September 30, 2024 - 259 views
An award-winning folk singer is set to play at a gig in Caernarfon to boost the cause of Welsh independence.
Gwilym Bowen Rhys, who won Best Solo Artist at the Welsh Folk Awards by bringing ancient Welsh lyrics and melodies to life with his own contemporary musical approach, will perform at Caernarfon Rugby Club at 7:30 pm on Friday, October 11.
The event, which will also feature the talented young musician Alis Glyn, is being organised by the Caernarfon branch of the pro-independence campaign group YesCymru.
According to event organiser, Ifan Llewelyn Jones of YesCymru Caernarfon, eventgoers can look forward to a “great night.”
Gwilym, who hails from the village of Bethel at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), and who has also been nominated for Folk Singer of the Year Award in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, has been singing in the Welsh language for as long as he can remember.
The singer-songwriter has developed a deep connection with traditional Welsh songs and loves nothing more than to share his music with local communities.
He has performed from Aberystwyth to Argentina, including at The National Eisteddfod, and with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
His first album ‘O Groth y Ddaear’ (From The Womb Of The Earth) was released in 2016 and was shortlisted for Best Welsh Language Album of The Year at the National Eisteddfod. This helped establish him as a new and vital voice for the music of Wales.
Gwilym Bowen Rhys said: “I’m looking forward to this gig enormously. I haven’t sung at Caernarfon Rugby Club for many years so it’ll be nice to do so again.
“The audience can look forward to lively songs, songs that are more nostalgic, patriotic songs, protest songs – so there’ll be a variety and enough for people to be able to sing along at the end I’m sure.
“I’m very fortunate to have Alis Glyn supporting me. I’ve only seen her live once but she’s fantastic. She writes songs, plays the piano, sings, and she has a wonderful voice.”
He added: “I’m a big supporter of independence and of YesCymru. I support independence because I think it’s a better option than what we currently have politically.
“I’m also a fervent socialist and I believe that independence is the best way to ensure that we have a fairer and more equal Wales. Of course, there is a historical as well as a cultural basis for supporting independence too.”
Ifan Llewelyn Jones of YesCymru Caernarfon said: “Gwilym is an incredibly talented musician and is very popular in the Caernarfon area. He’s certain to draw a great crowd. He’s also supportive of YesCymru and attends our rallies.
“Music is a great way to bring people together to enjoy themselves. It’s vital that YesCymru campaigns in the community.
“We need to speak with each other and get the message over to people in Caernarfon and beyond that not only is independence possible but that it’s the way to secure a better Wales and a fairer society. We have the ability and we have the talent.
“Having live music events going on in the area is key to ensuring we keep our communities vibrant and interesting.
“It’s also a way of us getting the message out to people who are currently outside of the tent so to speak. It’s a way of attracting people who might be interested in Welsh independence but are unsure and want to find out more.
“Coming to the event is a great way to support YesCymru, as well as a way to support the rugby club where it is being held.
“I would urge anyone who is interested to come along because it’s going to be a great night.”
Tickets for the event cost £10 and can be brought through Palas Print / Siop Na Nog.
