Organisers of an annual march to mark the legacy of Owain Glyndŵr have decided to cancel parts of the event following the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II. For the last 20 years, residents of Corwen in Denbighshire have been celebrating the achievements of one of Wales most notable historical figures - Owain Glyndŵr.
Every year, people gather in the town square to mark Owain Glyndŵr Day on September 16 - the date in which Glyndŵr's proclamation took place in 1400. Usually, the event consists of a procession and wreath laying ceremony by the statue of Glyndŵr right at the heart of the town, before a service is carried out at a local church.
However, the march's committee confirmed that they have decided to cancel the procession and wreath laying ceremony by the statue. Although the event is not entirely cancelled, with the service, a memorial lecture and meal still going ahead, some are said to be disappointed that parts of the events will not be going ahead.
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This comes after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. On Friday, September 16, King Charles and the Queen's Consort will be visiting Wales for the first time since claiming their new royal titles.
Adam Phillips, who is originally from Corwen, leads the procession band called Cambria Band every year. He has decided that he will continue with his plans to lead the procession despite the committee cancelling the ceremony.
Adam said he was disappointed with the committee's decision. He said: "This year, the committee contacted me and told me they weren't going to do the parade this year. I thought, it shouldn't be their decision to make, it should be decided by the people.
"I think it's kind of ironic to cancel Glyndwr events especially considering that he stood up against the King of England. It has smashed the irony meter in my eyes. Due to the fact that CADW had cancelled its Glyndŵr event, the committee felt they needed to too.
"I was so angry and very annoyed with this decision. We as people have shown enough respect towards the royal family, but what I won't let happen is events that are important to us being taken away from us.
"I've said I'll be there and whoever wants to be there are more than welcome to come too. To me, it feels like I am showing respect to my heritage and history. I hope that the committee will change its mind and join us."
Corwen is widely known for its connection with Owain Glyndŵr, who was proclaimed the Prince of Wales on September 16, 1400 at his nearby manor in Glyndyfrdwy, which is only a stone throw away from the historical town. To this day, Corwen is recognised as the 'Town of Glyndŵr' and the sculptor of the prince at Corwen's square is a commiseration to his legacy.
According to Adam, the annual event means a lot to the people of Corwen. He said: "People have taken Glyndŵr as their inspiration. It's a mixture of our history and mythology, and I think for somewhere like Corwen - there isn't much in the town, but this gives us a claim."
Town councillor Michael McNamara also said he was disappointed with the decision. He said: "The event has not been entirely cancelled but restricted to a church service. The council were not contacted to canvass our views but merely informed of the revised format.
"We are very proud of the association of Owain Glyndŵr with the town and this event is always a highlight of the year. As the Council Chair and on a personal basis I was honoured to be invited to place the memorial wreath under the impressive stature in the town and am somewhat disappointed not to be able to do so. I am sure next year the ceremony will return in all its glory."
WalesOnline has approached the Owain Glyndwr Day committee in Corwen for a response.
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