Check out photos and chat from the 2008 festival, held on 18-19 July.Sesiwn Fawr regulars give their top tips for a great time.
This year's (2008's) eclectic line-up ranged from Bryn Fôn to the Saw Doctors and Catrin O'Neill to DJ BydMawr.
The festival, originally held in the town's streets, now takes place on the Marian field, with festival-goers having to pay an admission fee, after years of enjoying free entertainment.
There are two stages, an acoustic theatre and dance tent.
A campsite is provided for the hardy types and other local accommodation gets booked up well in advance.
Big names in the past have included Super Furry Animals, Cerys Matthews and Goldie Lookin Chain, but the emphasis is very much on an mix of music from around the globe, as well as Welsh bands.
Sesiwn Fawr band pictures 2006.
Sesiwn Fawr views 2006.
Bands have their say.
your comments
A Resident - Dolgellau
Jimmy Jones of Telford hits the nail on the head. The music is fine and the setting is fantastic but sadly it all gets spoilt by drunken louts trashing the town for 48 hours. Most locals move out for the weekend and clear up the wreckage when they return. I won't miss it for a year.
Tue Jul 7 10:06:11 2009
Helen Combes, Staffordshire
I went to the first ever Sesiwn Fawr and it was wonderful, found by an accidental camping visit. Such a shame that it got so big and has been lost. Wanted to visit with my son this year, but last went in 2000 (I think) when someone landed in my tent, drunk.
Fri May 1 16:09:39 2009
Tom
Is there going to be a Sesiwn this year? I heard rumours it had finished.
Web team: The 2009 festival has been cancelled. More on this..
Mon Mar 2 13:40:07 2009
Jimmy Jones - Telford
Rubbish. This is just an excuse for people to get drunk, throw rubbish and be sick in the streets whatever age they are, with the local constabulary turning a blind eye as long as they have an easy life. There are more people in the streets than at the festival, and no wonder with the price of admission to see no-body's. Sorry but this is not my idea of a festival or a day out in Dolgellau
Mon Jul 21 09:48:33 2008
sarah , anglesey
we went in 2002 but are looking foreward to going this year. i appreciate the security and despite the aggressive drunks. thay dont impress anyone! i'm looking foreward to introducing my 2 tots to a small but charismatic festival so thanks to the organisers and lets hope we get a load of great memories this time too ... see you all there x x
Mon Apr 2 10:20:26 2007
Dave Cripps from Junction
Went last year. Was awesome, great crowd, and a really friendly atmosphere. Will be there 2moro 4 the saturday!!
Mon Jul 24 09:56:59 2006
Roosters from Llanrwst
I don't think u can get better then Wakestock for a good local festival, Im not Welsh but I think Sesiwn Fawr could be just as buzzin if it got a dance tent as well but airplay to all the bands, they are wicked give it some wellie.
Mon Jul 24 09:56:38 2006
Carwyn Rhys (rocker) dolgellau
Sesiwn fawr is the best thing that happens to the meirionydd area and it happens in Dolgellau! not only does it put Dolgellau on the map but attracts people from literally everywhere as long there's a good mix of bands both nights.....not just one good and the rest are awful. Band people, if you're reading this, sesiwn fawr is a festival where everyone gives it their all. So when you're on that stage being adored by the people think...they want to hear everything you've got. Not a little whisper but full on bring the house down halellujia voice!
Tue May 30 16:52:06 2006
Andrew Williamjs, Dolgellau
Its wrong that the localpeople have to pay an admision fee. and this year hopefully therewill be a biggerband
cause last year there was onlyone good band and that was esteniedig.
Mon Mar 27 12:16:31 2006
Anon
Sesiwn Fawr was better when it was in the town. It was a family event then. Now it has become a debauched excuse for young people to get drunk out of their skulls. We found it really upsetting and depressing to see so many underage people inebriated.
Thu Mar 9 11:36:16 2006
