Your chance to make a noise about Welsh music

Yet to discover the joy of Welsh language music? 12 February provides a chance for us to put that right!

Welsh language music day will launch for the first time this year, with Welsh Government working in partnership with Deezer, HMV, BBC, Grazing Shed, Spillers and others to celebrate and share Welsh music. Help us spread the word.

Anyone can be part of the celebrations, from individuals and groups to organisations, schools, shops and cafes. Digital packs are available from the website (www.gov.wales/cymraeg/WelshLanguageMusicDay) to help drive the celebrations and explore welsh music, old and new.

What is planned for the day?

• Gigs across Wales featuring some of the most popular current Welsh artists

• Deezer and HMV will be providing and promoting playlists, content and offers for people to enjoy

• Social media activity – Greenman, Huw Stephens, Cerys Mathews and many more joining the #WelshLanguageMusicDay festivities

• Listen out for Welsh songs and promotional activity from BBC Radio stations

How can I get involved?

• Share your favourite Welsh language song #Tiwn

• Go and see a Welsh language band live

• Buy a Welsh language album or song

• Encourage your local school or university to play welsh music in communal areas

• Introduce someone new to your favourite Welsh language band

First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, said:

“Wales is synonymous with world class music and musicians – the quality and range of music on offer is incredible and unique. I don’t think we realise how lucky we are and Welsh language music day is a chance to share your favourite songs and discover the wealth of fantastic Welsh language music currently on offer. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to play such a key role in putting it all together.”

Sam Lee – Music Editor, Deezer UK & Ireland

“It’s no secret that Wales has a rich musical heritage, but what might surprise some people is the incredible depth of contemporary Welsh Language music out there. Welsh music makes an important contribution to the diversity and breath of our 40 million strong music library – from Ifan Dafydd’s textural, twitchy electronic compositions to Edward H. Dafis’ ‘Y Penderfyniad’, which sounds like it has fallen straight off of The Beatles’ classic album ‘Revolver’. These are just two examples of the fantastic Welsh music that is available on our Welsh Language Music Day Deezer playlist – enjoy!”

The day feeds in to the Welsh Government’s ‘Pethau Bychain’ campaign, which aims to show how, through doing little things in Welsh, we can increase the everyday use of the language and help more people to live, learn and enjoy it.