The lead singer the Super Furry Animals, Gruff Rhys, is the first artist to confirm that he’ll perform in the special festival, ’50’, to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (The Welsh Language Society), it was announced today (Wednesday, 3rd August).
In a launch of their plans to mark the language campaign group’s fiftieth birthday on the Eisteddfod Maes today, it was revealed that a two-night concert will be held on 13th and 14th July 2012 in Pontrhydfendigaid famous pavilion next year. The event’s website – hannercant.com – will unveil more of the fifty artists who will take part in the one-off gig.
Owain Schiavone, one of the organisers of ’50’ said:
“Gruff Rhys is an artist who has consistently supported Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg over the years and we are delighted to confirm that he will be performing. He, without a doubt, is one of the most popular and recognised Welsh language artists over the last ten years.”
“Of course, while this announcement is very important, it’s only the first in a long list. Given that ’50’ is taking place to mark Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg’s fiftieth birthday, it’s our aim, over the two nights to host fifty leading Welsh language artists. We’ll confirm the names of the other artists between and the big weekend, with the name of one new artist announced every week.”
Bethan Williams, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg added:
“These events are a unique opportunity for people from every corner of Wales, and beyond, to celebrate campaigning for the Welsh language. We in Cymdeithas are a movement of people who depend on the work and enthusiasm of individuals and communities. This is our chance to thank them for their extraordinary commitment and also to inspire a new generation who can move Wales’ unique language forward.”
As well as announcing further details regarding the ’50’ festival, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg today announced that there will be a series of other events held over the next year to mark the fiftieth anniversary and the fifty years of campaigning for the Welsh language.
The celebration will begin with a special gig at the Central Station, Wrexham tonight, where Mici Plwm will host – in music and film – a celebration of 50 years of Welsh-language rock music and protest with Maffia Mr Huws, Heather Jones, Gai Toms, Jen Jeniro and Ian Rush. Doors open at 8pm, with tickets on sale at the door for £9.
The group will also set a target of raising fifty thousand pounds over the next year to sustain the current campaigns of the movement such as the effort to save Welsh language broadcasting.
