Welsh Language Music Day returns this February, one year on from its first outing. Its return comes with a partnership between the BBC, HMV, popular music streaming site Deezer, Cardiff’s cult record store, and the oldest in the world, Spillers Records, Wales’ favourite burger joint the Grazing Shed and of course an array of Welsh-speaking musicians and celebrities.
The #WelshLanguageMusicDay hashtag on Twitter is set to be used as a platform for participants to share their favourite music in the Welsh language with their friends and followers, making it easier than ever to get involved with Welsh language music and discover new acts. Radio One DJ Huw Stephens, Catatonia frontwoman Cerys Matthews and the organisers of Brecon’s Green Man Festival are amongst the names of people who took part in the event last year, and this year is set to be even bigger and more iconic. Organisers also want people to get involved by listening to a #DyddMiwsigCymru playlist, which boasts the best creative prowess our country has produced over the past 50 years right up to the present day. Businesses are also getting behind the campaign, with all Co-Operative Group stores in Wales playing Welsh music for the day.
Bethan Elfyn, presenter on BBC Radio Wales states ‘having a Welsh music day is just a way to turn a window on Wales for one day, to draw attention to the wonderful sounds of Wales’ proving that we are a very capable nation in terms of musical talent and we have plenty to offer, whether it be to people on our home turf or those further away. Ashli Todd, co-owner of Spiller Records agrees, saying that ‘a lot of inspiration can come from music that should not be overlooked by the barrier of language’. It evidently goes without saying that music is in the blood of the Welsh, and Welsh Language Music Day is the perfect chance to celebrate our unique musical culture.
Welsh Language Music Day, Fri 10 Feb. Info: cymraeg.llyw.cymru
words RACHAEL HUTCHINGS