Where is it happening?
"THE most amazing experience. Diolch yn FAWR - more soon as I'm processing this extraordinary gathering of folk. VERY Special ..."
What is ffidil fawr?
Immerse Yourself in Welsh Tradition: Discover beautiful airs and lively dance tunes passed down through generations, while learning the distinctive style and rhythms that define Welsh traditional music.
A Blend of Tradition and Technique: Our workshops combine the spontaneity and creativity of traditional playing with a clear and accessible teaching method, providing a well-rounded approach to learning and improving.
Sharpen Your Skills: Whether you’re looking to refine your technique, explore improvisation, or deepen your musical expression, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
All Levels Welcome: Whether you’re a seasoned folk player or just starting your musical journey, this retreat is for everyone. We teach the classes primarily by ear, but sheet music will also be available for those who prefer it.
Play and Perform Together: Collaborate in small groups, enjoy informal jam sessions, and join us for the Cerddorfa Ffidil Fawr—a big fiddle orchestra that brings all participants together in a joyful celebration of all fiddles.
Ffidil Fawr means 'big fiddle'...
After a resoundingly successful first ever Ffidil Fawr we're back this year with another joyous celebration of Welsh traditional string playing.
Held in the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, this is your chance to play, learn, and connect with fellow musicians who share a love for traditional string playing and a passion for exploring its roots.
As your hosts, we; VRï, Wales’ multi-award-winning chamber-folk trio, are excited to share our passion for this music. We pride ourselves on making Welsh traditional string playing approachable for all. Our teaching methods are clear, supportive, and designed to guide you through learning new techniques and building confidence, no matter your starting point.
The course will take place Thursday 25th to Sunday 28th of September 2025.
Prefer to watch a video? This ten minute documentary about our first ever Welsh fiddle weekend will give you a great sense of what to expect!
This year we are very excited to welcome the wonderful Angharad Jenkins to our tutor group. Angharad is not only one of Wales' most talented fiddle players but an exciting alt-pop singer and song writer. She’ll lead the gently paced group, offering a relaxed and nurturing space to develop your skills.
The course is open to any and all string players of all experience; so whether you’re a seasoned folk fiddler, have played other genres and always wanted to give traditional music a go, or you're just getting your fingers around your fiddle, this is absolutely the weekend for you! Teaching will be done predominantly by ear, but sheet music will be available for all elements of the course for whoever would prefer to read.
Ffidil Fawr 2025 will be taking place at Stackpole Outdoor Learning Centre in the heart of the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Stackpole has a selection of rooms available ranging from single, double and twin rooms as well as dormitories. Sharing rooms has proved to be a popular option with many folks making great friends with their new room mates, however if you bring a group of friends you can let us know that you'd like to share a bedroom and we will allocate you one together.
If you live locally or prefer to book your own accommodation you can book a course ticket without purchasing accommodation.
Lunch and dinner is included with all course tickets and breakfast is included with all accommodation bookings. Stackpole Centre is well-connected by road and public transport. By car, the journey takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes from Cardiff, 1 hour 45 minutes from Swansea, 4 hours from Birmingham or Wrexham, and 3 hours 30 minutes from Bristol. For public transport, the nearest train station is in Pembroke, with services from Cardiff via Swansea taking around 3 hours. Local taxis or buses can complete the final leg to Stackpole, and we can also arrange pickups for those traveling by train.
Unfortunately due to restrictions at Stackpole, camping and camper vans are not allowed on site - there are a selection of local campsites available however.
We would strongly encourage you to consider sharing lifts. This not only helps share the cost of fuel but also the cost on the environment - we use our facebook group and email list to link up people travelling from similar areas and routes. More information about the Stackpole Centre is available here
what's on offer?
During the day, you'll focus on your first-choice class, where you'll build repertoire and strengthen fundamental techniques. These sessions will also include time to work on pieces for the Ffidil Fawr Orchestra, which everyone will play together.
Additionally, you'll have the option to join various optional classes, such as:
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Self-accompanying a song with your instrument
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Improvising harmonies to a tune
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Exploring other fiddle styles
When booking, you'll choose your main group, but the optional classes can be signed up for after you arrive. Before the course, we'll send you a digital tunebook with standard Welsh session tunes so you can come prepared—though this is entirely optional!
Evenings are all about informal music-making, with tune sessions happening throughout the common areas. We'll host two types of sessions: one fast-paced and lively, and the other more relaxed and gentle. We can't wait to jam with you late into the night!
On Saturday evening, you're invited to a special performance by VRï, featuring our unique chamber-folk take on Welsh traditional music. It’ll be intimate, unplugged, and unforgettable—check out the video above to see highlights from last year!
After joining us at Ffidil Fawr, you’ll have the chance to stay connected through our Facebook group and members' area, where we share course resources and keep the tunes going.
A few notes:
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This course is designed for bowed string players of any skill level.
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If you play another instrument—no matter how unusual—bring it along for the evening sessions! We’d love to hear it and mix things up with some variety.
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Under 18s are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
The weekend is fully inclusive. You'll stay at the Stackpole Centre, with all meals provided, and dietary needs can be accommodated. Arrival is Thursday evening, and we’ll finish after lunch on Sunday.
This fiddle weekend is truly something special. One participant described it as:
"THE most amazing experience. Diolch yn FAWR - more soon as I'm processing this extraordinary gathering of folk. VERY special..."
Calling All Cellists!
We’re especially excited to welcome cellists as well as other string players to Ffidil Fawr. The cello is an emerging force in Welsh traditional music, and our very own Jordan Price Williams is leading the way. As one of Wales’ pioneers in adapting the cello to traditional styles, Jordan will share his expertise and passion, helping cellists find their place in this evolving tradition. Whether you’re an experienced player or a curious beginner, this is your chance to explore the cello’s role in Welsh music and be part of its growing presence.
Viola Players, This Is for You Too!
The viola is a fantastic instrument in traditional music, and we’re excited to invite violists to explore this wonderful sound with us. Patrick Rimes, one of Wales’ most talented musicians, is not only an exceptional fiddler but also an accomplished viola player who has seamlessly incorporated the viola into the heart of Welsh folk music. Whether you’re an experienced violist or curious just about how the viola fits into traditional styles, Patrick will guide you in unlocking its unique potential. This is a fantastic opportunity for violists to broaden their musical horizons, expand their repertoire, and dive into the world of Welsh fiddle playing.
Fiddle Classes
Fiddle Foundations - Angharad Jenkins: Perfect for beginners or those building confidence, this class focuses on the essentials to start your fiddling journey.
Welsh Trad Unlocked - Aneirin Jones: Explore traditional Welsh tunes with creative techniques, expressive playing, and a focus on stylistic depth.
Fiddle Mastery - Patrick Rimes: Aimed at advanced players, this class delves into complex pieces, stylistic refinement, and improvisational skills.
Cello Class
Discover the cello’s unique voice in Welsh traditional music. This class explores fiddle-inspired techniques like flowing bowing patterns and melodic ornamentation, adding a distinctly Welsh character to your playing.You’ll also delve into the cello’s rhythmic role, learning to craft bass lines, counter-melodies, and chordal textures that bring Welsh tunes to life. Perfect for cellists looking to deepen their connection to with traditional music and expand their skills. Led by Jordan Price Williams
Welsh Fiddle weekend
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Meet the Tutors!
sign me up! How do I book?
Tickets for the three day retreat are priced at £230 and tickets for accommodation and meals onsite start at £90. All information is available on the booking page.
Ask us about lifts and car sharing - we can link you up with other participants!
If you have any questions please pop us an email over at: ffidilfawr@gmail.com