2017 is the Visit Wales Year of Legends, and we couldn’t be more excited. A whole year to celebrate and explore the immense history of Wales, as well as learning heaps of fascinating stories, myths, and legends.
This year marked the start of a new plan announced by the Welsh Government to market Wales based on three themes - ‘Adventure’ in 2016, ‘Legends’ in 2017, and ‘The Sea’ in 2018. The Year of Adventure has created an incredible buzz with a series of major events and activities supported by the official adventure ambassadors - including Bear Grylls. In fact, tourism has been so successful this year that North Wales was featured in Lonely Planet’s top 10 places to visit in the world in 2017. Yep, you heard right - in the world!
So what is the Year of Legends all about?
The Year of Legends will rediscover Wales’ culture, heritage and landscapes - but while we’re all going to be telling tales and learning about the epic history of Wales, it’s not just going to be about looking back. 2017 will be about bringing the culture of Wales to life, celebrating modern day Welsh legends, products and events that the Welsh are proud to be part of. The Year of Legends will make us appreciate everything that the unique, beautiful and intriguing Wales has to offer. Old and new will intertwine to showcase the country’s impressive history and bright future to our visitors.
The Year of Legends campaign hopes to raise the profile of Wales and attract even more visitors to in 2017. It hopes to continue the growing buzz and excitement surrounding Wales’ distinctive identity - standing out as a unique and thrilling place to visit not just within the UK, but on the world stage.
What will be happening in Wales in 2017?
2017 will be home to a vast array of activities, events and attractions which will help us discover our culture. With help from partners Amgueddfa Cymru and the National Library of Wales, the Year of Legends has something for everyone.
From learning about the fascinating tale of legendary Welsh poet Hedd Wyn at Ysgwrn, to heading down to Cardiff to hear some fascinating Welsh tales told through modern platforms such as the Tiger Bay Musical - the choice is endless. There will be an abundance of fun and creative activities at Wales’ myriad of stunning castles - which will include a medieval tournament in Conwy.
Wales will become the new centre of storytelling. Visit Wales will be teaming up with Visit Britain to promote the release of the new King Arthur film. The film, which is due to hit cinemas in July, was partly filmed here in Wales, and will feature dramatic Snowdonian landscapes used as a backdrop. As well as this, Wales will be host to the UEFA Champions League Final, which is heading to Cardiff in June - and is set to be one of the sporting events of the year.
A year to remember?
There is a wealth of excitement surrounding the upcoming campaign, with Best of Wales Director, Llion Pughe, saying “The Year of Legends gives us a fantastic opportunity to tell Wales’ story from our perspective so that all our visitors hear the real story of Wales. This will make Wales come alive and will spark an interest in visiting Wales.”
With guaranteed fun, games and events for everyone, as well as the opportunity to learn something new and embrace Welsh culture, 2017 is set to be another fantastic year for Wales.