All Wales line-up for Open Weekend at National Assembly

12 November 2009

The National Assembly for Wales will host an ‘Open Weekend’ this weekend (November 14-15) to celebrate 10 years of devolution, five years of the Wales Millennium Centre and the beginning of the ‘On the Road to Christmas’ festivities in Cardiff Bay.

The Senedd will host a variety of free performances for the public; including high-energy theatre and dance group The Circus Pod, Caerphilly’s Male Voice Choir, Cardiff Style Ladies Barbershop Chorus and the City of Cardiff Melin Griffith Brass Band.

In addition, award-winning Welsh poets Ceri Wyn Jones and Gillian Clarke have written exclusive poems for the occasion, which they will deliver along with others from their repetoires.

The first day of the weekend will culminate in a special ticketed concert at the Wales Millennium Centre with globally accomplished composer Karl Jenkins.

“Devolution is not just about the National Assembly and its sixty members,” said Presiding Officer Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas.

”It’s about opening the doors of the Senedd and inviting the public to join us in their building to mark 10 years of devolution with an all-Wales celebration.

“This weekend is a milestone which marks the maturing of Wales politically - in terms of devolution - and culturally, as the Wales Millennium Centre also celebrates its fifth anniversary.

“We wanted to celebrate Wales’ coming of age with the public, by inviting them to Cardiff Bay to enjoy some unique Welsh performances.”

The Assembly’s outreach bus will be parked on site for the whole weekend, giving the public the opportunity to meet AMs and ask questions about the Assembly’s work. Entertainment for children will also be provided.