13.09.2023: In the fourth of the Here, There and Everywhere series, inspired by the report, UK Music takes a look at Dydd Miwsig Cymru, or Welsh Language Music Day. 

Dydd Miwsig Cymru, or Welsh Language Music Day, celebrates the diverse and vibrant Welsh language music scene, showcasing the talents of artists across all genres, from indie, punk, funk, folk, electronica to hip hop and everything in between. Usually held on the first Friday in February, it encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to discover the Welsh language music scene.

Dydd Miwsig Cymru aims to introduce Welsh language music to new audiences by celebrating music being made in Welsh and the artists making waves at home and internationally. In the past 12 months, more than 70 albums and 140 singles have been released in the language, while songs have been performed on stages from Glastonbury to Eurosonic in the Netherlands.

Welsh language music is hailed as a vital resource for learners of the language. It is a crucial apart of the Welsh Government’s long-term vision to see a million Welsh speakers as well as doubling the daily using of Welsh by 2050.

Business and other organisations also back the event, with the likes of EE, Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water), Marks and Spencer, Admiral, John Lewis, Waitrose, KFC, Co-Op, BT and Lush showing support by hosting gigs, pledging to add Welsh language music to their playlists on an ongoing basis, playing only Welsh language music in their offices and stores on the day and sharing Welsh language music playlists with their thousands of followers on social media.

Live events were at the heart of this year’s DyddMiwsig Cymru with more than 30 gigs and events happening across Wales and the world- from Cardiff, Swansea, Aberystwyth and Wrexham to Budapest – in what was the biggest and best-attended Dydd Miwsig Cymru to date. The events ranged from collaborative rap workshops in schools, to gigs at pubs, clubs, community hubs and college campuses.

In 2023, a new £100,000 fund was announced by Jeremy Miles MS, Education and Welsh Language Minister to help promoters and community groups put on live shows through mentoring and skill-sharing. The scheme, titled Miwsig, will focus on supporting communities to create spaces to use Welsh through live music in their communities.

This year also saw the launch of Sound of Miwsig, the first annual poll of the artists making waves in Welsh language music in 2023, voted for by industry experts. BBC presenter and Dydd Miwsig Cymru ambassador, Huw Stephens, said it was fantastic to see live events at the centre of the event.

Read more about Here, There and Everywhere, the report on music tourism, here. 

Read more about how local governments can create music powerhouses here.