Cathedral festival makes waves with river theme

A major arts and religion festival in Bangor is set to shine a spotlight on the environmental challenges facing Welsh waterways, ahead of the Archbishop of Wales' Restoring Welsh Rivers Summit in November.

The Tarannon Festival, running from 24-28 October at Saint Deiniol's Cathedral, will feature international musicians, environmental experts, and local artists in a packed five-day programme based on the theme "There Is A River".

Festival highlights include a candlelit performance of Vivaldi's Four Seasons by international soloist Sebastian Wyss, alongside the world premiere of a new composition titled "Afon" by Daniel Pett, Lay Clerk at the Cathedral.

Environmental issues take centre stage with distinguished academic and activist Robin Grove-White, the Cathedral's Canon Environmentalist opening the celebrations, a lecture by Bangor University's Professor Christian Dunn on the rivers crisis in Wales and a conversation with the Mayor of Bangor, Gareth Parry, about the environmental issues facing the city.

We hope this festival will inspire conversations about protecting our waterways for future generations

Community events include a food and drink festival celebrating local produce, photography and poetry competitions, a pilgrimage along the ancient Tarannon river that once flowed through Bangor's centre and a free family fun day to close the festival on Monday 28 October.

Visitors can explore a free exhibition in the Cathedral throughout the festival from 9am to 9pm, with refreshments available during the day and a bar opening in the evenings.

"The Tarannon Festival celebrates both our spiritual and cultural heritage while addressing urgent environmental challenges," says Revd Josie Godfrey, one of the festival organisers. 

"With a programme that includes worship, pilgrimage and music, we hope this festival will inspire conversations about protecting our waterways for future generations."

The Tarannon Festival runs from 24-28 October.

• Find out more about the Restoring Welsh Rivers summit here.