Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was among the visitors to a long-running Latin American music festival in Machynlleth.

On September 16, El Sueño Existe Festival returned to Machynlleth for its 2023 instalment, which represented a particularly important milestone for the festival’s organisers and attendees.

The 2023 event marked 50 years since the military coup in Chile that claimed the lives of thousands, including the festival’s inspiration Victor Jara, a Chilean poet, singer and activist who was murdered under the regime of Augusto Pinochet at the age of 40.

Discussing this year’s event, festival founder Tony Corden said: “It was very moving and commemorative, especially as we had a few attendees from Chilie who were old enough to remember those terrible times, including a chap in his 80s who actually worked with Victor Java decades ago.

County Times: Dyfi Samba Band at Y Plas, Machynlleth.

“At the festival there were several discussions of the 1973 coup and its aftermath, and the solidarity the people of Chilie received during Pinochet’s dictatorship, including support from a few groups in Wales.

“We felt it was important to reflect on the past, especially as it remains an ongoing issue. Victor Jara’s murderers were only brought to justice in 2018, but thousands of Chileans lost their lives during the dictatorship and have yet to receive justice.”

Mr Corden added that the festival was more than a memorial however, stating: “It was a celebration as much as a commemoration, one filled with poets, musicians and artists.

County Times: festivalgoers dancing to the Frida Violetta Band.

“People came to reflect and remember, but also to enjoy themselves and be entertained. During the dictatorship it was dangerous to even own a record of Victor Jara’s music. So, there’s no better commemoration than playing and enjoying his music, as well as several others.

“The performance on Saturday by the Frida Violeta Band, an all-women Latin American group, was a particular highlight.

“Jeremy Corbyn paid us a visit and ended up staying for the entire festival, it was great to have him there.”

County Times: A group photo at the end of the 2023 El Sueño Existe Festival in Machynlleth.

The festival was first held in 2005 and, according to its organisers, continues to grow.

“It takes a lot of work to put El Sueño Existe Festival together and it does get a weary at times, but seeing it all come together is a reminder that it’s always worth the effort.”