I was so excited to hear the news last week. Four Welsh festivals are teaming up for one big online celebration of music and comedy, and it’s free. So, even in lockdown, we can enjoy live music. Gŵyl 2021 is being broadcast across the weekend on 6th and 7th March on BBC Wales.
The four festivals FOCUS Wales, Other Voices Cardigan, Aberystwyth Comedy Festival and Festival of Voice have come together and created this brand-new event, called Gŵyl. So, the two days are going to be packed with music, comedy and conversation.
“BBC Wales is delighted to be working with Gŵyl 2021. We all need a blast of creativity, comedy and music right now, and this unprecedented partnership with four brilliant Welsh festivals promises to be a real gem.” Rhodri Talfan Davies, Director of BBC Cymru Wales.
FOCUS Wales
Firstly, the not-for-profit event, FOCUS Wales, was established to showcase the Welsh Music Industry. Moreover, it takes part in Wrexham each year, and it welcomes over 15,000 people to the town. Over 250 bands take to the stage in music venues and spaces.
Other Voices Cardigan
For 20 years, Other Voices has brought musicians and artists from across the world to West Kerry in Ireland. Since then, Other Voices have branched out, or in their words, “raised its voice” in New York, Berlin and Cardigan in Wales.
Aberystwyth Comedy Festival
The 2020 festival was supposed to be the first but was cancelled because of COVID-19. Because the team behind it have been running the Machynlleth Comedy Festival for 10 years, we all knew that we were in safe hands. Finally, they get to show off what was planned.
Festival of Voice
The 10-day festival began in 2016 and has featured over 100 performances throughout Cardiff. But the majority of the festival is held at the Wales Millennium Centre. It has an international street food zone and a 360 cinema dome. Lastly, the Glanfa stage hosts games, art installations and performances.
“During these difficult times, the festival shines a light of determination and resilience from the creative scene in Wales and across the UK, bringing together artists and audiences for a digital gathering.” WMC
What does Gŵyl mean in Welsh?
So, Gŵyl is the Welsh word for festival. Like, as much as we are all itching to get back out into the real world, online events like this are here to keep us sane. Finally, After a year of being at home and being on furlough, the nation is itching to be entertained. And I have craved live music.
All aspects of the festival; filming, recording and rehearsals, have either taken place under the local Coronavirus guidelines or will be. Finally, content made in Wales has been discussed with the Welsh Government.
Although it won’t be the same as feeling the energy from the crowd, mingling with others or even sharing the event with friends (whilst sipping on an overpriced pint), I can’t wait to watch the festival performances.
Watch Gŵyl 2021
So, put Gŵyl in your diaries, mark it on the calendar, set the reminders and tune in on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th March 2021 here: www.bbc.co.uk/gwyl2021
Because, let’s face it… what else have we got to do?!
So, don’t forget to join in the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #Gŵyl2021
