Welsh language arts festival Gŵyl Newydd unveils online events

Newport Council have revealed details of this year’s Welsh language arts festival which will be staged online later this month.

Gŵyl Newydd, now in its fourth year, will once again offer its programme online via the AM website and app, launching the content on 25 September.

An eclectic mix of five prominent Welsh language acts will feature, each performing a set of three songs in five different Newport venues. The events were recorded over two days in August.

N’famady Kouyaté is a master balafonist, singer, percussionist, multi-instrumentalist from Guinea West Africa who performed against the dramatic backdrop of the Roman amphitheatre in Caerleon.

Eädyth, who featured on BBC Gorwelion/Horizons, recorded her set of electronic dance music on the gondola of the historic transporter bridge, while singer Mali Haf performed her relaxed, soulful set in Newport’s independent record store, Diverse Vinyl.

Singer-songwriter Lily Beau performed three new songs at the Riverfront theatre and Dewi and Gwyn from Los Blancos showcased a stripped-back, acoustic set of their brand-new EP at Le Pub.

Ambitious

There will be a virtual collaborative exhibition curated by Rhianwen Williams presenting multi-media work by some of Wales’ most exciting artists.

The exhibition aims to reflect a complete portrait of Wales today. In response to the brief ‘What is Welshness for me’, the exhibition presents work by 11 different artists: Angharad Franziska, Billy Bagilhole, Erin Jones, Hen Wragedd a Ffilm, Llawn, Lucy Evans, Lyra Film, Morgan Davies, Owain Jones, Rhys Webber & Torri+Gludo.

In addition to the music, Gŵyl Newydd 2021 is offering a series of talks, and events for children, including a special bedtime story, a Welsh medium BSL animation, yoga, a discussion between 4 from 4 corners of the world, as well as a special podcast curated by Sôn am Sîn.

Owain Williams, Organiser of Gŵyl Newydd, said: “Despite the challenges faced this year, we are thrilled to be able to announce a comprehensive, imaginative and ambitious programme for Gŵyl Newydd 2021.

“This is an opportunity for us to support, celebrate and promote Newport’s growing Welsh language community through contemporary music, art and culture. We believe that this year’s programme is a significant, progressive step for the festival and conveys the enthusiasm of the local area in facilitating Welsh-medium opportunities.

“After months of hard work, it is very exciting to see our vision for Gŵyl Newydd 2021 blossom. We welcome viewers – from far and wide – to enjoy Gŵyl Newydd 2021”.