February
Welsh Language Music Day
Welsh Language Music Day is an annual event that takes place on the second Friday of February, falling on February 14th this year. This celebration embraces the diverse spectrum of Welsh music, encompassing indie, folk, punk, hip hop, and electronica. The primary objective of this day is to shine a spotlight on the Welsh language and its vibrant musical heritage, while also encouraging more individuals to speak and learn Welsh by the year 2050. Celebrations feature gigs, events, and more, not just in Wales but globally.
The Origins of Welsh Language Music Day
Music has long been intertwined with the history of the Welsh people. Dating back to the 1600s, their earliest tunes were often linked to festivals and traditional events like Shrove Tuesday and New Year’s Day. Songs from this period frequently featured repetition, similar to carols. However, the Act of Union, which united the Scottish and English Parliaments into the Parliament of Great Britain, suppressed Welsh music in favor of promoting the English language. This suppression was further compounded by the rise of the Methodist church in the 18th and 19th centuries, as the church disapproved of traditional song and dance.
The late 1800s marked a resurgence of Welsh music, driven by various factors such as the formation of Welsh music societies in Wales and London. In the 1890s, Nicholas Bennett published a collection of traditional Welsh compositions titled “Alawon fy Ngwlad” (Tunes of my Land), contributing to this musical revival. While some composers during this period tailored their work for London audiences, others returned to their roots, creating secular hymns and songs. The subsequent century witnessed Wales producing numerous musical talents, particularly in opera. By the time the Welsh National Opera was established in 1946, the world had recognized Wales’s musical prowess, especially in classical music.
The emergence of iconic singers and bands like Bonnie Tyler and Budgie brought national and international recognition, even as they occasionally adopted American musical styles. With the introduction of Welsh language radio programs by B.B.C. — Noson Lowen in the 1940s and Hob Y Deri Dando in the 1960s — the world was introduced to the distinctive Welsh musical style. Embracing experimentation, the Welsh music scene ventured into punk, metal, and other genres, earning a reputation as ‘thriving’ in media circles. Today, Welsh music continues to flourish, captivating audiences worldwide with its unique flair.
Milestones in Welsh Music History
- 1905: Inspired by the New Zealand rugby team’s traditional Maori dance, the Wales rugby team responds with ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau,’ marking the first time a national anthem is sung at the start of a sporting event.
- 1960s: Welsh singers Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey achieve international fame with multiple hits on the U.K. music charts, with Bassey becoming the first Welsh artist to top the U.K. singles chart.
- 2013: B.B.C. Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens, who is of Welsh descent, initiates Welsh Language Music Day, hosting events annually in Cardiff, Wales, as well as other locations worldwide.
- April 14, 2021: Cardiff, the Welsh capital, is officially recognized as the U.K.’s Music City, boasting the second-highest number of independent music venues in the country.
FAQs about Welsh Language Music Day
- What is considered the oldest Welsh song?
- The 6th-century Cumbrian lullaby ‘Dinogad’s Smock’ holds the title of the oldest Welsh poem.
- Who are the renowned Welsh bands?
- Bands like Stereophonics, Feeder, Maniac Street Preachers, and Catfish And The Bottlemen are frequently lauded as some of the greatest Welsh music bands.
- Who is a famous Welsh singer?
- Shirley Bassey, Catrin Finch, and Tom Jones rank among the most celebrated Welsh vocalists.
Celebrate Welsh Language Music Day
- Dive into Welsh Music: Explore a range of artists, genres, and styles. Find your favorite tunes to enjoy.
- Share Welsh Music: Introduce others to the wonders of Welsh music, offering your recommendations to enhance their experience.
- Watch Live Performances: Check for local live Welsh music events or stream them online if unavailable.
Fascinating Facts About Wales
- Historical Roots: Originally known as the Celtic nation of Cymru, the name ‘Dydd Miwsig Cymru’ for Welsh Language Music Day reflects its origins.
- Welsh Language Popularity: By 2014, only 11% of Welsh residents were fluent in Welsh, known locally as ‘Cymraeg.’
- Another Welsh Music Festival: Eisteddfods, celebrating Welsh literature, music, and poetry, date back to 1176.
- Famous Welsh Poet: Dylan Thomas, an accomplished writer and reporter, penned renowned works like ‘Do not go gentle into that good night’ and ‘And death shall have no dominion.’
- Oldest Record Shop: Spillers Records, founded in 1894 in Cardiff, Wales by Henry Spiller, continues to sell music and alternative music concert tickets.
Why Celebrate Welsh Language Music Day?
- A Love for Music: Engage with the lively Welsh music scene and discover new, exciting sounds.
- Learn About Welsh Music: This festival acts as a portal, introducing Welsh music to the global stage and fostering new international connections.
- Experience the Welsh Language: Use this occasion as an opportunity to explore the Welsh language, enhancing your experience through the joy of music.
Upcoming Welsh Language Music Day Dates
- 2022: February 11 (Friday)
- 2023: February 10 (Friday)
- 2024: February 9 (Friday)
- 2025: February 14 (Friday)
- 2026: February 13 (Friday)
Discover more about Welsh music and culture at Find No More.
What is the date of Welsh Language Music Day every year?
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