ON a blustery and rather dull evening, just a few months ago, a group of activists from across the left gathered in the Saith Serena, Wrexham’s co-operatively owned community pub, to discuss a bright idea.

Those gathered had faced down many attempts by the fascist far right to gain a foothold in our corner of north-east Wales. Over the years there have been marches and rallies as well as a range of direct action against a range of fascist groupings. That night we decided a positive and ambitious response was needed. Our inspiration was local hero Twm Sbaen and we decided we needed a festival.

Twm (Tom) Jones was a miner from Rhosllanerchrugog who lived a genuinely heroic life of left activism. At various times a member of the Communist Party and Labour Party, Twm became an influential leader in the Transport and General Workers Union and played a key role in the establishment of the Wales TUC. He is perhaps best remembered as a member of the International Brigade that went to fight fascism in the Spanish Civil War.