In two weeks Aelwyd Hafodwenog will be performing as a choir in front of audiences in Lyon in the build-up to the Wales v Australia match. Then over a week in early October, the youth movement’s ‘Chwarae yn Gymraeg’ (Play in Welsh) project will introduce Welsh language and culture to the children and young people of Lorient and Nantes.
Urdd CEO Siân Lewis explains: “We wanted to celebrate the Welsh Government’s Year of Wales in France by developing opportunities for the youth of France and Brittany to learn about Wales, our language and culture, and provide new opportunities for our members and staff to learn from other communities about their culture.
“Through our young ambassadors, we will introduce the Welsh language and culture to audiences in Lyon, and through sport and play with the youth of Lorient and Nantes. We had an excellent response to our ‘Chwarae yn Gymraeg’ sessions in Doha and Dubai as part of Wales’ campaign during the 2022 World Cup, and again in Dublin as part of this year’s St David’s Day celebrations. We are proud to help support the Welsh Government’s work in raising Wales’ profile worldwide.”
Dai Baker, Aelwyd Hafodwenog adds; “For us members of Aelwyd Hafodwenog, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our choir. Not only is this a unique trip to celebrate and support our national team’s campaign in the Rugby World Cup, but we’ll also be sharing our language and culture with the world as ambassadors of the Urdd and Wales.”
Aelwyd Hafodwenog choir, Lyon, 21-25 September 2023
In the run-up to the Wales vs. Australia on 25 September, the choir will perform in the Lyon Rugby Village, at a Welsh Government event and a local school for youngsters returning to education. As part of their performances in the city, the choir will showcase both traditional Welsh songs and folk dance (dawnsio gwerin) and participate in cultural workshops with the local school children.
‘Chwarae yn Gymraeg’ (Play in Welsh) project, Lorient and Nantes, 2-6 October 2023
As part of the build-up to the Wales vs. Georgia match in Nantes on 7 October, the Urdd is taking ‘Chwarae yn Gymraeg’ to schools in Lorient (2+3 October), and then onwards to schools in Nantes (5+6 October). Created by the Urdd, ‘Chwarae yn Gymraeg’ is a programme that introduces the Welsh language and culture to children in a fun way: through play and various activities. Activities focus on either sport or culture, allowing children to learn outside of the more traditional classroom setting.
These projects have been funded by the Welsh Government’s International Relations team as part of the Year of Wales in France activities to promote Wales and the Welsh language internationally. Keep up to date by following #WalesinFrance on social media.