14 September 2011
S4C is set to launch a new season of original programmes with a number of community events in Blaenau Gwent on the latest leg of the Calon Cenedl (Heart of the Nation) campaign.
Between 26 September and 12 October, locals in the South East Wales area will be offered the chance to enjoy events to promote S4C’s programmes, personalities and services. Among the celebrities taking part during the fortnight are Only Boys Aloud, celebrity chef Dudley Newbery, actor and TV presenter, Julian Lewis Jones and cast members of soap opera Pobol y Cwm.
People living in the area will be given the opportunity to voice their opinion on S4C programmes and services and to meet the Chairman of the S4C Authority, Huw Jones and S4C Chief Executive, Arwel Ellis Owen in a Viewers’ Evening, to be held at the Llanhilleth Miners’ Institute on Thursday 6 October. The evening’s entertainment will be provided by members of Only Men Aloud and Only Boys Aloud.
Among the new series to be shown on screen over the next few weeks are Only Men Aloud, new drama Gwaith Cartref, Wales’ 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign in New Zealand and fishing series ‘Sgota. Members of the public who attend the Calon Cenedl activities in Blaenau Gwent can enjoy a preview of all the new series.
S4C kicks off the campaign in Blaenau Gwent on 26 September when presenters from the channel’s nursery service – Cyw – visit schools and nursery schools in the area.
A special pub quiz hosted by Gareth Roberts takes place at Ebbw Vale Rugby Club on 27 September. The prize for the winning team will be £200 towards a local charity or project.
S4C returns to Ebbw Vale RFC on 29 September with the Pobol y Cwm cast for an evening of entertainment. Members of the audience will be able to ask the actors about their experiences working on the soap opera, enjoy a hog roast and be treated to a preview of what’s to come in Cwmderi over the winter months.
New drama series Gwaith Cartref, which follows a group of teachers at work and at home, will be shown in a Learners’ Evening to be held at the Metropole Theatre, Abertillery on 4 October.
Also on 4 October, Eurig Salisbury - Welsh Children’s Poet Laureate – joins S4C youth series Stwnsh presenter Anni Llŷn at Blaina Library to host a poetry class with a twist for local schoolchildren.
Julian Lewis Jones and his co-presenter Rhys Llywelyn will offer the opportunity to learn a new craft or improve their fishing technique on the ‘Sgota Simulator. Fishing specialists will offer lessons and exhibitions at Bryn Bach Park, Tredegar on 8 October between 10:00 and 17:00.
For those with an appetite for cooking, Dudley Newbery will be preparing a feast and offering advice and tips at Beaufort Theatre’s Ballroom in Ebbw Vale on Tuesday 11 October.
An evening with Only Men Aloud and Only Boys Aloud conductor, Tim Rhys-Evans, closes the activities in the area on 12 October. Presenter Nia Roberts will host an evening in his company at Ysgol Gynradd Bro Helyg followed by a performance by the school’s choir.
The 2011 Calon Cenedl campaign has already visited Ceredigion, Llŷn and Eifionydd and Anglesey and has been raising money for local charities and community activities.
S4C’s Director of Communications, Garffild Lloyd Lewis, says “We’re looking forward to visiting Blaenau Gwent to meet our viewers and give them a taste of what’s to come on the channel in the next few months. The events are all free and there is an open invitation for everyone to join us and to meet S4C’s personalities.”
More information about the events in Blaenau Gwent can be obtained on the Calon Cenedl website: s4c.co.uk/caloncenedl
Ends
