Weekend of landmark celebrations

As well as 10 years of devolution in Wales, it is the fifth birthday of the Wales Millennium Centre

Celebrations are being held over the weekend to mark several anniversaries in arts and politics in Wales.

The Cardiff Bay "open weekend" is for for a decade of devolution, five years of the Wales Millennium Centre and the 65th birthday of composer Karl Jenkins.

It includes concerts, and behind the scenes peeks at the Wales Millennium Centre.

The national poet of Wales, Gillian Clarke, and fellow poet Ceri Wyn Jones also unveiled new works.

A concert on Saturday showcased a new piece from Karl Jenkins, commissioned to mark devolution.

Debbie Court of Touch Trust on its greater prominence since moving into the Wales Millennium Centre

"Devolution is not just about the National Assembly and its 60 members," said Presiding Officer Dafydd Elis-Thomas.

"It's about increasing participation in the political process and getting as many people in Wales to have a say in the future of the country."

He added that the weekend's events were a opportunity to visit the Senedd building in Cardiff Bay, and watch some "unique Welsh performances".

Poets Gillian Clarke and Ceri Wyn Jones have written works based on the theme of 10 years of devolution.

They were performed, along with other poems, in the Senedd building on Saturday.

It has been a pleasure, rather than a duty, to compose a poem that will celebrate the 10th birthday of an institution that has begun to give Wales and its people long-overdue political recognition Ceri Wyn Jones

Ms Clarke said she felt "bitter disappointment" when Wales initially rejected devolution in a referendum in 1979.

'Poetic duty'

"In 1997, when the dramatic result in Carmarthen - my father's county - was declared, despair turned to rejoicing at the very last moment," she said.

"We are grown-ups now, with responsibility for at least some of the decisions that affect our lives in Wales."

Ceri Wyn Jones added: "Marking occasions has been part and parcel of the poet's duties in Wales for centuries.

"In my case, however, it has been a pleasure, rather than a duty, to compose a poem that will celebrate the 10th birthday of an institution that has begun to give Wales and its people long-overdue political recognition."

The Wales Millennium Centre is marking its fifth birthday with two days of performances, many free, and the chance for members of the public to take a "behind the scenes" glimpse of some of its work, including Welsh National Opera rehearsals and theatre performance for children.

Fiona Allan, Wales Millennium Centre's artistic director, said: "We're opening our doors this weekend so that people can call in, explore and take part in a range of activities to help us celebrate our fifth birthday.

"It really is an 'access-all-areas' weekend where visitors can take a backstage tour, see performances or join in a drama, dance or music workshop."

Saturday evening also saw a concert celebrating the 65th birthday of one of Wales' most distinguished composers, Karl Jenkins.

The bill featured some of his best known works, including Songs of Sanctuary, Requiem and the million-selling Adiemus.