- Machynlleth was chosen to be the seat of Wales' first parliament which was set up by the Welsh hero Owen Glyndwr after his ‘war of Welsh liberation' against the English 1400-1415. So it's an appropriate location for discussions on alternative regimes. Owain is said to be the first person to unite the Welsh people - who followed him ‘not out of feudalist obedience but out of inspiration' (more...)
- Machynlleth is a good example of a regeneration success story in a depopulated and economically deprived area, thanks to English and Welsh people working together to develop a bilingual community with a reputation for sustainability. The Eco Dyfi Valley Partnership is involved in promoting tourism, works with local schools and young people on environmental issues (the Dyfi footprint, the happy bin) organises community activities like circle dancing and runs Communities First, a flagship project of the Welsh Assembly which aims to reduce poverty. They are hoping that the Dyfi (Dovey) valley will become a UNESCO biosphere reserve .
- Just outside Machynlleth is the world-famous Centre for Alternative Technology with its innovative solutions for sustainable living. CAT has recently launched its new graduate school, the Wales Institute for Sustainable Education. The ethos of the CAT community is very much that sustainability matters can also be fun! You can learn about hemp and lime, be nice to nettles, make ten different kinds of compost - or stay in an eco-cabin (I have done) and monitor your energy inputs and outputs. CAT workers and volunteers blog about travelling overland to Australia for a friend's wedding or how to stop throwing away rubbish entirely. They will correspond with you via renewable energy powered emails.
In conclusion, Machynlleth is home to innovation and ambitious dreams for the future. It also houses the Museum of Modern Art Wales which runs an eclectic music festival later in August. There's a diverse community, including a group of Chileans, along with musicians and other activists who are able to make connections locally and globally. Where better to hold such an event?
