Wales for Everyone - St David’s Day event brings Cardiff community together

People with additional needs from across Cardiff came together to celebrate Welsh culture at a special St David’s Day event organised by Ategi in partnership with Learning Disability Wales.

The event, titled “Wales for Everyone / Cymru i Bawb”, took place at the Canopi venue in Cardiff on Wednesday 4 March and offered a full day of inclusive activities celebrating Welsh culture, language and creativity.

Throughout the day there were plenty of opportunities for people to get involved in a wide range of activities. These included learning Welsh through music, decorating an Eisteddfod chair, taking part in a St David’s Day version of “Pin the Tail on the Dragon”, and contributing to a large map of Wales where attendees shared their favourite places across the country. Traditional treats were also part of the celebrations, with a Welsh Cake experience where people could taste Welsh cakes and create their own recipes.

Sport and movement were an important part of the day too. Multisport hosted inclusive games of boccia, a seated ball game that everyone can enjoy, and also led energetic Zumba sessions, giving people the chance to move, dance and have fun together.
Music featured throughout the event, creating opportunities for people to learn and use Welsh in a relaxed and welcoming way. Participants joined sessions such as “Learn Welsh Through Song” and “Sing, Strum and Shake – Welsh Songs for Everyone,” where people could sing, clap, play percussion instruments or simply listen and enjoy Welsh songs together. 

I really loved having the chance to try boccia!

- Gemma, a person with additional needs supported by Ategi's Support Circles. 

The event also welcomed a performance from Codi Llais, a choir from Cwm Taf People First who have previously performed at the National Eisteddfod, bringing music and energy to the celebration.

During lunch, attendees were surprised by a pop-up performance from Kitsch n Sync Collective – Curiously Quirky Dance, Theatre and Performance, who delivered a playful and family-friendly celebration of Welsh folklore that delighted the audience.
The day concluded with a special closing performance from Cardiff singer-songwriter Gareth Bonello, who performed songs in both Welsh and English.

The event was also an opportunity to showcase meaningful paid opportunities for people supported by Ategi. Ategi’s freelance photographers, Cat and James, were commissioned to photograph the event. 

“I found the event amazing. I just loved the whole thing – it was really lovely. I especially loved having the opportunity to be a photographer. It was something new for me, and I was really excited.”

- Commented Ategi's freelance photographer, James. 

Cat is supported through Ategi’s Shared Lives programme, while James is supported through both Shared Lives and Support Circles. Their photography captured the energy and spirit of the day.

- Kate Allen, Ategi CEO was at the event and said:

“Wales for Everyone showed what’s possible when St David’s Day is designed with accessibility at its heart. People with learning disabilities celebrated Welsh culture, learnt new Welsh words, and songs, made new connections in a supportive environment and all whilst having a most enjoyable time. My sincere thanks to all those who played a part delivering workshops or leading activities, but especially to Learning Disability Wales for working with us to create such a fantastic event and to the Welsh Government for creating this opportunity. Diolch yn fawr pawb.”

The event was also filmed by Hyde Media, helping to document the celebration and share the impact of the day more widely.
By bringing together music, sport, creativity and culture, Wales for Everyone created a welcoming space where people with additional needs could celebrate St David’s Day, learn about Welsh culture and enjoy a day full of activity and connection.

I found the event amazing. I just loved the whole thing – it was really lovely.

Would you like to find out more about Support Circles?

Are you an adult with additional needs who would like support to get out into your community? Would you like to build confidence, learn new skills and make new friends?

Support Circles could be for you. You’ll be part of a small, friendly group where you plan trips together, share ideas and support one another, with guidance from an experienced Ategi team member. It’s a safe and welcoming space where your voice matters, helping you grow in confidence while enjoying new experiences together.

Find out more here