Mawr y Rhai Bychain 2026
Ymgyrchu dros yr Iaith yn Iwerddon / Gníomhaíochas teanga in Éirinn / Language activism in Ireland
We’re excited to announce the 2026 return of Neuadd Ogwen’s Mawr y Rhai Bychain festival, first established in 2022 to open the dialogue between the Welsh community and other Indigenous peoples, languages and cultures.
TICKETS
-October-
FFORDD BANGOR, BETHESDA GWYNEDD, LL57 3AN
MAWR Y RHAI BYCHAIN: KNEECAP (FILM)
MAWR Y RHAI BYCHAIN: Q&A
MAWR Y RHAI BYCHAIN: KÍLA & MANTACH
FRIDAY
19:00 – Kneecap film
Saturday
13:30 – Kíla Q&A
19:30 – Kíla & Mantach
FRIDAY
19:00 16 OCT
NEUADD OGWEN
film
Kneecap
“Every word of Irish spoken is a bullet fired for Irish freedom.”
To coincide with our Mawr y Rhai Bychain celebrations with Éire band, Kíla, we’re delighted to be hosting this screening of Kneecap.
When fate brings Belfast teacher JJ into the orbit of self-confessed ‘low life scum’ Naoise and Liam Og, the needle drops on a hip hop act like no other. Rapping in their native Irish, they lead a movement to save their mother tongue.
19:00
SATURDAY
19:00 17 OCT
NEUADD OGWEN
Q&A with
KÍLA
Ymgyrchu dros yr Iaith yn Iwerddon / Gníomhaíochas teanga in Éirinn / Language activism in Ireland
Kíla are one of Ireland’s most exciting and enduring musical forces, blending traditional Irish music with Afrobeat, world rhythms, rock, jazz and electronic sounds to create something completely their own.
Formed in Dublin in the late 1980s, Kíla have spent decades pushing the boundaries of Irish-language music, bringing Gaeilge to audiences around the world with their energetic, unforgettable live shows.
More than just a band, Kíla are part of a wider movement celebrating Irish language and culture in a modern, open and playful way. Their music proves that language activism doesn’t have to be quiet, it can be loud, joyful, experimental and danceable.
Join us for a Q&A and conversation exploring language, identity, activism and the future of minority languages, with one of Ireland’s most distinctive bands.
13:30
Kíla
&
Mantach
Kíla have been vanguards of Trad Fusion since they formed in 1987. Since then they have released 21 Albums, co-written scores for 3 Oscar nominated Animation films, performed to 35 countries, playing at some of the worlds biggest festivals and collaborated with artists, dancers, circus performers, they’ve played with folk singers, opera singers, choirs, classical quartets, samba, African and Indian drummers and latterly an 8 piece brass ensemble with whom they recorded their latest album, Raise the Road.
Mawr Y Rhai Bychain and Neuadd Ogwen are privileged to invite Kíla from Ireland (Éire) to share their music and culture with our community.
New, upcoming Welsh folk band, and winners of the Folk Battle of the Bands at the National Eisteddfod 2026, Mantach will be supporting.
19:30
Presentation and Panel Discussions
History, culture and languages of the Indigenous peoples of Canada
Join us for this presentation and open discussion to gain further insight and appreciation for the Indigenous people of Northern Turtle Island (Canada).
Free entry, more information to follow
Accomodation & Travel
Neuadd Ogwen, High St, Bethesda, Bangor LL57 3AN
Taxis
Taxi Twix 01248 730123
Taxi Pasty (+44) 07964 162248
A1 Cars 01248 602111
Camping
Dinas Farm Site
Pen Isa’r Allt Halfway Bridge, Bangor LL57 4NB