Local pupils shine in exciting workshops!

We're thrilled to announce that 560 talented young minds from 23 schools in the area have just wrapped up an unforgettable creative workshop with the amazing Anthony Bunko, a renowned local author and playwright. This innovative project was all about celebrating the Bicentennial of Cyfarthfa Castle in a unique and imaginative way.

The goal of these workshops was for each cluster of schools to come together and create their own book of stories and poems inspired by the rich history of Cyfarthfa Castle. And, we're excited to share that not one, not two, but three fantastic books have been published as a result of this incredible project!

This initiative has not only fostered a sense of community and collaboration among the participating schools but has also given our young writers a platform to express themselves and showcase their skills.

The best part? These amazing books are now available for you to get your hands on! You can find them on Amazon for just £7.50. Plus, some of the incredible poems and paintings will be showcased at Plas Cofi in the Town Centre this July, so be sure to check them out!

Cabinet Member of Education, Cllr Gareth Lewis, commented: "It's been an absolute delight to see our young people embracing their creativity and producing some truly outstanding work. This project has not only helped them develop their writing skills, but has also given them a deeper understanding and appreciation of our local heritage."

He continued: "I'm so impressed by the quality of the work produced by our students. It's a testament to their creativity, hard work, and the excellent guidance they received from Anthony Bunko. We're grateful for his involvement in this project and for helping our young people unlock their full potential."

Anthony Bunko said: “The aim of the project was to help discover the creative ‘art-beat’ of Merthyr. To find the next Dylan Thomas, the next Richard Burton, the next Laura Ashley etc from our great town.

“This project has been the most enjoyable and rewarding creative thing I have ever done. The feedback from the teachers and pupils has been brilliant and I can honestly say that Merthyr’s Creative future is very, very bright indeed. It’s up to us all to give them enough light for them to all shine.”