Under Milk Wood’s 60th birthday will be celebrated at a Swansea park that inspired some of Dylan Thomas’ works
Children from the city’s Dylan Thomas Community School will perform the play at Cwmdonkin Park on Wednesday July 3 and Thursday July 4.
The free performances are among several events taking place at the park in the build-up to its grand opening in September to mark the completion of a major refurbishment project.
The park’s refurbishment is being funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Tourism Project backed by the European Regional Development Fund, Swansea Council and the Friends of Cwmdonkin Park.
Cllr Nick Bradley, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “Cwmdonkin Park is located within a stone’s throw of Dylan Thomas’ childhood home on Cwmdonkin Drive and helped inspire some of his work.
“This is why it’s hugely fitting that Under Milk Wood’s 60th birthday should be marked with a series of performances at the park that will help open up Dylan’s works to yet another generation of young people.
“It’s also especially apt that the park’s refurbishment will be complete in time for celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of Dylan Thomas‘ birth next year.”
DT100 is a high-profile festival to mark the centenary of Dylan Thomas‘ birth in 2014. The Welsh Government is leading the co-ordination of activity in Wales along with its partners – the Arts Council of Wales; the British Council; Carmarthenshire Council; Ceredigionshire Council, Swansea Council and Cadw. The aim of all partners is to ensure the festival delivers educational, cultural and tourism benefits before, during and after 2014.
Other aspects of the park’s refurbishment include the upgrade of the Dylan Thomasshelter, the restoration of the Dylan Thomas drinking fountain and the refurbishment of paths, railings and benches. A nostalgic tearoom recapturing the creative spirit of 1930s Swansea has also now opened in the park’s refurbished bowls pavilion.
Other events upcoming at the park include a bat and moth night on Friday June 14 and a series of Dylan Thomas photography workshops.
Have a look at www.cwmdonkinpark.co.uk to see a brochure that outlines details of all the park’s forthcoming events and activities. The brochure is also available from the Swansea Tourist Information Centre on Plymouth Street.
Visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/cwmdonkin to reserve tickets for Under Milk Wood
