Drewyn the giant comes to life in Corwen
On Saturday the 23rd of March the local community and visitors to Corwen came together to take part in Waking Corwen’s Giant.
Celebrating Visit Wales’ ‘Year of Discovery’ it was an opportunity to experience the myths and legends of the area and the story of Drewyn the giant. Over 200 people were in Corwen to assist in waking the giant and witnessing the creation of a land art through a series of explosions.
Visitors were led up to Pen-y-Pigyn view point ready for the spectacular event, and on route discovering giant objects which Drewyn had dropped along the way.
Once at the view point it was the responsibility of the crowd to wake Drewyn by making as much noise as possible with church bells, whistles and singing. And once Drewyn was awake visitors witnessed a series of explosions across the landscape creating the concept and image of giant footsteps, followed by a finale of Drewyn’s giant outline appearing in Dôl Corwenna at the centre of Corwen as he lay back to rest.
Waking Corwen’s Giant is led by the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB in partnership with the local community and has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
The concept behind Waking Corwen’s Giant was developed and designed by artist Gordon Rogers of Structure and Agency alongside engineer John Kettles. ‘Drewyn appeared with the same energies that shape the landscape and the same awe that makes the memories that turn into legends. Luckily for the people of Corwen he’s a much kinder soul than many of the neighbouring giants that inhabited the Dee Valley. Also, unlike many of his neighbours he hasn’t met a sticky end at the sword of a saint or a king. In waking he’s started the next chapter in his story and the objects he has dropped might give some clues as to what the future holds.’
Ceri Lloyd, AONB Sustainable Development Officer said ‘Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB have worked with the community to develop the concept of Drewyn and in particular this event, and it was great to see so many people out in Corwen to experience this unique art work being created. Now that Drewyn has appeared on Dôl Corwenna at the centre of Corwen it will continue to be part of the landscape and change with the seasons and we encourage visitors to head up to Pen-y-Pigyn to experience the view and take in the legendry giant artwork.”
The artwork will be planted with different wild flowers, changing as we head through the seasons. Visitors are encourage to head to Pen-y-Pigyn to view the artwork where they’ll also be able to discover the giant objects left by Drewyn on the walk. For more information on how to get there head to the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB website.
