Welsh Language Music Day / Dydd Miwsig Cymru - the Story of Clwb y Bont
James Payne • Feb 07, 2020
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Welsh Language Music Day
celebrates all forms of Welsh Language music. Whether you’re into indie, rock, punk, funk, folk, electronica, hip hop or anything else, there’s incredible music being made in the Welsh language for you to discover. Projects Officer James Payne caught up with Terry from Clwb y Bont's events team and Honorary Secretary Helen to find out more about Pontypridd's famous Welsh language club and what Dydd Miwsig Cymru means to them.
Can you tell me the meaning behind the name of Clwb y Bont and how the club was formed?
(Helen)
Clwb y Bont meaning club of the bridge. The club was formed in 1983 by a group of people who spoke Welsh and wanted a centre to socialise through the medium of Welsh and at the same time promote Welsh language and culture to others in the area. It was modelled on other community pubs around the country who saw the need to keep hold of the Welsh language and ensure its survival.
What role does Clwb y Bont play in promoting Welsh Language Music in Pontypridd and across South Wales?
(Helen)
Some of the biggest names in Welsh language pop and rock have played in Clwb including Dafydd Iwan, Fflur Dafydd, Steve Eaves, Gwilym, Bob Delyn a’r Ebillion. We promote new talent too and this year hosted Bandiau Mei – an amazing event - bringing together rock bands from Welsh schools in the area.
Clwb has been part of wider events such as Parti Ponty in the past – how important are these events to promote Welsh Language music in the area?
(Helen)
The amazing thing about Parti Ponty is that it harnesses the young people of the area by showcasing school groups and young bands and performers. Whole families join in with enthusiasm whether they speak English or Welsh at home they come and enjoy the range of music, dance, poetry , debate and food that the day has to offer. Because of the large numbers of young people coming through Welsh medium education there is massive enthusiasm for them to perform and to socialise and spend leisure time through the Welsh language.
What are the opportunities and challenges of operating a grassroots music venue?
(Terry)
For the past two Clwb y Bont has been part of the campaign led Music Venues Alliance, which gives recognition to Grassroots music venues who have brought so much to the culture of towns and cities often without support to keep them running and try to protect venues from developers who are unfortunately threatening closure the venues across South Wales.
In Clwb Y Bont we now have a focus for collaboration and support with Menter Iaith RCT, Young Promoters Network, PYST, Your Pontypridd BID & The Arts Council of Wales night out scheme. We have been more adventurous because of this support particularly with new and established Welsh language bands. We have a Welsh language playlist in the bar and event room where most of the music is from bands who have played in the Clwb, Our Mari Llwyd in the new year was such a powerful evening with the singing and musicianship from the audience and performers bring a great community feel to the Clwb.
How will Clwb y Bont be celebrating Welsh Language Music Day today and over the weekend?
(Helen)
We celebrate Welsh language music every Friday through our singalong in the bar which features Welsh folk songs, and every other genre from blues to pop to country.
We are committed to one Welsh language performance per month, that didn’t fall on Welsh language day unfortunately!
(Terry)
Tonight we are Hosting an acoustic Gig to support Mind mental healthy charity with original songs from local young artists.
On Thursday there is a special performance from Owen Shiers who will perform Welsh Folk songs and give the stories behind the music and the places they came from.
Which Welsh language artists would yourself and members of Clwb’s committee recommend listening to?
(Helen)
For folky rootsy – Meinir Gwilym, Bob Delyn, Al Lewis, Meic Stevens
For ‘out there’ pop - Super Furry Animals, Gruff Rhys, Gwenno
For pop and rock – Gwilym, Big Leaves, Euros Childs
Why should people visit Clwb y Bont?
(Terry)
Our Clwb hosts a community choir every Monday who perform bilingually, we also have a Quiz night every Tuesday which is also Bilingual. Wednesdays we have monthly Folk Jazz and Blues nights and on Fridays we have a traditional Singalong in the Bar!
To hear about future events and learn more about Clwb y Bont visit their Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/clwbybont/
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WE’RE HIRING: BUSINESS CRIME REDUCTION PARTNERSHIP CO-ORDINATOR
Take a look at everything happening in Your Pontypridd this Halloween and half-term break!
Bravery, innovation, leadership, selflessness: just some of the attributes that were celebrated last night with the return of the annual South Wales Police Awards last night. The awards, held at Brangwyn Hall in Swansea, recognised officers, staff, volunteers and partners who have gone above and beyond for the force and the communities served by South Wales Police. The Taff Neighbourhood Policing Team which serves the community of Pontypridd, were nominated for two awards - the Police Community Support Officer of the Year Award & the Police and Crime Commissioner Exceptional Problem Solving in Partnership Award. The Taff team were successful in securing both awards, a major achievement for the town's local Policing team. The first award for the Taff Neighbourhood Policing Team went to PCSO Hannah Lowe who was described as the "Heart and soul of Pontypridd town" - Hannah Lowe, who is committed to tackling crime and disorder and is an integral part of initiatives including Pontypridd Outreach, a Halloween trail and a building painting project. Please see the video below from South Wales Police Twitter page showing Hannah's reaction to receiving the award:
