Latest news with #non-Welsh
North Wales Live
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
National Eisteddfod 2025: Everything to expect and how to get there
The National Eisteddfod, one of Europe's biggest cultural festivals, will be staged in Wrexham, Wales' newest city, this year. In recent weeks Eisteddfod staff and contractors have transformed farmland at Is-y-Coed on the eastern outskirts of Wrexham, into a small town with a 1,500 seat pavilion, a range of performance spaces and stalls as well as a temporary Gorsedd circle. The Eisteddfod marks the culmination of more than two years of organizing and fundraising by local people. Llinos Roberts, Chairman of the Executive Committee, said realising a festival as big as the Eisteddfod is not easy and she paid tribute to the staff for their vision and perseverance. "I would like to thank everyone in Wrexham from the bottom of my heart for their tireless work over the past year creating a new buzz and raising awareness of our language and culture throughout the county," she said. She emphasized that the National Eisteddfod is a Festival for everyone. "It's been nice to see confident speakers, new speakers and non-Welsh speakers as an integral part of our local committees. Thank you all for their time, energy and creativity in organising and contributing to such a great variety of fundraising events and their input in creating a comprehensive programme throughout the week. "Our new city, which is famous all over the world thanks to the success of the football team, is the heart of it all. But what is most special about the area is its people with their deep pride in their heritage, their resilient determination, and their unwavering passion for the Welsh language in an area that is so close to the border," added Mrs Roberts. This year's Eisteddfod will be the ninth visit to the Wrexham area having made its first visit in 1876. That year became known as the first time in modern Eisteddfod history with a "Black Chair". The winning poet, Thomas Jones, (Taliesin from Eifion), had died hours after posting his poem to the adjudicators. It is said that his last words were "Is the ode delivered safely?" There were detailed reports of the Eisteddfod in period newspapers of the ceremony. Under the heading 'The Chair without the Bard' one report noted: "The Chair was there, but the Chaired Poet was in THE GRAVE! "Out of seven competitors, his ode was declared the best. A funeral robe was spread over the Chair, and the Gorsedd walked around it." The 1912 Eisteddfod witnessed a rare double winner when Thomas Parry-Williams scooped the Crown and the Chair at the festival. The poet turned up for the ceremony unaware he was the winner and sat at the rear of the massive pavilion and could barely hear his nom de plume being called. The chairing ceremony was preceeded by a speech from David Lloyd-George. This was interupted by a group of Suffragettes calling for women to be allowed to vote in elections. Reports note they were forcibly ejected. In 1933 the Eisteddfod was again staged in Wrexham and notably featured a chair for the winning poet crafted in China. The 1945 National Eisteddfod was staged at Rhosllannerchrugog and competition was halted by the dramatic news that the war in Japan had ended. This year a minute's silence will be called on the 80th anniversary of the detonation of an atomic bomb above the Japanese city of Hiroshima. The Eisteddfod was last held in Wrexham in 2011. Ashok Ahir, President of the Court and Chairman of the Eisteddfod's Management Board, said that he was looking forward to the Eisteddfod. "As a travelling festival the challenges change from year to year but the purpose of our work remains the same - to promote, preserve and protect the heritage and culture of Wales and the Welsh language," he said. The National Eisteddfod starts on Saturday, August 2 and continues until Saturday, August 9. For more details online, visit With around 150,000 visitors every year, the event has numerous ways to get to it and enjoy. Maes B, the caravan and family camping ground, Hwyrnos and the Maes B tent site, together with the car parks are all close to the Eisteddfod Maes. Eisteddfod officials have made special travel arrangements with Wrexham Council, North Wales Police, Transport for Wales and other agencies. By car Travelling to the Maes by car? Follow the yellow 'Eisteddfod' signs to get to the Maes. The signs are there to help drivers, and Eisteddfod officials have worked on the traffic management plan with the local council and emergency services, to create a plan to get to the Maes as easily and safely as possible. Signs will encourage everyone to approach the Maes from junction 6 (Gresford) on the A483. Traffic from the A55 will follow the signs from the traffic lights at the junction of the A483 and the B5445 (Belgrave), and will be directed south to junction 6 (Gresford) on the A483. Traffic from the direction of Mold on the A541 (junction 5, A483), Ruthin area on the A525 (junction 4, A483), Rhosllannerchrugog area on the B5605 (junction 3, A483), Johnstown on the B5426, Bangor Road (junction 2, A483) and Llangollen /Dee Valley area on the A5 (junction 1, A483) will be directed northbound to junction 6 (Gresford) on the A483. Traffic from the Oswestry area on the A5 (including south Wales traffic) will leave the A483 at junction 6 (Gresford). Traffic from the A525 Bangor-on-Dee area will pick up signage on the approach to the south side of the industrial estate at Cross Lanes traffic lights. Traffic will be advised to turn right here on to the B5130 towards Holt, passing through Talwrn and Bowling Bank before turning left on to Ridley Wood Road. Parking Follow the signs to the car parks and don't park on the side of the road. Stewards will direct vehicles in the car park. Parking is free. *Disabled visitors with a blue badge should follow the signs to the disabled car park* Drop off points There's a dedicated area for buses and taxis to pick up and drop off passengers close to the entrance. There will be clear signs to guide drivers to these points. Trains Wrexham General is one of the main railway stations between north and south Wales, and it also links to the north Wales Main Line via the Wrexham Central to Bidston service. Trains will run regularly throughout the day and late into the evening. Transport for Wales (TfW) and Avanti West Coast are running extra services during the week of the Eisteddfod. This will include eight extra services on Saturday and Sunday and twelve extra services from Monday to Friday. More details online at You can also use the Traveline Cymru website - to plan your journey. Dogs are allowed on the trains. Buses Wrexham has a wide network of public buses running throughout the day and evening. More information on local bus services are available online at TrawsCymru service T3 will also serve the Maes every two hours from Wrexham Bus Station. The T3 service opens up direct access to the Maes from Barmouth, Dolgellau, Bala, Corwen and Llangollen. Shuttle buses between the Maes and the city A free shuttle bus service will run frequently between the railway station, the bus station in the city centre and the Maes from 8am until midnight. These buses are low-level vehicles, suitable for wheelchairs. You can bring your dog on the shuttle buses.
