The centre was named after harpist Elis Si�n Siamas

The �1.2m Tŷ Siamas centre, has created 19 jobs and safeguarded another 20. It also features recording facilities and a venue for concerts.

Folk performers will celebrate the opening of the centre with a series of concerts in a four-day festival.

European and Welsh assembly government grants paid for the centre.

Schools and groups are also set to use Tŷ Siamas as a learning facility, which is hoped will also boost tourism in the area.

A rehearsal room, a cafe/bar and a shop are also on the premises.

Folk group The Henneseys will be joining Gwenan Gibbard, Gai Toms and Band Arall on stage at the centre at the festival celebrating its opening.

"Popular venue"

Gwynedd councillor Dafydd Iwan said he hoped the centre would help to develop folk music in Gwynedd and beyond.

"I'm certain that this centre in Dolgellau will grow to be a popular venue among local residents and visitors," he said.

"The new centre will provide new opportunities for the tourism industry in the area, and will be a considerable boost to the local economy."

Tŷ Siamas is located at Neuadd Idris, which dates back to the 1870s.

Neuadd Idris was a very popular venue for folk dances during the 1950s and 1960s.

The centre was named after Elis Si�n Siamas, a harpist from Llanfachreth, Dolgellau who was the royal harpist to Queen Anne between 1702 and 1714.

He was one of the first people to make and introduce the triple harp in Wales.