At Breathe Creative, we believe that the smallest moments can have the biggest impact. Our recent project, “Mwynhewch Y Pethau Bychain – Enjoy the Little Things,” brought this idea to life through a vibrant, multi-cultural community celebration in Cardiff, marking St David’s Day 2026.
Running over eight weeks, the project was rooted in our community allotment space and brought together local participants, volunteers, and partner organisations to explore Welsh culture through creativity, connection, and shared experience.
We worked with Ty Canna, Velindre, React Support Services, Social Farms and Gardens, Edible Cardiff, Leckwith Droves Allotment Committee, Community Payback project, Cardiff Probation Service, local people and volunteers from our allotment community.
The programme culminated in a joyful community celebration that reflected both traditional and contemporary Wales.
“Our St David’s Day celebration project highlighted what makes Wales truly special – a diverse community, creativity, connection, and care for the land. By bringing people together through art, music, food, and storytelling, we created not just a celebration, but a shared sense of belonging…”
(Alex Bowen, Director)
A Celebration of Culture, Creativity, and Community
The project explored Welsh identity through art, music, literature, food, and language. Participants created artwork, banners, postcards, decorations, and a short animated film, while also enjoying live music, storytelling, and shared meals inspired by Welsh traditions.
Central to the project was the encouragement of Welsh language use throughout sessions. From simple phrases to meaningful words and sayings, participants engaged with the language in a welcoming and accessible way:
“I thought the Welsh language sounded beautiful!”
“Enjoyed listening to the Welsh words, trying to learn some words that I liked, and feeling connected to the language.”
Creativity in a Supportive and Green Space
Workshops began with informal conversations about Wales, identity, and belonging. In the animation sessions, participants explored their favourite Welsh words or phrases, transforming them into visual stories through stop-motion animation.
The allotment setting played a powerful role in shaping the experience:
“As I walk from the car park to the allotment I start breathing deeper. A weight lifts off my shoulders.”
“Arts venues can be intimidating. Here there is a sense of freedom. I can be creative.”
“The experience in the allotment is grounding. It reaches all your senses.”
Participants described the space as welcoming, calming, and inspiring, an environment where creativity could flourish naturally.
Food, Memory, and Connection
Food was another key element of the project, bringing people together to share stories and traditions. In the cookery sessions, participants explored what being Welsh meant to them through recipes, conversation, and shared meals.
From cooking cawl outdoors to preparing Welsh cakes for the final celebration (over 100 were made and enjoyed on the day), food became a powerful connector:
“We chatted about food, being on an allotment, and family recipes, memories of meals cooked by ‘nans’ and ‘mamgus’.”
A Celebration to Remember
The final St David’s Day celebration brought everything together – artwork displays, live music, storytelling, and shared food, creating a strong sense of community and connection.
Participants, including those from Ty Canna, Velindre, and the wider allotment community, came together to celebrate not just Welsh culture, but each other.
The Power of Little Things
Throughout the project, participants reflected on the importance of appreciating small, everyday moments including nature, creativity, conversation, and connection. These “little things” became a source of wellbeing, inspiration, and resilience.
By the end of the programme, there was a shared sense of pride in Welsh identity, culture, and community:
“Everyone is welcome: St David’s Day belongs to all of us; croeso cynnes i bawb.”
Looking Ahead
“Mwynhewch Y Pethau Bychain – Enjoy the Little Things” demonstrated how creative, community-led projects can foster inclusion, wellbeing, and cultural connection. Participants and partners alike expressed a strong desire for more initiatives like this in the future.
This project was funded by the Welsh Government and supported by the National Community Fund.
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