AN ART installation in Tywyn will be the first of its kind in Wales and only the second in the world, if it gets the go-ahead.

A dedicated group want to bring a ‘StarDisc’ to the town, with the walled garden at Ynysymaengwyn outlined as a possible location.

Deborah Jarvis and Rebekah Pughe are both from Tywyn and are part of the StarDisc project alongside its creator, Aidan Shingler.

The project will cost around £200,000 depending on material and contractors costs.

The trio gave a presentation about the art installation to Tywyn Town Council, but the council was not asked to give an official response to plans.

Rebekah told the Cambrian News why the installation would be hugely beneficial to Tywyn.

“Having been invited to Derbyshire to witness the StarDisc in action I was blown away by the pride and the affection held by the people of Wirksworth.

“I began to imagine this modern day stone circle in Tywyn and the benefits it would bring to our local community. How amazing would it be to have a StarDisc installed under the dark skies of Southern Snowdonia?

“Where would be a truly worthy home for the very first StarDisc in Wales? Gifted to the people of Tywyn the most magical of places, Ynysymaengwyn, with its woods and a walled garden seemed to be the perfect choice.”

Deborah said: “In November 2019 we presented the idea to the Ynysymaengwyn Trust.

“Although keen to investigate further we were thrown a curveball with the outbreak of Covid-19 last year and everything was put on hold.

“As we now emerge from the dark days of the pandemic keen to rebuild our lives there is a new realisation that now more than ever we need a sense of community and connection.

“This 40-foot-diameter celestial amphitheatre is made of granite embedded into the ground. Carved into its surface are the constellations of the Northern Hemisphere’s night sky. Free to use, accessible to everyone and open all year round, the StarDisc has a range of benefits from education, health, well-being, science and entertainment.

“As a community we have been invited by Aidan Shingler to install his amazing and unique creation in Tywyn and become host to the first StarDisc in Wales.

“Rebekah and I have approached local business and attractions who without exception have shown huge support.

“We really feel that with a little imagination and a sprinkle of stardust we can bring something wondrous and worthwhile and put Tywyn back on the map!”

To find out more about the project, visit the ‘StarDisc Tywyn’ Facebook page.

Aled Lewis, chair of the Ynysymaengwyn Trust and a Tywyn town councillor, said: “The first presentation to the trust took place before coronavirus and all plans were put on hold because of this.

“The trust has recommended that the group give a presentation to us in September by which time there will be more information available.”