Mentrau Iaith Cymru and PYST have announced their collaboration on February 2nd providing opportunities for Welsh language bands to tour Wales. The circuit is also involved with the Arts Council of Wales’ Night Out scheme which provides a chance for a variety of small village halls to hold gigs for the local community to enjoy. Heledd ap Gwynfor, spokesperson for Mentrau Iaith Cymru has said ‘we can offer exciting opportunities for Wales’ audiences to once again experience Welsh language at its finest’. She mentioned that times have been challenging with Covid for Welsh artists and the Welsh public.
The first tour will be in March and April, and the circuit is to ensure that bands tour and visit places they normally wouldn’t play. The band HMS Morris will be supported by Mali Hâf, Elis Derby, Hyll and Bitw. The first gig will be held at Y Clwb, Llanrwst with Bitw playing on the 25th of March. They also will be in Dros Ben Tân, Neath with Elis Derby on the 14th of April and finishing in the Coopers Arms, Aberystwyth with Bitw. Alun Llwyd from PYST noted “The circuit is very necessary’ and described it as ‘an important step in securing that Welsh language music is enjoyed regularly by audiences in their local area”.
On the 10th of February Wales celebrates Welsh Language Music Day. The Welsh Government has partnered with AM, a platform that includes all Welsh cultural arts in one space. They provide Welsh music within a bilingual context for non-Welsh speakers and less confident speakers, encouraging them to discover and learn about the music and enjoy the day.
Elan Jones, Co Head of Welsh Programming and Producing at Xpress Radio, Cardiff University’s student radio has been celebrating the day. She described it as a ‘special day in Wales to promote and raise awareness over a crucial day in Wales’. Also, she felt it was important ‘to highlight that Welsh artists are important not only Welsh songs and Welsh speaking artists’. The radio shows on Xpress Radio during Welsh Music Day hope to be playing Welsh music or music by Welsh artists to celebrate the Welsh talent.
On the weekend of Welsh Language Music Day, Clwb Ifor Bach organised a jam packed day of Welsh artists to celebrate. The artists that will be performing are Tara Bandito, Lloyd and Dom, Hyll, Gwcci, Mali Hâf, Hana Lili, Parisa Fouladi, Y Dail and Ci Gofod. This event is free for the public. Celebrations will also be taking place in Wrexham over the weekend many Welsh artists.