‘Ar Lafar’ festival gives Welsh learners the opportunity to enjoy National Library treasures

02/04/2019

People learning Welsh will have an opportunity to enjoy speaking the language at a national festival thanks to a partnership between the National Centre for Learning Welsh, National Museum Wales and National Library of Wales.

The one-day event called ‘Ar Lafar’ (the Welsh word for ‘spoken’) will be held on 6 April at the National Library of Wales, and three of the Museum’s sites – St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff, the National Wool Museum, Dre-fach felindre, and National Slate Museum in Llanberis.

The festival’s aim is to give learners and their families an opportunity to socialise and use their Welsh in an informal, relaxed setting, while at the same time enjoying the treasures on display at the Museum and National Library.

A range of activities are available throughout the day which will be suitable for learners of all and levels. Actor Llion Williams will perform a one-man show telling the story of the Welsh language throughout the ages in ‘Taith yr Iaith’ by theatre company, ‘Mewn Cymeriad’. There will also be plenty of opportunities to see what the Library has to offer in behind-the-scenes tours. The National Library choir will also be performing during the day.

Efa Gruffudd Jones, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, said:

“This is the third time that Ar Lafar has been held, and we’re delighted to continue this partnership with the National Museum and National Library.

“When learning Welsh, it’s vital to have the opportunity to practice the language in an informal setting outside the classroom. We also know a large number of people are looking for opportunities to speak the language and to grow in confidence whilst using Welsh in their everyday lives.

“This festival combines those elements perfectly, giving people the opportunity to enjoy practicing Welsh while at the same time learning more about Wales’ fascinating history.”

According to Pedr ap Llwyd, Chief Executive and Librarian of the National Library of Wales:

"It's a great pleasure to welcome Ar Lafar festival back to the National Library this year. We’re really thrilled to be able to offer new and exciting experiences to all festival visitors, both learners and fluent Welsh speakers. The Library is an ideal location to learn more about the history and development of the Welsh language, and as an organisation, we always encourage and support the use of the Welsh language. We very much hope that events such as this will give learners the confidence and encouragement to use Welsh confidently in public places such as the National Library in the future, regardless of their linguistic ability."

Ends

Further information

Hawys Roberts

hawys.roberts@dysgucymraeg.cymru

07812 757716