Hundreds of participants from all walks of life came together with artists from North Wales for Green Space Dark Skies, to celebrate Anglesey’s unique landscape and everyone’s right to explore the countryside.
Anglesey
Location:
Amlwch
A journey into the kingdom of copper… Mynydd Parys / Parys Mountain was once the largest copper mine in Europe. Copper and other precious metals were dug out by hand and exported by ships sailing from Porth Amlwch / Port Amlwch.
The creative team was built around contemporary Welsh talent – Bardd – local artists: Ed Holden, aka Welsh beatboxing legend Mr Phormula, originally from Amlwch; spoken word artist Martin Daws, and multi-instrumentalist Henry Horrell.
Growing up in Amlwch definitely helped shape my individuality as an artist and musician. I have many happy memories of the area and spending countless hours with friends and family whilst learning about music and how to integrate surroundings into my artistry.
The Lumenators made a journey around the open cast mine at Mynedd Parys at dusk, while listening to a bilingual soundtrack that included archive sound supplied by the Amlwch Industrial Heritage Trust, mixed with Bardd’s contemporary poetry and music created the soundscape which accompanied their journey. Live performances from Bardd featured vocals from Bethan Lloyd; while Walk the Plank’s team added fiery magic, working with young people from CircoPyro.
Copper is a super-metal and without it, the digital technological revolution wouldn’t have happened – the relationship between the geology of North Wales and the technology of today was what excited us about this location.
The next evening, local people were invited to carry a light on the quayside in Amlwch Port as we filmed the traditional schooner Vilma setting sail, accompanied by the restored Cemaes lifeboat.
The departure of the boats illuminated with coppery lights was witnessed by more than 400 people, completing the story of the Copper Kingdom’s reach beyond the shores of Ynys Môn.
Amlwch is a hidden gem and we are so happy that a national project like Green Space Dark Skies, part of the Unboxed Festival, has chosen to include the Copper Kingdom. You have shone a light on the heritage and talent in our town and in North Wales.
Live music featuring Eve Goodman, Cowbois Celtaidd and Poet for Life entertained the crowds, and MC Gruffydd Wyn (Britain’s Got Talent star, originally from the area) hosted the evening from the stage before singing a traditional Welsh ballad for sailors, Ar Lan Y Môr.
Circus skills workshops with CircoArts took place on both evenings and local artists from Ynys Môn: Simone Williams and Rhiannon Fogarty Wilkinson created an image inspired by the Bronze Age art found on the island, and led workshops with families.
We welcomed diverse community groups from across the island, like Cylch Teulu and Tyddyn Môn; and from further afield, including families from North Wales Africa Society.
GeoMôn had experts on hand during the events to illuminate the unique geology of the island, and the Copper Kingdom Visitor Centre welcomed those who had come for the weekend.
Anglesey is many things. It is a place that inspires, a place that appeals to all the senses – a place to see, hear, taste, smell and feel. It is a place to get away from it all. But most of all, Anglesey is a place to get out and do!
From the minute you cross one of the bridges to the island you’ll see stunning landscapes, unspoilt coastlines and picturesque towns and villages that are just waiting to be explored. Miles of scenic walks on the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path and cycle paths await you, as do some of the best water based activities.
Whether you’re fortunate to have lived here your whole life or just visiting, there is so much to be discovered – from the island’s rich culture, heritage and wonderful gardens, to the unusual ‘moonscape’ landscapes that are home to an extraordinary amount of plants and wildlife.
Much of Anglesey’s stunning coastline has been declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Come rain or shine, the fabulous beaches offer something for everyone – vast stretches of sand, safe swimming for children, and windswept bays where a bracing walk and rock pooling are the call of the day.
More about this location
We’d like to thank all the groups who participated:
- Cylch Teulu
- Tyddyn Môn
- North Wales Africa Society
- CircoArts
Thanks to our partners who supported this event:
- Amlwch Industrial Heritage Trust
- GeoMôn
- Anglesey Mining Company
- Amlwch Port Authority
- Amlwch Town Council
- Ynys Môn/Anglesey County Council
- Cadw
- Natural Resources Wales
Photography by Acey Media and Geraint Thomas, Panorama Photography.