyl Fwyd Caernarfon - our volunteers, sponsors, local businesses, performers, stallholders, visitors, and most importantly, the people of Caernarfon who have made our festival such a success. We look forward to returning in 2027 with renewed energy, ensuring that Gŵyl Fwyd Caernarfon continues to celebrate our community's vibrant food culture for years to come. Thank you very much to everyone. Gŵyl Fwyd Caernarfon Committee FAQsWhy take a break now when the festival is so successful? Many successful festivals take strategic breaks to ensure their longevity. It's better to take a break now to replan than risk burnout, which could lead to the permanent end of the festival. What about the economic impact on local businesses? We recognize the economic importance of the festival to the community. During 2026, we will consult specifically with local businesses to create more structured partnership opportunities. Our aim is to come back in 2027 with more opportunity for local businesses to benefit. Will any food events continue in 2026? While there won't be a main festival in 2026, we want to continue to provide food for Bonfire Night, the Christmas Market, our curry cooking competition and want to consider hosting some other community events. Details will be confirmed later. When do we get updates on progress during the break? We will be giving regular updates via our social media. How can I help with planning for 2027? We welcome anyone interested in joining the planning process or volunteering anew for 2027. Contact us via our social media or website. Is this a final decision? Yes, the committee has voted on this resolution after thorough consideration. However, we are determined to return in 2027 with a better and more sustainable festival. Back to the news page. |
