THERE were smiling faces on Barry Island promenade as the sun shone down on the recent Welsh language annual Gŵyl Fach y Fro.
Crowds attended the event, held entirely in Cymraeg on Saturday, 20th May, that was billed as giving everyone a stage – extending from local primary school choirs to popular Welsh music bands such as Los Blancos, N’Famady Kouyate, Gwilym, Tara Bandito and Kitsch n Synch.
Sully vocalist Hana Lili and her band were welcomed back on stage this year. The group will go on to support Coldplay on 6th-7th June at the Principality Stadium as part of the Music of the Spheres world tour.
Gŵyl Fach y Fro also showcased activities and workshops for children, popular craft stalls for show goers and food and drink for all.
Event organisers, Menter Bro Morgannwg received a £10,000 National Lottery Community Grant to help develop Welsh community and the musical festival. The award paid for an extension to the Community Stage to give children more opportunity to be part of Welsh speaking events.
Cllr Ian Johnson, Mayor of Barry, opened the stage for young people, Glanfa Gwynfor.
Afterwards he said: “It was a lovely sunny day on Barry Island to celebrate the Welsh language here in Barry and the Vale, and to kick off the summer events.
“I enjoyed listening to choirs from all seven of the Vale’s Welsh language schools who performed, but it was especially nice to hear children from English medium schools, Cadoxton, Oakfield and Colcot, singing in Welsh at the event.
“As Mayor of Barry this year, I’ll be looking to spotlight and promote the many great examples of Welsh language culture in our town.”
An event spokesperson said: “Thank you to everyone who was part of the success of Gŵyl Fach Y Fro. We are grateful to volunteers, performers, schools, community and volunteer groups, area establishments, Menter Bro Morgannwg, stall holders, festival sponsors and 2Can Productions.”
More images and clips from the day can be found on Gŵyl Fach y Fro’s social media.
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