A new book setting out a vision for a new Wales will represent an “utopian vision” of what the country could look like after independence, according to its author. Llywelyn ap Gwilym is the organiser of the AUOB Cymru rallies which attracted thousands to pro-independence marches in Cardiff, Caernarfon and […]
Culture
Sign of the times: The unique story behind The Alarm’s new lockdown album
Mike Peters has never been one to shirk a challenge or do things by half measures. The Alarm frontman, a three-time cancer survivor and the archetype of a conviction musician, has overcome more obstacles in his life than most mere mortals. A creative colossus whose career has been trademarked by […]
Review: Ward Nine: Coronavirus is a frank account of surviving Covid in a north Wales hospital
Adam Somerset This period is set to be the most scrutinised of the century. At the global level Asia and Australia have responded to the pandemic in a way that Europe and the Americas have not. A torrent of studies and books will ensue; the first wave is already hitting […]
The story of the couple who fell in love thanks to Welsh music venues
David Owens Grassroots music venues play a crucial role in the development of Welsh music, nurturing local talent, providing a platform for artists to build their careers and develop their music and their performance skills. These venues also play a vital role in the cultural and economic vibrancy of any […]
Review: Llechi is a masterclass of exposition written by an author at the peak of her powers
Alun Davies Penrhyn Quarry in Gwynedd was at one time the largest slate quarry in the world. At its peak, nearly three thousand quarrymen risked life and limb to extract the famous purple slate for export across the globe, and it also became known as the epicenter of the ‘Great […]
Review: Advent is a tender, affecting tale where love prevails despite its travails
Jon Gower When the salt-tanged stories collected in Fraser’s ‘The South Westerlies’ appeared in 2019 they announced a strong new voice in Welsh fiction as well as a sensitive celebrant of the rim of North Gower where those insistent winds prevail, bending the blackthorns to their will. Fraser’s latest book […]
‘I was lucky to be sent to a Welsh language school’ says new Lord of the Rings star
The star of a new Lord of the Rings series coming to Amazon Prime has said that she was “lucky” to be sent to a Welsh language school as it put her on the road to being an actress. Morfydd Clark will now play a young Galadriel, the character portrayed […]
From traditional to Tik Tok: Urdd reveal plans for next youth Eisteddfod
The Urdd have announced that the online Eisteddfod T will back for the second year running due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the organisers promise a “more experimental, progressive and exciting festival than ever before”. The organisers announced in December that they had decided to postpone the Denbighshire Urdd Eisteddfod […]
Welsh festivals unite to create major online event
Four major Welsh arts festivals have joined forces to create a new online event next month. Gŵyl, a collaboration between Festival of Voice, FOCUS Wales, Other Voices Cardigan and Aberystwyth Comedy Festival, will be broadcast online on the BBC’s website across the weekend of 6-7 March and will feature music and comedy performances, filmed […]
The return of Benji Wild – the demise of Astroid Boys, the death of DJ Stagga and the Cardiff protests
David Owens As a mighty statement of intent, Benji Wild’s new single ‘Onjob’ hits hard. The track is accompanied by a powerful music video which features footage of the recent protests in Cardiff following the death of Mohamud Mohammed Hassan, who died just hours after being in police custody. It […]