Ancient Archaeology Alive: Bryn Celli Ddu Hosts Living History Event on Anglesey

Step back in time at Bryn Celli Ddu, near Llanfair PG, on 17 June 2023 for a living history event that seeks to interrogate landscape, ritual, colour, and the celebration of archaeology through creative interpretation. Bryn Celli Ddu is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Britain, the 5,000-year-old tomb was once constructed to protect and pay respect to the remains of ancestors.

Between 11–4pm on the 17 of June, an open day celebrating the prehistory of Wales and beyond will take place at the Bryn Celli Ddu with a new twist! This year we are taking a focused look at the archaeology and ancient history from the Neolithic and Bronze Age of Wales and beyond and highlighting the use of colour in the past.

Throughout the day, attendees will be invited to watch live flint knapping demonstrations with flint experts Ancient Crafts; take a bilingual archaeology tour of the monument with the famous punk antiquarian Rhys Mwyn; watch demonstrations of ancient pot and basket making techniques; through to finding out more about ancient natural dyes, ochre mineral paint pigments and the colourful geology of the island with Stone Science.

There will be ‘have a go’ activities and many experts who can instruct you on the different crafts and skills of the times.

Plus, attendees will have the unique opportunity to talk to members of the Anglesey Druid Order about the significance of the sunrise of the solstice at Bryn Celli Ddu.

Dr Ffion Reynolds, Heritage and Arts Manager at Cadw, said: “Bryn Celli Ddu is an amazing monument, and a fantastic site to promote Anglesey’s abundant archaeology and history. Combining a monument’s rich past with the arts with events like this help to open up the sites for more people to enjoy and bring Welsh heritage and history to life in a memorable way.”

For full summer events listings, visit www.gov.wales/cadw, find Cadw on Facebook or follow @CadwWales on Twitter.