Drwm Y Ddraig (Drum of the Dragon) was started from a desire to share the passion of West African drumming with the community in North Wales.

My name is Hazel and I started drumming in Australia around 10 years ago. I have drummed in many countries around the world, always seeking it out where ever I happened to be. I’ve had the pleasure of drumming with some of the best drumming groups we are lucky to have and I wish to share that with others.

I moved to North Wales a few years ago having lived in West Wales as a little girl. I have almost everything my heart needs here except a drumming community!

So I set up Drwm Y Ddraig as a non profit organisation to fund bringing the vibrancy of West African Rhythms to the heart of Eryri.

The benefits of drumming are many including a sense of community and social interaction, reducing stress and anxiety, improve co-ordination and motor skills, boost self esteem, and release endorphins.

Our first step is the fundraising workshop and AfroFfest night so we have a pot to buy drums and other necessary things to get us started.

Once we have the funds we can start the weekly classes which will be from beginner levels and we will invite teachers to come and hold workshops a few times a year.

I can’t think of a more beautiful place to drum than the UNESCO World Heritage slate town of Blaenau Ffestiniog in the heart of Eryri (Formerly Snowdonia).