Mentrau Iaith Cymru and PYST have announced that they are collaborating on launching and developing a new gig circuit for Welsh language artists. The first tour will be happening in the Spring.
The aim of the circuit is to offer opportunities for artists to tour Wales, with an emphasis on visiting areas in which they do not perform often, if at all. The circuit will also provide an opportunity to bring live Welsh language music back to areas in which it has been lacking. The hope is that this will lead to an increase in people’s engagement with Welsh culture and will give audiences new opportunities to enjoy it in their local areas.
The circuit is also supported by the Arts Council of Wales’ Night Out scheme which helps hundreds of village halls and community groups across Wales to book professional shows.
The aim is that there will be a minimum of 4 tours a year, with venues and areas varying from tour to tour. PYST will be responsible for national promotion and coordinating whilst Mentrau Iaith will be responsible for local promotion and hosting the gigs. It’s a partnership which embraces the strengths and resources of both organisations.
Heledd ap Gwynfor says on behalf of MIC: ‘Mentrau Iaith are familiar with arranging various gigs and concerts in all areas of Wales, but the recent period has been very challenging for obvious reasons. Being able to collaborate between the various Mentrau and with PYST means that we can offer exciting opportunities for Wales’ audiences to once again experience Welsh language music at its finest”
Alun Llwyd says on behalf of PYST “This circuit is very necessary, as it not only offers a valuable resource for artists and labels to promote their records, but is also an important step in securing that Welsh language music is enjoyed regularly by audiences beyond their local area. We’re excited to see the circuit develop.”
Tomos Jones says on behalf of Menter Iaith Abertawe “Everyone here at Menter Iaith Abertawe is excited to be a part of this programme. Establishing a network of this kind will enable us as Ty Tawe’s managers to attract artists to a venue that would otherwise have trouble booking different acts for one date only. All of this is a huge step in establishing a robust and regular touring circuit across Wales”
Peter Gregory says on behalf of The Night Out scheme “Partnering together helps us support the bands, take away some of the financial risk for community groups of booking shows and gets great music into communities across Wales not just the major cities.”
HMS Morris, the band from Cardiff, will launch the circuit with support by Hyll, Mali Hâf, Elis Derby and Bitw at various stages of the tour. Tour details:
MARCH
25 – Y Clwb, Llanrwst ( +Bitw)
31 – Iorwerth Arms, Bryngwran (+ Hyll)
APRIL
1 – Cell B, Blaenau Ffestiniog (+ Hyll)
2 – Neuadd Gymuedol, Penybont Fawr (+Hyll)
6 – Yr Atom, Caerfyrddin (+ Mali Hâf)
7 – Canolfan Hermon, Crymych (+ Mali Hâf)
8 – Y Selar, CARDIGAN/ABERTEIFI(+ Mali Hâf)
14 – Clwb y Bont, Pontypridd (+ Elis Derby)
15 – Dros Ben Tân, Neath/Castell Nedd (+ Elis Derby)
17 – Coopers Arms, Aberystwyth (+ Bitw)
For more info:
Heledd ap Gwynfor – heledd@mentrauiaith.cymru
Alun Llwyd – alun@pyst.net
Tomos Jones – tomos@menterabertawe.org