There’s still time to get involved with Lleswyl festival 2023

Barbara Chidgey of Dearing to Dream

Barbara Chidgey

Daring to Dream is encouraging those interested in music and dance to take advantage of free virtual festival to give people with life-limiting and chronic illnesses the chance to enjoy an evening of entertainment from the comfort of their own home.

The festival, taking place on Friday, February 17 and hosted by broadcasters Sian Lloyd and Jason Harrold, has announced a stellar 2023 line up, including Emilie Parry-Williams & Thomas Mottershead, who were in the Voice UK 2022.

Other artists include the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership Board’s ‘Hear Our Voices’ band, Afro Cluster, Ify Iwobi, Soul Lotta Funk party band, Sinfonia Cymru and Alli Gemini. Lleswyl will also feature choirs such as the Tenovus Cancer Care ‘Sing with Us’ Choir, Forget Me Not Chorus (who bring the joy of music to those living with dementia) and the ICU Liberty Singers. A mini show by the Welsh Ballroom Community completes the line-up. Check out the programme at https://daringtodream.wales/the-programme/ and find out when your favourite acts are on.

Lleswyl, meaning ‘wellbeing festival’ in Welsh, was established by Daring to Dream to raise awareness of the need to nurture patients’ emotional health during difficult times and is available to everyone, especially those who cannot attend festivals and events in person due to living with or alongside illness or disability, or the frequently accompanying financial disadvantage.

The charity’s founder, Barbara Chidgey, said: “There is still time to get involved. The more the merrier, as far as we are concerned. Secure your free tickets online, or simply go to https://www.lleswyl.com/ on the night on your smart TV, tablet or phone. The curtain goes up at 7pm prompt!

“Festivals are great for getting people together and engaging with those who have similar interests. Lleswyl aims to include everyone in such a joyous occasion so that they can feel included and supported in their emotional health and wellbeing.”

Barbara added: “With over a million adults in Wales thought to be living with a long standing, physical illness, we hope the event will raise awareness of and help their emotional health and wellbeing, during these difficult times. That’s why we are encouraging everyone to get together on the 17th of February, to share a fun evening of food, music and happiness from the comfort of their own home, hospital bed, supporting living community or care home.”

You can get free tickets for the event here: https://lleswyl2023.eventbrite.co.uk