Events underway to celebrate Welsh language ahead of Diwrnod Shwmae Su’mae

COUNTLESS events are underway in Ceredigion to celebrate the Welsh language ahead of Diwrnod Shwmae Su’mae on 15 October 2023.

The aim of the day is to show that the Welsh language belongs to us all – even if we are fluent speakers, learners or shy in Welsh.

A gig, a walk and a new single

To celebrate Shwmae Su’mae weekend, Cered – Menter Iaith Ceredigion will be promoting a number of events. A gig will be held by HMS Morris and Ffenest at Bar y Seler, Cardigan on Saturday 14 October 2023.

On Sunday, 15 October 2023, the Ar Gered walk will continue around Grogwynion woods near Llanafan. This is an opportunity for Welsh learners and speakers to come together to practice their language skills whilst exploring nature at its finest.

Then on 16 October 2023, a new single will be released by Iwcadwli, Aberystwyth’s Welsh language ukelele orchestra, which is held by Cered. The single is called ‘Eneidiau Hoff Cytûn’ and it celebrates the group’s fifth birthday.

Ceredigion Language Fairs

Recently, a series of language fairs were held by Ceredigion County Council’s Cardi Iaith team to promote the Welsh language amongst the county’s primary and secondary school pupils, and to build their confidence to speak Welsh.

The language fairs visited the seven secondary schools where workshops were offered for pupils with the rapper Mr Phormula, presenter Ameer Davies Rana, DJ Gwion ap Iago, artist Sion Tomos Owen, Rae Carpenter from Ffit Cymru and comedian Mel Owen.

The fairs were a great opportunity to showcase the Welsh language in a fun and cool way and show that its more than a classroom language.

New Welsh speakers

Diwrnod Shwmae Su’mae is also an opportunity to celebrate the hard efforts of all Council staff who are studying the Cymraeg Gwaith programme. For 2023-24, classes are offered at all levels, from Entry to Advanced 2, and there is a chance to take exams to gain a Welsh qualification as part of their studies. A series of cultural events are also organised to support the learning, from weekly conversation clubs to exciting seasonal events.

Recently, a teacher employed by Ceredigion County Council received great praise, Tom Trevarthen, as he was shortlisted for the Learner of the Year Award at Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru 2023. Tom is an English teacher at Ysgol Henry Richard, Tregaron. He learned Welsh after moving to Aberystwyth from Hartford, England to study in the university and follow a career in one of the county’s schools.

‘The Welsh language belongs to everyone’

Councillor Catrin M S Davies, Ceredigion Cabinet Member with responsibility for Culture, said: “The stories of individuals like Tom proves that the Welsh language belongs to everyone, and we celebrate the achievement and ambition of every new Welsh speaker in the county. It’s great to see so many events being held across the county, from the language fairs to the walking tours in order to encourage people of every age and from all backgrounds to practice their Welsh – no matter what their ability in the language. If you are a new Welsh speaker or are only just starting out – give it a go.”

To find out more information about the opportunities available through your local Menter Iaith, visit Cered’s website: cered.cymru or follow the fun on Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter); and remember to follow @Cardi Iaith on Facebook too to see all the excitement as Ceredigion pupils learn and have fun through the medium of Welsh.