Abertawe musician to perform across Wales with new act ‘Meic Agored’

LAST year, a Welsh language learner from Swansea surprised even himself by entering the Open Solo competition at the National Eisteddfod on a whim—and winning. The victory led him to perform live on the iconic Pavilion stage with a rendition of Cân Walter (Walter’s Song) by Welsh music legend Meic Stevens.

That singer was Ian ‘Tich’ Thomas, a familiar face on the South Wales music scene. A lifelong admirer of Stevens’ work, Tich felt inspired to create a series of tribute concerts celebrating the artist’s iconic songs and poetic lyrics. But before moving forward, he wanted to do things properly—by getting Meic’s blessing.

Together with friend and fellow fan Rhodri Davies—an acclaimed harpist and improviser—Tich travelled to meet Meic in person to discuss the idea.

“Meic was welcoming from the start,” Tich said. “He put us at ease immediately, sharing story after story from his decades in music. Later, he showed us some of his favourite guitars and their history. Rhodri and I played a few songs, and he was really appreciative and happy with the idea. It was a wonderful afternoon in the company of a great raconteur and host.”

Following that visit, Tich went on to form a new tribute band called Meic Agored, bringing together some of Swansea’s top musicians: Kate Ronconi on fiddle, Danny Kilbride on bass, Huw Rees on drums, and Tich on guitar and lead vocals. Rhodri Davies will join on harp when available.

Their debut performance will take place at the Uplands Tavern in Swansea on Wednesday 18 June at 8:00pm. They’ll also be performing at this year’s Sesiwn Fawr festival in Dolgellau, with two sets on Friday 19 July—at 2:00pm on The Square Stage and 3:30pm on The Stag Stage.

“It’s a huge honour to perform these songs by arguably the most influential Welsh-language artist of the past 60 years,” Tich said.

One of Wales’ leading tenors has shared his heartfelt gratitude to the NHS following three months of intensive treatment for bowel cancer.

Now, following an eight-hour operation and treatment at both the Wrexham Maelor and Gwynedd hospitals in north Wales, Rhys Meirion has confirmed that he is free of cancer.

“This really is fantastic news,” he said.  “The past three months have been very hard for me and my family since I received the cancer diagnosis on March 29.

“There were initially three very difficult weeks of not knowing how far the cancer had spread, but after MRI and CT scans, it was thought to be contained within the bowel.  But they still couldn’t be 100 per cent sure.

“But I’ve now received this piece of paper informing me that all the post-operation tests have come back zero, and there’s no cancer anywhere in my body, which means there’s no need for further treatment.”

Rhys Meirion, 59, is considered one of Wales’ leading opera stars after leaving his teaching career in 1997 to study opera at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London. Two years later he joined the English National Opera and became a company principal from 2001 to 2004. He has also sung leading roles at Opera Frankfurt, West Australian Opera and Opera Australia.

But perhaps he  is best known in Wales for his love of ‘Anfonaf Angel’ – translated as ‘I’ll send an angel’ – which he regularly sings in memory of his sister, Elen, who died suddenly in April 2012.  Just six weeks after her death, Rhys performed the song, which was written by Robat Arwyn and Hywel Gwyfryn, during the opening concert of the Urdd Eisteddfod in Snowdonia. 

Throughout his cancer treatment, Rhys Meirion has received countless messages of support from his fans, followers and music lovers from all around the world.

“These have been my angels without wings, and their messages have helped me so much,” he concluded.  “There are no words, but it’s all in my heart, that feeling of love and gratitude and this will be with me forever.”

MON MAM CYMRU will welcome an extended Eisteddfod Genedlaethol yr Urdd as the festival returns to the Island next year.

It was announced today (Friday 30^th May) at the Eisteddfod yr Urdd Dur a Môr, Parc Margam a’r Fro, that Urdd Gobaith Cymru intends to extend the festival to seven days in 2026.

This comes in response to an increase in the number of individuals that register to compete as well as the demand for more competitions.

Llio Maddocks, Director of Arts at Urdd Gobaith Cymru said, “The Eisteddfod yr Urdd is an ever-evolving festival, and we listen to our members. We’ve seen more registrations to compete than ever before and a demand for additional stage competitions, and we’re so pleased to see the positive impact the festival is having by increasing opportunities to engage with the Welsh language outside the classroom.”

“In response to this demand and to ensure we continue to be an inclusive organisation to each and every child and young person in Wales, we’ll be expanding the Eisteddfod to a seven day festival.”

Since 1929, Eisteddfod yr Urdd has provided invaluable opportunities for children and young people in Wales to showcase their talents, develop new skills and socialise with others from every part of Wales.

Today, it’s one of the biggest youth festivals in Europe, and Eisteddfod yr Urdd welcomes around 100,000 visitors every year. The festival was last held in Anglesey back in 2004.

The Leader of Anglesey County Council, Councillor Gary Pritchard, welcomed the announcement at the Eisteddfod.

He said, “Welcoming this unique festival – that will now last seven days when it comes to the site in Mona – will be a significant boost to the Welsh language, our young people and the economy.”

“As a County Council and Island, we are truly looking forward to welcoming Eisteddfod Genedlaethol yr Urdd in a year’s time. There is nowhere better than Anglesey to stage this Welsh event for the young people of Wales, and following today’s announcement, we will have a full week of competing.”

“I’d like to thank Urdd Ynys Môn’s Executive Committee and all volunteers for working tirelessly to ensure that Anglesey will, once again, be an exemplary home for this special festival in 2026.”

He added, “I look forward to seeing children, young people and families from all across the country visiting Anglesey.”

The competing will begin on the Saturday before Whitsun and will last until the Friday of that week, with Gŵyl Triban moving to the first weekend, and the broadcasting partnership will continue with S4C.

The Chair of Urdd Ynys Môn’s Executive Committee, Manon Wyn Williams, said, “The increase in the annual number of individuals competing in the Eisteddfod yr Urdd is extremely encouraging, and means that more children and young people take advantage of valuable opportunities through the association”.

“This is all thanks to tireless efforts of the Urdd’s coaches, teachers, volunteers, and hard-working staff across Wales. As a result, extending the Eisteddfod to seven days is an exciting and important development. It’s a privilege that we on Anglesey are welcoming this experimental Eisteddfod, and it’s an opportunity to look at the festival’s structure with a fresh pair of eyes, working with children and young people in Wales as we do this. We are all extremely excited to welcome everyone to the Island in a years’ time!”

Anglesey County Council’s Chief Executive, Dylan J Williams, added, “There is significant local enthusiasm, and people are eager to welcome this unique youth festival to the Island. It’s a great opportunity for us to show Anglesey at its best. We will continue to work with the Urdd and local committee, with the aim of welcoming the Eisteddfod, and people from across Wales, here in 2026.”

Eisteddfod Genedlaethol yr Urdd will be held during the last week of May, as usual, corresponding with the half term school holiday. The festival is held either in the South or the North of Wales, alternating each year.