Coleg Menai students to open Gwobrau Dawns Cymru 2025
Learners have been invited to give a performance from their recent show Sweet Charity at the popular dance competition in Pontio
Coleg Menai’s talented Performing Arts students have been invited to open the new musical theatre section at Gwobrau Dawns Cymru 2025.
The event, at Pontio Arts Centre in Bangor on November 9, aims to celebrate dance talent from across Wales and beyond in a welcoming, community-focused environment.
Organised by Byd Bach Events, Gwobrau Dawns Cymru features competitions in a wide range of styles, including street, hip hop, disco, ballet, lyrical, contemporary and open categories.
Coleg Menai students will give a performance from Sweet Charity, their end-of-year show last term. Also among the highlights will be a jam-packed solo section, which was fully booked weeks before the event.
It was the natural choice to invite Coleg Menai to open the show, says organiser Ceri Bostock, a former Performing Arts student at the college herself.
She highlighted the close connection through Chloe Ellis, her Co-CEO at Byd Bach Events, whose daughter is currently studying Musical Theatre at the Bangor campus.
“It felt really important to involve the college in this event,” said Ceri. “As a past student, and with Chloe’s daughter currently on the Musical Theatre course, there’s a personal connection - but more than that, as a community interest company, we’re committed to giving back locally. The course produces fantastic talent, and this is a chance to showcase it on a big stage.”
Dance competitions are often held far from North Wales, with high travel costs and overnight stays making them less accessible for many families. Gwobrau Dawns Cymru was created to address this, offering a friendly, high-quality competition experience right here in the region.
Every participant receives a medal, underlining the event’s commitment to celebrating achievement at all levels.
Picture: Mel Parry photography
Ceri added: “We wanted to create a supportive, exciting platform for young dancers closer to home. Pontio is the perfect venue - and it only made sense to involve Coleg Menai, who are right on our doorstep and producing the performers of the future.”
Gwobrau Dawns Cymru continues to grow in scope and reputation, attracting entries from schools, colleges and dance groups from across North Wales and as far afield as Liverpool.
Another competition has already been confirmed for April 2026, also to be held at Pontio. Organisers hope the competition will continue to expand and shine a spotlight on Bangor as a destination for the performing arts.
Ceri said: “The response to the first Gwobrau Dawns Cymru was phenomenal, and we are thrilled to see it grow so quickly. This year we’re bringing even more opportunities for dancers to showcase their creativity, and we can’t wait to welcome talent from across North Wales and further afield.”
Do you want to work in the performing arts industry? Grŵp Llandrillo Menai offers courses from Level 1 up to Level 4 (Certificate of Higher Education). Learn more here.