AN ANNUAL event to celebrate the achievements of one of Wales' most notable historical figures once again took place in Denbighshire.

Residents of Corwen gathered in the town square to celebrate Owain Glyndŵr Day earlier today (Thursday, September 16).

The date marks the anniversary of the proclamation in 1400, of Owain Glyndŵr as Prince of Wales and is now celebrated annually all over Wales.

Corwen residents gathered near the Owain Glyndŵr statue, which is situated in the Denbighshire town, to wave their Welsh and Glyndwr flags.

The Cambria Band also took part in celebrations providing some traditional Welsh music - and staff from the town's South Denbighshire Community Partnership (SDCP) also paid a visit.

A statement from the SDCP read: "Sally & Denise had lots of fun celebrating Owain Glyndwr Day in the town centre with other members of the community! Well done to all those who performed and took part!"

Owain Glyndŵr is thought to have been born in the 1350s. His father was Gruffudd Fychan, lord of Glyndyfrdwy and Cynllaith. Glyndyfrdwy is 7km east of Corwen along the A5. His mother Elen came from a landed family in Ceredigion.

On 16 September 1400, Glyndŵr instigated the Welsh Revolt against the rule of Henry IV of England.

His longstanding quarrel with Reginald de Grey of Ruthin over some common land took a surprising turn when, after being proclaimed Prince of Wales by his followers, Owain marched on Ruthin.

After destroying the town, Owain went on to attack towns all over north-east Wales as the revolt turned into a full-scale war with the English crown. Welshmen from all walks of life flocked to join Owain's cause, and by 1403 nearly the whole of Wales was united behind Glyndŵr. For a while, it seemed that the vision of an independent Wales had not died with Llywelyn ap Gruffudd in 1282 after all.

However, despite these astounding early victories and the formal coronation of Owain Glyndŵr as Prince of Wales at the parliament of 1404, the rebellion would ultimately fail.

Corwen's Glyndŵr statue was created in 2007 by Colin Spofforth and is a life-size bronze figure which stands upon an eight ton plinth and shows the great leader on his horse in battle uniform.