Wales Online
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
The best pictures as Welsh-language festival Tafwyl attracts thousands
Wales has a lot to be proud of. Steeped in history, fiercely independent in its identity, and with its own thriving language, there is a lot to cover in Welsh culture. Welsh festival Tafwyl, which took place in Cardiff's gorgeous Bute Park on Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15, certainly does a very good job bringing together a lot of Welsh culture. There is so much to enjoy at Tawfyl, from the two music stages, endless food options, children's area, and more. As soon as you enter you are hit by the delicious smell of a range of street food and nearly overwhelmed with the Instagram opportunities, as two lovely signs declaring Tafwyl welcome you in. After that, you could mingle and mooch around the trade stalls which are fronted by Welsh artists, designers, and makers, selling everything from prints to jewellery and more. The festival was home to the Tafiliwn stage and the main stage, Prif Lwyfan. Here Welsh artists from across the country took to the stage bringing everything from rap to even renditions of Dolly Parton and Abba in Welsh. Lining the sides of this are the amazing food traders including Hoggi Hoggi Hoggi, Greek options, vegan and vegetarian options, paella, and more. Tafwyl really is for everyone. Welsh speakers, non-Welsh speakers. Old, young, and everyone in between. Families, couples, friends, and every combination possible. Many enjoyed going to Tafwyl and here are some of the best pictures from Tafwyl 2025.
Wales Online
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
I went to Wales' biggest free Welsh-language festival and one thing really stood out
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info I moved to Wales four years ago, not knowing a word of Welsh. Now my Welsh is still very limited but when I first moved here, never did I imagine I would be attending Welsh language festivals. Welsh seemed a language I would never wrap my head around and certainly one I never thought I'd immerse myself in. I was also worried I wouldn't even be welcome at the festivals, being English and that being immediately identifiable as soon as I opened my mouth. How wrong I was. It turns out Welsh festivals are a bucket load of fun, get it, a reference to the famous Welsh bucket hats? And not something to be missed. Last year I attended three Welsh festivals, you can read about my first Eisteddfod here, and this year I returned to Tafwyl, ready to experience more. It is running in Cardiff's gorgeous Bute Park, the perfect setting for it, this weekend on Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15. There is so much to enjoy at Tawfyl, from the two music stages, endless food options, children's area, and more. As soon as you enter you are hit by the delicious smell of a range of street food and nearly overwhelmed with the Instagram opportunities, as two lovely signs declaring Tafwyl welcome you in. After that, you can mingle and mooch around the trade stalls which are all Welsh artists, designers, and makers, selling everything from prints to jewellery and more. (Image: Steph Colderick) From there the festival opens up wider with the Tafiliwn stage to the left and the main stage, Prif Lwyfan, bang in front of you. Here Welsh artists from across Wales take to the stage bringing everything from rap to even renditions of Dolly Parton and Abba in Welsh. Lining the sides of this are the amazing food traders including Hoggi Hoggi Hoggi, Greek options, vegan and vegetarian options, paella, and more. Walk on past the main stage and past more incredible food vendors and you come into the children's section which has its own smaller stage and plenty of activities to keep the little ones occupied, such as the sports area and sensory tent. This is where Tafwyl really comes into its own, as it really is for everyone. (Image: Steph Colderick) Welsh speakers, non-Welsh speakers. Old, young, and everyone in between. Families, couples, friends, and every combination possible. It is truly joyous to walk past families spread out on picnics with little ones running around, young people grabbing drinks at the bar, elderly couples, and every walk of life in Wales, in one place, celebrating Welsh culture. You don't need to be fluent in Welsh to bob along to the music and it's impossible not to see how much joy it brings and how it brings people together. And it is totally free. It really is accessible for everyone and you can bring your own food, unopened soft drinks and reusable water bottles, so you literally don't have to spend a penny. Welsh culture should never be hidden away and really is there for everyone to enjoy and Tafwyl I feel is the perfect example of this. Free, accessible, welcoming, and incredibly good vibes - I couldn't ask for more from any festival. Diolch Tafwyl.
