CRAIG y Nos Country Park became home to Sion Corn (Father Christmas) for the month of December as Brecon Beacons National Park Authority welcomed over 350 schoolchildren to learn within the park.
The education team at the national park organised a month of seasonal celebrations for local schools which included a range of traditional activities. Children were encouraged to learn about Welsh customs associated with Christmas and the New Year, making ‘Calenning’ with an apple and evergreens collected from the country park and also enacting a ceremony with the ‘Mari Lwyd’. They also heard about Sion Corn’s magical adventures throughout the Brecon Beacons. The activities celebrate Christmas but also raise awareness of Welsh culture and tradition, as well as taking the children into the park to engage with the natural environment.
Mel Doel, chairman of Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, said: “These educational events at Craig y Nos Country Park celebrate our wonderful Welsh customs associated with Christmas and provide children within an opportunity to learn about their heritage.”