Special showcase ahead of KT Tunstall’s orchestral performance

BBC RADIO CYMRU presenter and Welsh music pioneer Rhys Mwyn will host a special showcase of three standout Welsh artists at this year’s Llangollen International Eisteddfod.

The outdoor event, “Rhys Mwyn yn Cyflwyno / Rhys Mwyn Presents”, takes place on Thursday 10 July from 4:30pm to 7:00pm and leads into the evening’s headline concert by BRIT Award-winning, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter KT Tunstall. Tunstall will perform her iconic debut album Eye to the Telescope in full with orchestral backing for the first time.

Rhys Mwyn will introduce performances by Pedair, Mared and Buddug – three trailblazing artists at the forefront of modern Welsh music.

Pedair is a supergroup formed by four of Wales’ most acclaimed folk artists, blending traditional roots with contemporary flair. Mared brings powerful vocals and poetic songwriting inspired by Welsh landscapes and culture, while Buddug offers a bold fusion of folk, pop and electronica, redefining the possibilities of Welsh-language music.

Rhys Mwyn said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to present such incredible Welsh talent at this year’s Eisteddfod. Pedair, Mared and Buddug are pushing creative boundaries and bringing new energy to the Welsh music scene. It’s an honour to be part of this landmark festival, which has always stood as a beacon of cultural celebration. I can’t wait to showcase these exceptional artists on what’s expected to be one of the festival’s biggest days.”

Morgan Thomas, trustee of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, added: “We’re delighted to partner with Rhys Mwyn and BBC Radio Cymru for this unique event. Rhys’s passion for Welsh music and commitment to nurturing talent is invaluable. This collaboration broadens our cultural offering and connects us to new audiences locally and internationally.”

The bilingual event celebrates Welsh culture, language and musical innovation. Entry is just £5, with free admission for those holding tickets to the KT Tunstall concert. Food and drink will be available on-site, making it the perfect pre-show experience.

Event details
What: Rhys Mwyn Presents – Pedair, Mared, Buddug
When: Thursday 10 July, 4:30pm–7:00pm
Where: Llangollen International Eisteddfod site
Tickets: £5 / Free with KT Tunstall concert ticket
Website: www.llangollen.net

Supported by BBC Radio Cymru, the Arts Council of Wales and Visit Wales, this promises to be an unforgettable celebration of contemporary Welsh music in the heart of one of the country’s most cherished festivals.

Book tickets now:
https://boxoffice.international-eisteddfod.co.uk/ChooseSeats/74421

A contemporary dance-theatre experience by Deborah Light

SPAN ARTS is proud to present Deborah Light — acclaimed choreographer, movement director, and mother — in her first solo show, An Autopsy of a Mother, a Bear and a Fridge. This bold and visceral work of contemporary dance-theatre delves into the complexities of motherhood through three seemingly unrelated objects.

With a distinctive blend of clinical precision, raw vulnerability, feminist fury, and wicked humour, Deborah unpacks the symbolic connections between a mother, a bear, and a fridge. In doing so, she lays bare personal truths and the societal pressures that weigh on the female body, in a powerful critique of patriarchal systems.

Known for her collaborative work across dance, theatre, film, and site-based performance, Deborah is also co-director of Light/Ladd/Emberton and lectures in movement at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. This new solo show is supported by Arts Council Wales, Chapter, NDCWales, YMa, SPAN Arts, and Taking Flight.

The performance will take place at Canolfan Hermon on Thursday, May 16 at 7:00pm. After the show, audiences are invited to stay for an informal post-show conversation with Deborah over tea and cake, to reflect on the themes of the piece.

Please note: The show is recommended for ages 14+ and contains references to death, motherhood/matrescence, surgery, violence against women, gender-based inequality, ageing, climate change, and may include strong language.

Event Details
Date: Thursday, 16 May 2025
Time: 7:00pm
Venue: Canolfan Hermon, Hermon, Glogue, SA36 0DT
Tickets: £12.00 (full price) / £8.00 (concessions)
Box Office: www.span-arts.org.uk/book or call 01834 869323
Access: Free companion/carer tickets are available. Please call 01834 869323 to arrange.

Refreshments and snacks will be available at the venue.

Birds of prey and cannon fire at Laugharne Castle headline west Wales programme

FAMILIES across Pembrokeshire and beyond are in for a treat this May half term, as heritage body Cadw launches a packed calendar of family-friendly events at historic sites throughout Wales.

Running from Saturday, May 25 to Sunday, June 2, the events aim to bring Welsh history vividly to life through immersive workshops, live reenactments, and hands-on activities for all ages.

Among the highlights in west Wales is a Naval Living History Weekend at Laugharne Castle on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1. Visitors can meet the Welsh sailors of Nelson’s Navy, with interactive displays and cannon firing at midday each day.

Also at Laugharne Castle, Birds of Prey will swoop into action across the bank holiday weekend, with expert falconers offering flying displays and educational talks on Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25 from 11:00am to 4:00pm.

Cadw’s Head, Gwilym Hughes, said the events were designed to entertain and educate:
“Our lively schedule of events across May half term will hopefully inspire pride in Welsh heritage, spark curiosity and offer fun for all ages. It’s an opportunity for families to get out and learn about the rich history that makes Wales so unique.”

More than 20 events are planned across Wales during the school break. Cadw membership provides free entry to all events and unlimited access to 132 historic sites across the country. Children go free with any adult membership.

Other Cadw sites, including Valle Crucis Abbey, Castell Cilgerran, and Bryn Celli Ddu burial chamber, will be open for guided tours during the summer.

For the full schedule of events, visit: https://cadw.gov.wales