Families, children, partners and staff came together this summer to celebrate 20 years of Flying Start through special community events held in Bangor, Caernarfon and Blaenau Ffestiniog.
The events took place at Ysgol Maenofferen, Blaenau Ffestiniog on 13 August 2026, Plas Pawb, Caernarfon on 18 August 2026, and Maes Ni, Maesgeirchen, Bangor on 19 August 2026.
Flying Start is a Welsh Government programme that provides early years support to families with young children, helping children get the best possible start in life through health services, language development support, high-quality childcare and family support services.
The three events provided an opportunity to celebrate the programme’s achievements over the past two decades while bringing together families, staff and partner organisations in a fun and welcoming environment.
Activities included therapeutic donkey sessions, Forest School activities, outdoor crafts, creative activities for children, Circus Skills, information stalls from local partners, visits from the emergency services, a healthy lunch for families and a special celebration cake to mark the milestone.
Speaking at the event in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Councillor Elfed ap Elwyn, said:
It’s a pleasure to be part of such wonderful celebrations, a real testament to success, and the children have thoroughly enjoyed themselves. I’m looking forward to the next twenty years. Thankyou very much.”
Speaking at the Caernarfon event, Councillor Menna Trenholme, Cabinet Member for Children and Supporting Families, said:
I’m very pleased to be here today in the middle of the Flying Start celebrations marking twenty years.
The program has developed so much over this time, and the support given to families has been truly invaluable.
I look forward to seeing how it continues to grow over the next twenty years.”
Speaking at the Bangor event, Elin Walker Jones, Chair of Cyngor Gwynedd, said:
It’s a huge honour to be here today to celebrate Flying Start’s 20th birthday here in Maesgeirchen at Maes Ni.
We are so lucky to have the Flying Start services to serve the families of Bangor and beyond and it’s just marvellous to see all the work they do.
We’ve been celebrating today, there’s activities, there’s food, there’s children, there’s staff it’s fantastic to see. Thank you so much to all the Flying Start staff for the wonderful services you provide. Thank you.”
The organisers would like to extend their sincere thanks to all the families who attended the events, the staff and volunteers whose hard work ensured their success, and the venues that hosted the celebrations. The strong support of local communities and partner organisations has been instrumental to the success of Flying Start over the past 20 years.
Looking ahead, Flying Start remains committed to supporting children and families across Gwynedd, ensuring that every child has the best possible opportunities to thrive and develop.