Loughor Mabsant

By Gareth Cornfield

Over the weekend of 27th -29th September, a Mabsant was held in Loughor. For those who do not know what that is, you are in the majority, but hopefully not for too long.

In South Wales, it was the tradition to have a celebration for the Patron Saint’s day in every village & parish. This would be called, more correctly, Gwylmabsant. This dated back to when the church, to raise funds would brew beer & sell it. These celebrations became more rowdy as time went on. There was gambling, cock fighting & bear baiting. As a result, the church eventually banned them.

There has been a Mabsant in Llangennith for the last few years and it has been the dream of Dewi ‘Mav’ Bowen to have one in Loughor for some time. In the centre of Loughor is Parc Williams. The Friends of Parc Williams have a great deal of experience in organising fun days in the Parc. There have been regular summer Fun Days, one for the Royal Wedding & the Jubilee.

Tapping in to this pool of experience was the key. The Mabsant subsequently took shape.

A design of St.Michael looking at Loughor Castle

The idea was always to capture a family, community feel. There was a musical evening on Friday 27^th September, in the Loughor Boating Club. Two bands played: Rocky Road with a delightful set of Celtic songs & dance tunes. They were followed by Y Plebs; a large group, playing a variety of instruments. They sang mostly in Welsh, familiar songs such as ‘Sospan Fach’, ‘Milgi Milgi’ and some Max Boyce songs in English. They really rocked the place with everyone joining in with the choruses, stamping their feet & clapping.

Y Plebs at the Loughor Boating Club

A lively start to the Mabsant weekend.

On Saturday, Parc Williams played host to the family fun day. Brodyr Baeddwen were there, setting up their mediaeval camp, giving displays of armour & weapons. Three times through the afternoon, they had pitched battles, much to the delight of the younger crowd.

The Men of Sweyn’s Ey Morris dancing side were the first act of the day & gave a very enjoyable show. The Ystradgynlais Mari Lwyd made an unseasonal appearance, with the cast of characters singing traditional Welsh songs.

The Men of Sweyn’s Ey

Hannah Morgan, “Voice of the Scarlets” gave a polished set & was greatly admired. Also on stage were Jose Barbedo, a Portuguese guitarist who sings in the traditional Fado style. He sang in Portuguese, yet everyone knew the emotions he was expressing.

Rocky Road gave another taster set and the afternoon’s music was rounded off by The Empty Shed Experience. The Shed get better all the time, more confident & more intricate arrangements, a joy.

Around the field were games for everyone: Welly Wanging with gold prizes for the furthest Wanged Welly in four different categories; Whack the Rat, with an elastic powered rat and a Human Fruit Machine that had to be the most inventive game ever. Absolutely Brilliant!!!

There was a prize draw included in the price of a programme, prizes were a family pass to Parc y Scarlets; an M&S gift Voucher and a framed copy of a specially commissioned poem.

Craft stalls were there as well as a display of Pole Lathe turning.

St.Michael overlooking the Estuary

Saturday evening saw a concert in St.Michael’s church. There were four acts for a mere £5! Starting the night were ‘The Occasional Domestics’, they gave a set of lovely, original songs and traditional tunes. They were followed by Christopher Hughes, a local singer who has appeared in many musical productions. His rendition of Nesun Dorma, transposed for his Baritone range was a tour de force. By far the best I have heard. Hywel & his daughter Laura then took to the stage. Laura has recently returned from Brittany. Their loss is our gain. Her voice was perfect for the church setting and her flute resonated.

Then came the headline act of the evening, D’n’A. Mother & Daughter, Delyth & Angharad Jenkins. Delyth on Harp & Angharad on violin & a specially made octave violin. They delighted the packed church with their original compositions and their take on traditional ones. There seems to be a psychic bond between them. They have a set list, sometimes even stick to it. Changes are made on the hoof and with mostly incomplete sentences! A joy to behold. It is hoped that this is the first of many concerts that can be staged in this wonderful setting.

D’n’A, Delyth & Angharad Jenkins

It was then back to the Boating club for more music from Andy Jones, then Rocky Road. Finally, off to bed, very tired!!!

Sunday dawned and it was the last day of the Mabsant festival. The final event was the blessing of the Loughor Inshore Lifeboat, now in their 44th year. The service outside the church was well attended, with children from the choir of the local school, as well as the Mayor.

The Lifeboat crew had paraded the boat through the streets to the church, rattling collection buckets. It is hoped that they raised some much needed funds for this entirely charity funded and non-paid local organisation. Proceeds from Saturday’s concert were being divided between the church & the Lifeboat.