BBC News
16-04-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Gwynedd: Fears Welsh teaching plan will hit recruitment
Phasing out teaching in English in one county could worsen a "crisis" in recruiting and retaining teachers, an education union has one of two counties where Welsh is spoken by the majority of people, laid out plans to phase out English-medium streams from the vast majority of secondary schools in a new draft Gwynedd said it was part of an effort to bolster the use of Welsh in a council meeting has heard it was already difficult to attract staff to the county and, nationally, teachers were leaving the profession "in droves". The comments were made during a debate over the draft revised education language policy last council is aiming for 70% of lessons to be taught in Welsh but the branch secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), Elise Poulter, has raised concerns over training, funding and the impact on the Welsh language immersion is already the predominant medium of teaching for across Gwynedd, but schools including Bangor's Ysgol Friars, Catholic primary Our Lady's School and Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn, are "transitioning" towards full Welsh medium provision. Ms Poulter asked the education and economy scrutiny committee meeting if there was provision for teachers who do not teach in Welsh to go on courses to "up-skill".Report author Rhys Meredydd Glyn, head of Gwynedd's immersion education system, said the council was "collaborating with" the National Centre for Learning courses were "tailored" for teachers in specific schools and there would also be tutors appointed for a catchment or school cluster, as well as courses geared towards teaching different subjects in Welsh, he said. Children coming from non-Welsh speaking areas could also be referred to the immersion education system, but he acknowledged it needed "the capacity to accept incomers and late comers". 'We will have to be patient' Mr Meredydd Glyn said there were "a wide range of courses available from the national centre" but Ms Poulter said she feared these measures would not stem the numbers of people leaving teaching."I do think we have to be realistic, in teaching we have a retention and recruitment crisis," she said."We want really really good teachers. I think any teacher who comes here would welcome the opportunity to learn Welsh fluently... But it will take time."Councillor Dewi Jones agreed that recruiting teachers was a "general problem".After the meeting, Ms Poulter told the Local Democracy Reporting Serviceday-release programme for this, with payment for staff cover" to achieve the goal.
Telegraph
08-03-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Whole Six Nations should pray the Welsh revival is for real
In this build-up, Adam Jones, the Welsh scrum coach, has made a valiant attempt of piling the burden on Townsend's side – 'all pressure is on them' – but if they are, as Jones, says 'the best Scottish team ever' then they will be too good for an outfit taking baby steps. So what if it does come to pass and the outsiders revert to humble type. For Sherratt's final match – he is adamant that he will return to his role at Cardiff full-time – England at home would appear the perfect tonic and there can be little doubt that the Principality Stadium would be hymning and humming. But a 17th defeat would equal the worst run ever by a tier one nation – Scotland 70 years ago – and those quotation marks will appear more necessary than ever. At that point the resurgence would be but a fleeting memory and the submergence would resume its inexorable effect. Unless the Welsh Rugby Union acts decisively, there would be no coach and with the domestic game still mired in the shambles of an agreement with the regions that has yet to be published, the despondency could carry the national team to yet lower depths. Japan for the summer tour, anyone? New Zealand and South Africa on back-to-back weekends in November? By then, Wales's world ranking could feasibly be below not just Georgia, but that of Japan, Samoa and the United States. The notion of Six Nations relegation would become increasingly louder. Of course that is a nonsense and those who propose it – wise judges such as Sam Warburton, who should know better – are making the mistake of judging the championship purely as a sports competition. It is so much more. In its 142-year history, it has emerged as a cultural phenomenon, as an annual jamboree that sees more violence-free travel between countries than any other international sports event. Unless you have not been to the Principality Stadium and sampled the atmosphere that Brian O'Driscoll this week has labelled 'the best' or seen the Welsh fans make the trips in their tens of thousands, then you cannot deny what they add to the occasions. The support the smallest nation in the championship takes to Scotland has long been touted as the biggest away section in the Six Nations. 'It's a good place to play and the Welsh travel up there well,' Jones said, with a smirk. 'Max Boyce wrote a song about it, so it must be true.' Naturally, Boyce is one of the Welsh clichés and while not up there with the team of the Seventies or of the No 10 production line, he is part of the allure. And that enduring mythical quality is why so many non-Welsh people welcomed the sight of the twinkle-toed underdogs frightening the life out of the unstoppable Irish champions. It was a glimpse of the Welsh rugby iconography that under the highly effective but just as pragmatic Gatland had not been witnessed for years. Believe it, the Six Nations does not need a strong Wales but it will indeed shed priceless lustre if the Dragons are pathetically weak. It should not only be the Welsh wishing The Revival is for real – but the championship as a whole.
