Critically endangered swifts were given a loud ‘Welcome back to Brecon!’ from young people and their families at a celebration event at y Gaer on May 30.

Organised by Brecon Frazz and Brecon & District Swift Group, the day was a celebration of all things related to the much-loved but globally threatened bird, involving crafts, storytelling and music making – and the launch of a specially brewed Swift Beer.

Llangors Left Bank Brewery has teamed up with the Swift Group to create the beer, which will be available in local shops soon, and from Brecon Tap throughout the Jazz Festival. Like the swifts, it’s only here for a precious few weeks, so make sure you sample it soon!

Brecon Swift group has come together to help safeguard these amazing birds. They are the ultimate flying machines - they eat, sleep and mate on the wind - only landing to lay eggs and raise their young.  They nest high up in walls and under roofs, returning from Africa to the exact same place each year.

“Swifts are good neighbours,” said Barbara Anglezarke of the group. “They do no harm and make little or no mess. Unfortunately, building renovations often block up nest holes - so we are urging building owners to take account of their fellow residents when undertaking work.”

Nest boxes fixed in the right positions can also help to provide good homes. 

Swifts ‘On the Wing’ will be the theme of the Brecon Frazz parade on August 10 Jazz weekend – so look out for that! With the support of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, the Swift Group also runs swift walks in Brecon - the next one is on Wednesday, June 5 - meet near Honddu Bridge in Brecon at 8pm - https://Swift-Walk-Brecon1.eventbrite.co.uk

A second event will take place on Wednesday, July 10 - once again meet near Honddu Bridge in Brecon at 8pm - https://Swift-Walk-Brecon2.eventbrite.co.uk

If you are passionate about swifts, the group would love to hear from you – get in touch on their Facebook page: Brecon & District Swift Group