Wales’ first Castells society achieves international recognition in London

Building a Community: Citrus Arts launches Colla Pobl Taf - Wales’ First Human Tower Collective. Citrus Arts UK announces that Wales’ first Castells society has achieved international recognition. Castellers of London and Colla Joves Xiquets de Valls have agreed to act as official patrons of Colla Pobl Taf – Wales’ first human tower collective, which is inspired by the Catalan tradition of human towers, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

James, Creative Director of Citrus Arts, says: “This is such great news for Colla Pobl Taf and shows how our efforts and enthusiasm are being recognised, encouraged and fostered by these two great colles.” Castellers of London (CoL) were established in London in 2015 and are one of the growing number of worldwide collectives. Colla Joves Xiquets de Valls (CJXV) are from the birthplace of Castells, the city of Valls, and tracing their roots back over 200 years, they are one of the premier colles, drawing hundreds of people together to take part in building 9 and even 10 level towers.

To celebrate this international partnership, Colla Pobl Taf will be sending a small delegation to the Festival of Sant Jordi in London, Sunday 26 April – an annual celebration presented by the Delegation of the Government of Catalonia to the UK. The First Minister’s confirmation of renewed partnership between Wales and Catalonia earlier this year, with both governments updating their MoU, Citrus Arts UK, one of Wales’ leading circus and outdoor arts organisations, is delighted to launch Wales’ first colla; Colla Pobl Taf (“People of the Taff”).

Join the Build - For Citrus Arts, Colla Pobl Taf brings together a strong commitment to intergenerational practice, as well as encouraging meaningful opportunity for younger community members, with expertise in large scale outdoor production, and ambition rooted in collective collaboration, and shared commitment, rooted locally, with global outlook. Citrus Arts is recruiting new members for Colla Pobl Taf. With the Castells tradition’s strong emphasis on family and community, they are seeking young people, families, adults of all ages, volunteers, makers and performers. Colla Pobl Taf invites people of all ages to become part of something that is at once grounded in tradition and building new communities, built on collaboration and trust.

For over a decade, Citrus Arts has pioneered socially engaged circus and outdoor arts practice across Wales and the UK. Colla Pobl Taf is the natural next step in their journey - building communities that are resilient, creative, collaborative and connected.