People Powering Wes Wes

Wes Wes audiences at this year's National Eisteddfod had the opportunity to do more than just watch the show; they were helping to power it.

Before each performance, audience members were invited to jump on one of Ynni Da's bikes and pedal for a few minutes, helping to charge the keyboard battery throughout the show.

The initiative was a simple but practical way to bring the idea of renewable energy to life. Instead of just talking about how much energy is needed to power electrical appliances, audiences could feel the effort for themselves and add their own energy to the performance.

Throughout the week, people of all ages (including a few familiar faces) came to try out the bikes, learn more about renewable energy and play a small part in making the performance happen.

Gareth Bont, our Head of Production, said:

“It was great to see our audience enjoying the experience of jumping on the bikes, learning more about alternative ways to create energy and playing their part in powering Wes Wes.

For us at Theatr Cymru, sustainability is at the heart of our production planning and development, and it was fantastic to highlight that work on the Maes this year, by making sustainable energy part of the audience experience. Thanks to Aled from Ynni Da for working with us on this project and helping us turn the idea into reality.”

Ynni Da is the company behind the pedal-power bikes. Since 2011 Ynni Da has been supporting schools across Wales by providing energy workshops and offering inspirational education support, including pedal power discos.

Aled Vaughan Owen, owner of Ynni Da, said:

"It was great to see so many people experiencing for themselves how much effort it takes to generate electricity. Over the four performances, over 120 people took part, pedalling a total of more than 250 miles and generating enough electricity to charge around 300 mobile phones.

That's what makes pedal power so effective as a way to learn about energy – you can see, feel and hear the energy you're generating. It's a simple, fun and inspiring way to show that every watt counts, and to encourage people to think differently about clean energy and the part we can all play in a more sustainable future."

Thanks to everyone who jumped on a bike, pedalled, asked questions and added their energy to Wes Wes.

The project was part of Theatr Cymru's wider work to explore how theatre and performances can be made more sustainable, while bringing audiences into the conversation in a fun and interactive way. Click below to read more about our commitment to sustainability.