Llantwit Major has hosted a week-long Peace Festival bringing together community dialogue, a Citizens’ Peace Assembly, and a cross-party Senedd hustings at St Illtud’s Church.
The festival began with a reflective discussion on artificial intelligence and peace, exploring how rapidly advancing technology is reshaping public life and why communities need space to think together about governance, power and responsibility.
Organisers say the aim is not protest or party politics, but strengthening democratic culture at a local level.
“At a time of global instability, rising political division and rapid technological change, communities need spaces to practise respectful disagreement and long-term thinking,” said one of the organisers. “Peace isn’t just the absence of war — it’s how we conduct our public life.”
The week concludes with a cross-party Senedd hustings featuring candidates from Plaid Cymru, Labour, Conservative, Reform UK and Liberal Democrat parties. Questions submitted by local residents have been grouped into key themes including peace, the NHS in Wales, the cost-of-living crisis, migration, childcare costs and young people’s wellbeing.
The hustings will include short, timed responses to encourage focused discussion and will invite attendees to reflect on root causes, long-term thinking and shared responsibility.
Alongside structured dialogue, the festival also includes a Peace Vigil, a town-centre “Pause for Peace,” music and community gathering.
Organisers describe the Citizens’ Peace Assembly as part of a growing global movement to strengthen democratic participation by giving ordinary people time, good information and structured listening.
The final hustings event took place on Sunday at St Illtud’s Church.
Local residents in Cowbridge have banded together to buy a beloved piece of land
Welsh legend Max Boyce and record-breaking footballer Jess Fishlock honoured at St David Awards
New care home could be coming to Barry is council approves plans
50+ Forum Radio Show highlight by World Health Organisation as leading age-friendly initiative
“Long-established rural enterprise hub” has applied for retrospective use of a base to provide services to the “wider rural community”.
Vale Council named Employer of the year for Apprenticeships
Vale Council has the 4th highest rate of complaints of any local authority in Wales
Average Vale House Price rises to £300,000
Penarth Library shortlisted for Library of the Year Award
Keep Wales Tidy launch "Drive your litter home" campaign
Members return to the Senedd Siambr following redevelopment
Barry resident shares his story of Operation Pied Piper in new book
Council to engage with public over future of former Wilko Superstore in Barry
Former Conservative turn Reform candidate wins Penarth By-election
Two teenagers sentenced for murder of Kamran Aman in Barry
Council celebrates success of Solar Scheme with Relaunch
Vale Food Trail set to return for 2026
Centenary Year Begins as Barry Swimming Club Celebrates 100th AGM
