Brecon town Poetry trail
Brecon has a lively arts scene and is well known for the walks in and around the surrounding countryside but are you aware of the town’s own poetry trail? The trail encourages you to explore the corners, streets and rivers of the town and gives you a different view on the historical town’s celebrated landmarks. Find out more about the town here
Brecon’s poetry trail invites everyone to explore the streets, rivers and landmarks of the ancient market town of Brecon and its connection to the myths and legends of the magical, mystical land of Wales.
The trail takes approximately an hour and starts at Theatr Brycheiniog canal basin, where award-winning poet and playwright Menna Elfyn cleverly incorporates references to the myths of the Mabinogion and links the London Games to Brecon. From the canal basin the trail heads up Danygaer Street before leading you to walk alongside the River Usk and to Owen Sheers’s poem.
Crown Copyright Visit Wales
Crown copyright Visit Wales
Crown Copyright Visit Wales
The poems include references to names and events from The Mabinogion, verses recalling the deeds of Guto Nyth Bran, Taliesin, Gwenllian and others including the modern Olympian long jump legend Lynn Davies.
There is a strong Olympic theme throughout, as the trail was inspired by the Cultural Olympiad of the 2012 Olympic Games in London and the desire to embrace the whole of Britain through sport and culture.
Theatr Brycheiniog was one of seven arts organisations in Britain, and the only one in Wales, chosen to join the celebration, commissioning a permanent artistic installation for the enjoyment of the people of Brecon and visitors to the town.
Ten Welsh poets were commissioned to compose four-line verses incorporating Olympic elements of their choice within a framework of Welsh myths and legends or imagery with a strong Welsh resonance. The collective result is an outstanding monument to the wealth, depth and breadth of the richness and diversity of modern Welsh poetry in both languages.