In an ambitious departure from the norm during these difficult times, Gŵyl Fach y Fro Festival, an annual celebration of Welsh language, arts and culture in The Vale of Glamorgan will take place in 2021.
To be streamed on the 17th of April 2021 on the AM platform, the lively and uplifting programme of events will be a very welcome distraction from the current situation and will offer a blend of live music, discussions, and activities for children.
Manon Rees O’Brien, Chief Executive of Menter Iaith Bro Morgannwg said:
“The team at Menter Iaith Bro Morgannwg felt it would be amazing to be able to offer artists and viewers at home a quality production to celebrate all that’s great about our language and culture. Thanks must go to our key funders and supporters who have enabled us to bring you Gŵyl Fach y Fro this year.”
During a worrying time for the arts, artists, and the event industry alike, the festival will provide essential cultural output and industry support at a time when it is most needed.
Antwn Owen-Hicks from The Arts Council of Wales said:
“We are delighted to be able to support this year’s Gŵyl Fach y Fro, which is one of the highlights of Welsh language activity in the Vale of Glamorgan. The festival will be held in digital format for the first time, but the program will continue to be packed with high quality music and activities, sure to have something for everyone!”
As well as music, Gŵyl Fach y Fro’s usual offerings will be provided, including children’s workshops and traders who would normally have a market stall at the event will also get involved, by trading in a virtual market on Facebook; and Welsh medium schools from the Vale of Glamorgan will have a dedicated platform to showcase their talents.
Menter Iaith Bro Morgannwg, a charity which promotes and extends the social use of the Welsh language in The Vale of Glamorgan has been funded and supported by the Welsh Government, the Arts Council of Wales and The Vale of Glamorgan Council to present Gŵyl Fach y Fro 2021.
Cllr Kathryn McCaffer, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Arts and Culture, said:
“I’m so pleased that this year’s Gŵyl Fach Y Fro Festival can go ahead as it’s a vitally important event for Welsh language, arts and culture in the Vale of Glamorgan.
“Next month’s festival will be a little different to previous years because of the pandemic, but I’m really looking forward to watching the stream and taking in the rich variety of music, discussions and activities on offer.
“The Council is a firm supporter of Gŵyl Fach Y Fro and keen to champion any event that aims to promote Welsh language and heritage.”
The festival will be streamed through AM – an online platform sharing creative work from Wales’ cultural scene. The AM app is free to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play at www.amam.cymru/ambobdim or available to view on desktop at www.amam.cymru
For more information and to view the schedule look out for updates on Menter Iaith Bro Morgannwg and Gŵyl Fach y Fro social media channels.