WHEN I look back at some of the amazing events that have taken place in Aberystwyth this year, there’s one that really stands out.

It occurred for the first time, it lasted for a couple of weeks and the final night of it took over the promenade.

I’m writing, of course, about Arad Goch’s Far Old Line Festival, or Hen Linell Bell, to give it its Welsh title.

From 21 July to 5 August, Arad Goch staged a large community festival in the seaside town with the aim of celebrating the culture of Ceredigion through a series of exciting performances, many of which were in the open air.

In the run-up to the festival – over a period of 10 months – Cwmni Theatr Arad Goch worked closely with local schools, business and societies to create and an innovative and inclusive festival.

The primary goal of the festival, which was inspired by local legends such as Cantre’r Gwaelod, was to bring the community of Aberystwyth together by offering various opportunities to take part.

Another goal was to give a boost to the town’s tourism industry by offering something that would attract more visitors to the area.

Before the festival started, Arad Goch artistic director Jeremy Turner said: “Our aim is to see Aberystwyth transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour and a cauldron of creativity during the summer.”

A public meeting in October 2016 kicked it all off, with the Bath Street-based company sharing its ideas for the festival.

Members of the community were invited to offer suggestions on how to represent various elements of the legend of Cantre’r Gwaelod.

“It was an exciting and fruitful night and the input from the community was an important factor as we looked to gain funding for the festival,” said Jeremy.

Read the full feature in this week’s south editions of the Cambrian News, available in shops and as a digital edition here