3 November 2026

S4C has today released the “first look” of its new drama, Y Streic Fawr, based on one of the longest-running industrial disputes in British history. 

Centred around Caernarfon, which was the centre point of the industrial dispute itself, the Mojo Productions-produced series was written by Ffion Dafis and directed by Huw Chiswell. 

The first episode will air on 6 December at 21.00, with the whole series available to stream on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer from the same date. 

This year marks 25 years since the beginning of the walk-out at car parts factory Friction Dynamics in 2001 and writer Ffion Dafis has worked closely with some of the strikers to reflect their experiences in the three-part series. 

The main cast includes Rhodri Trefor (Gwlad yr Astra Gwyn; White Gold; The Indian Doctor) as Tomi Jones, who later became a full-time officer for the Transport and General Workers’ Union in North Wales.  Gruffudd Glyn (Steeltown Murders; The Martian) and Rhys ap Trefor (Pobol y Cwm; Dal y Mellt; Torchwood) play Gerald Parry and John Davies, respectively. 

With an ensemble cast which also includes Carwyn Jones, Sion Eifion, Emyr Gibson, Catrin Powell, Manon Wilkinson and Betsan Ceiriog, the series will explore the impact of the strike on the factory’s workers and their families. 

The majority of the filming took place in and around Caernarfon, with some of the real-life strikers set to appear in the series as supporting artists. 

Llion Iwan, S4C’s Chief Content Officer, said: “Although this story of a fight for justice is set in North Wales, it's a timeless one that resonates with many communities across Wales. The struggle of the factory workers in Caernarfon is mirrored in that of the miners and steelworkers of the South Wales valleys and North-East Wales. The determination and perseverance shown by the community continue to be discussed to this day.

“It was particularly striking that, while filming earlier this year, people would drive past and sound their car horns in support, just as they did more than twenty years ago. This is a story that remains relevant today, and S4C is proud to bring it to audiences across Wales through this powerful drama series.”

Llyr Morus, Mojo Productions, said: “As someone who was brought up in Caernarfon, who remembers sounding the horn when passing the workers on the picket line and going to the rallies on Y Maes, being able to tell this story - and the fact that the former employees have trusted Mojo Productions to do so - is a privilege.  

“The sacrifice made by the 86 men and women twenty-five years ago was enormous. That sacrifice led to change securing better working conditions for future workers, so they deserve our deepest thanks. Marking this history is important in order to educate future generations - ‘Us today, you tomorrow.’  

“To this day, the impact of the strike can still be seen in Caernarfon, with friendships, families and communities torn apart. It is important that this story is told honestly, with balance, humour, wit and passion of the people of Caernarfon.”  

Ffion Dafis, writer of the drama said: “I felt very strongly that I wanted to write this drama to mark 25 years since a group of people from Caernarfon took such a brave stand for their rights and their future. I hope I’ve done justice to their story, honoured their perseverance, and conveyed what the strike meant to them, their families, and the wider community.”

Y Streic Fawr is a Mojo Productions production for S4C and has received support from the Welsh Government via Creative Wales.