Following discussions recognising the importance of Welsh music community festivals towards introducing Welsh language and culture to new audiences, the Welsh Government agreed to provide a £50,000 grant pot to support Welsh language music festivals in 2019–20.

We understand the importance of Welsh-medium live music in attracting new audiences to the language and normalising the language outside school lessons. It’s vital to achieve the aim of a million Welsh speakers by 2050. Being able to help to provide opportunities for artists to perform in communities across Wales is extremely important with hundreds of musical opportunities organised or supported by the Mentrau Iaith throughout the year including community holidays.

The aim of the Scheme is to promote community festivals with an emphasis on Welsh popular music by offering financial support to local organisations and groups to assist them with the task of organising and conducting an activity that contributes to more use of the Welsh language in the community.

The total fund for 2019/20 was £ 50,000 with the grant allocation to any organisation / group being £5,000.

The Scheme was open to Mentrau Iaith who either organise a festival for the first time, or have established in the last 3 years, or which includes a new element this year, looking at the best possible legacy for the Welsh language in their communities. It was also possible for community groups to contact their local Menter Iaith to apply in co-operation with the Menter.

GFYF 2018-177

The fund was open for a month between the end of March and the end of April with 21 applications received before the closing date that were then judged by an independent panel in early May.

The successful holidays are:

Gwyl y Ferch – Ynys Mon

Parti Ponty – Rhondda Cynon Taf

Gwyl Canol Dre – Caerfyrddin

Gwyl Car Gwyllt – Blaenau Ffestiniog

Ffiliffest – Caerffili

Gwyl Newydd – Casnewydd

Gwyl Fach y Fro – Bro Morgannwg

Gwyl Bro Dinefwr

Gwyl Werin – Merthyr Tudful

Gwyl Nansi Fach – Llanfyllin a Llanwddyn

Gwyl Aber – Aberystwyth

Mentrau Iaith Cymru are happy that the grant has been able to support applications from all over Wales and applications from groups in co-operation with their local Menter as well as festivals organized by the Mentrau. We look forward to seeing these festivals develop and have a positive impact in the community.

The funding is part of the £4.3million pot announced by the Minister for Welsh language, Eluned Morgan to increase the use of the language.

Eluned Morgan said:

“I am very pleased to announce £4.3 million in Welsh Government funding to support organisations to promote and support the Welsh language to thrive in communities up and down the country.

This funding ensures we continue to innovate and build on successful practices and projects, which provide opportunities for Welsh speakers old and new to use, share and enjoy the language over the coming year and for years to come.”

 

Here’s a taste of what the Mentrau has on offer this summer: