Using Cymraeg (Welsh) can open up a whole new world of music, shows, and festivals, whether you speak it fluently or are just starting out.
Cymraeg is one of the oldest languages in Europe, sharing roots with other Celtic languages like Cornish. Cymraeg doesn’t just exist in a classroom or at home, though. From massive summer festivals to award-winning television dramas, there are so many ways to experience and celebrate the language in everyday life.
Listen to Cerddoriaeth Cymraeg (Welsh Music)
There has been a huge rise in Welsh pop, rock, and indie music over the last few years, with loads of new bands popping up all over the country. You can easily find playlists on streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube to start listening.
To stay up to date, you could follow ‘Miwsig‘ on social media. It is run by S4C and is fab for sharing new music and playlist recommendations. If you want a great excuse to update your playlist, you could look out for Dydd Miwsig Cymru (Welsh Language Music Day), which happens every February. It celebrates all kinds of music, from hip-hop to indie tunes, and shows how diverse the Welsh music scene is.
Music venues like Clwb Ifor Bach and Porters in Caerdydd (Cardiff) regularly host Welsh-language music gigs.
Watch Welsh shows and films
If you prefer TV, then S4C is the best place to look. You might even recognise some shows that were filmed right on your doorstep. Many of these gripping dramas are filmed in both Cymraeg and English, making them perfect for any language level.
An internationally acclaimed thriller called Un Bore Mercher (Keeping Faith) is a perfect example. It’s a gripping story about a missing husband that won several BAFTA Cymru awards, including Best Actress for Eve Myles.
Other crime dramas like Y Gwyll (Hinterland) and Craith (Hidden) have also won big awards for their moody, thrilling stories.
There’s even Dal y Mellt, an action-packed show that made history as the very first Welsh-language drama to stream on Netflix.
If reality television is more your thing, you could check out Y Llais, which is the Welsh version of The Voice with Sir Bryn Terfel, Yws Gwynedd, Branwen Lewis and Aleighcia Scott.
Read and learn online
If you want to practice your skills in ‘darllen a dysgu Cymraeg’ (reading and learning), you could try downloading a language app like Duolingo for short, daily games.
There are also informal groups across Cymru, often organised by Mentrau Iaith, where people of all levels meet up for a relaxed ‘sgwrs a coffi’ (coffee and a chat).
Reading online is a brilliant way to practice your understanding at your own pace. You could try scrolling through Welsh news websites like BBC Cymru Fyw. Reading short articles helps you see how real sentences are put together, and it is a handy way to pick up new words without pressure.
Even right here on Meic, you can try flipping over to the Cymraeg side of the website. Reading the Welsh articles on a site you know and trust is a great, low-stress way to practice. If a whole page of Cymraeg feels a bit too much at first, don’t worry. Having the English button right there means you can swap back and check your understanding straight away if you get stuck.
Take the next step in education
If you are currently studying at college or university, or planning to go soon, you could look into doing part of your course in Cymraeg. An organisation called Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol works with colleges and universities across Cymru to create these opportunities.
You don’t have to do your whole degree or course in Cymraeg if you don’t want to. You can often just choose one or two modules, or even write your assignments in Cymraeg. Doing this is a fantastic way to keep up your language skills. It can also give you a huge confidence boost and looks brilliant on your CV when looking for work.
Experience a Gŵyl Gymraeg (a Welsh festival)
If you want to experience the language live, Cymru hosts some incredible events every single summer. One of the biggest is the (National) Eisteddfod Genedlaethol. This festival travels to a new location across Cymru every year. It features open-air gigs with ‘bandiau Cymraeg’ (Welsh bands), drama performances, food and gift stalls, as well as competitions. It is open to absolutely everyone, no matter how much Cymraeg you know.
If you are aged 16 or older, you could look at Maes B. This is a special section of the Eisteddfod where young people can camp together and watch late-night music sets. Festivals can sometimes be expensive, but you could ‘gwirfoddoli’ (volunteer) to work behind the scenes at the Eisteddfod to get a free ticket.
Another great option is Tafwyl, which is a completely free festival held in Parc Bute Caerdydd each year. While it focuses on ‘cerddoriaeth byw’ (live music), it also hosts open-mic nights, live podcasts, workshops, and Q&A sessions with special guests.
‘Cysylltu’ (Connect) with your local area
You don’t have to wait for a summer festival to get involved. The Urdd runs clubs, magazines, and activity centres all over Wales. They offer loads of local volunteering opportunities, which can be a brilliant way to meet new people and try new things.
You could also keep an eye out for independent Welsh businesses in your community, like local coffee shops or clothing brands.
When you are out and about, look out for staff wearing the orange ‘siarad Cymraeg’ badge. This badge is part of a campaign to show you exactly who you can chat to in Cymraeg, whether you want to practice or just say “shwmae”.
Social media is full of people sharing Cymraeg in fun, casual ways. You could follow creators like Joe le Potato, Doctor Cymraeg, or the channel Hansh on TikTok and Instagram. They make short videos that make Cymraeg feel very modern and easy to understand.
Chat with us at Meic
We are here to support you in whatever language feels most comfortable for you. Meic is available in both English and Cymraeg, so you can choose whichever language you prefer when you reach out.
Our friendly advisers can give you confidential information, advice, and advocacy support with anything that is on your mind. Next time you have something you want to talk through, and you want to practice your Cymraeg at the same time, feel free to contact Meic. Pob hwyl!
