Following last year’s success, Welsh-language music gig ‘Twrw yn y Tarw’ returned to The Bull in Abergele this year. Organised by the volunteer committee Criw Bro Gele in partnership with Menter Iaith Conwy, with financial support from the Noson Allan – Night Out scheme, the evening was a success, with people of all ages enjoying Welsh-language music in an informal atmosphere.
There was a fantastic evening of entertainment, with Elliw Jones opening the night, followed by Dylan Jones a’r Band, Hafna and Yr Anghysur, before Morgan Elwy a’r Band brought the evening to a close. The event provided a great opportunity for people to enjoy the Welsh language and live music in the town.
Lauren Frost, a member of the Criw Bro Gele committee and the event’s main organiser, said: “The feedback was so positive again this year, and it was wonderful to see people of all ages coming together to enjoy Welsh-language music in Abergele.”
The event is part of a wider programme of Welsh-language and bilingual activities taking place in Abergele with the support of Criw Bro Gele and Menter Iaith Conwy. These include monthly quizzes, Twmpath Dawns (a traditional Welsh dancing event) and a walking group, providing opportunities for Welsh speakers, learners and those looking to build their confidence to use the language in a social and informal atmosphere.
Menter Iaith Conwy works closely with voluntary local committees to ensure that the Welsh language is heard regularly in communities across Conwy. Abergele is one of these committees, with a further 12 committees operating across the county. In Abergele, this local work has also included a Menter Iaith Conwy stall at Abergele Fun Day, organised by Abergele Town Council, providing an opportunity to meet local residents and raise awareness of opportunities to use Welsh locally.
Elliw Jones, Menter Iaith Conwy’s Area Officer, said: “Since joining Menter Iaith Conwy in February this year, I have really enjoyed the opportunity to work with new people and get to know the community in Abergele. The work with Criw Bro Gele is a great example of what can be achieved when enthusiastic people come together. I look forward to continuing to work here over the coming months.”
This local work contributes to the Welsh Government’s Cymraeg 2050 ambition of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050, by creating more opportunities to use the language in the community.
Thanks to Section 106 funding and support from Abergele Town Council, the Area Officer works closely with the local community to develop and support Welsh-language and bilingual activities. This includes supporting local initiatives, organising and promoting events, and working with volunteers to ensure that the Welsh language is a visible and natural part of community life in Abergele.
The Mayor, Cllr Alan Hunter, on behalf of Abergele Town Council, added: “Abergele Town Council is proud and pleased to support Menter Iaith’s work across our area. Their commitment to promoting the Welsh language and culture by creating everyday opportunities for people of all ages, helps strengthen our local identity and our community.”
This work demonstrates how local investment can support people to create activities or events that are open to everyone, strengthening opportunities to use the Welsh language in community life in Abergele.
For more information, please contact Elliw Jones by email: elliw@menteriaithconwy.cymru.