Rownd a Rownd, S4C’s cherished Welsh-language soap opera, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this autumn, and fans have a special opportunity to mark the occasion. An anniversary event will be held on 13 September 2025 at Pontio in Bangor, and tickets go on sale today, 18 August, from 3 pm online and by phone, with a limit of six tickets per order.

First broadcast on 11 September 1995, Rownd a Rownd quickly carved out its place in Welsh television as the first Welsh language soap opera crafted especially for a younger audience, targeting adolescents and young adults

Over three decades, the show has broadened its reach and now regularly counts among the top 20 most-viewed programmes on S4C, with around 20,000 viewers per episode

The series is firmly rooted in the landscape of North Wales. Filming primarily takes place in Menai Bridge, alongside Llangefni and Caernarfon

In a creative twist, production transformed a disused garage in Menai Bridge into a realistic row of shops, including a café, hairdresser, newsagent, taxi office, pizza place, and bar—complete with a public notice that the shops are not real

School scenes are shot at local institutions such as Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni and Ysgol David Hughes, while hospital scenes often use Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor. This grounded setting has helped the fictional harbour town of Glanrafon feel authentic to fans.

Rownd a Rownd has been a stepping stone for several Welsh actors now recognized beyond the local stage:

Dyfan Dwyfor, a native of Cricieth, began his professional career on Rownd a Rownd before going on to star in acclaimed productions like Oed yr Addewid (“Age of Promise”)—a drama that won BAFTA Cymru awards, and earning further BAFTA Cymru recognition for Y Llyfrgell (The Library Suicides)

Owain Arthur, born in Bangor, launched his acting journey on the series while attending the performing arts school Ysgol Glanaethwy. He later trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and has since taken on esteemed stage roles, including in One Man, Two Guvnors, and appeared in high-profile TV series such as The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Huw Garmon joined the cast in 2016, already known for his work on Pobol y Cwm. He later balanced his acting career with academic work, lecturing on theatre and television performance at Glyndŵr University

Additionally, Iola Gregory, a noted Welsh actress, made appearances on Rownd a Rownd as well as other S4C programmes. Her career began with notable roles in Pobol y Cwm and later extended into Welsh-language films

Some original cast members also went on to varied careers. For instance, Arwel Roberts (Roger) later worked in TV production and music, while Sian Arfon pursued medicine and became a doctor after leaving acting.

Looking Ahead

As Rownd a Rownd steps into its fourth decade, the upcoming concert at Pontio will serve as both a celebration of its past and a promise for the future. Since its modest beginnings in a converted garage on Menai Bridge, the series has blossomed into a cultural institution, portraying the heart of Anglesey life while launching Welsh talent onto broader stages.

Fans can secure their place in the celebration now, tickets go on sale until sold out, with a six-per-order limit.