09 November 2012

S4C and Gŵyl Cerdd Dant Cymru - Cerdd Dant Festival Wales - have agreed to extend their broadcasting contract for a further two years which means that Europe's largest one-day competitive festival will be broadcast live on S4C until 2014.

The announcement was made on the eve of the Gŵyl Cerdd Dant 2012 which is held at Venue Cymru, Llandudno on Saturday (10 November).

Gŵyl Cerdd Dant is Europe's largest one day competitive festival which offers a platform for Wales's favourite folk traditions every year.

The festival – which is held every November in North Wales and South Wales every other year – attracts over a thousand competitors to take part in more than 30 competitions.

S4C has been broadcasting the Gŵyl Cerdd Dant for over a quarter of a century and the majority of competitions are live on the Channel. There are additional programmes showing highlights from the festival and the best bits from the festival's Talwrn y Beirdd, battle of the bards competition.

Dewi Jones, organiser of the Gŵyl Cerdd Dant said,

“I'm very glad that S4C recognises the important of the festival as one of national cultural significance by committing to broadcast for a further two years.

“We've worked with the Channel for many years and the fact that all competitions are being filmed adds to the greatness of the event. It has allowed the festival to grow into a worthy national stage for folk singing, and means that all the entertainment reaches thousands of viewers at home as well as those attending the festival.”

Geraint Rowlands, Head of Broadcast and Commissioner for Sport and Events for S4C says that he looks forward to working closely with the organisers of the 65-year-old festival for many years to come.

“It's a great cultural event in the annual calendar and one of S4C's broadcasting pinnacles during the autumn. The Channel's viewers can enjoy the excitement of a festival in which young people embrace old Welsh traditions and take to new levels.”

Ends

Gŵyl Cerdd Dant Sir Conwy 2012 will be broadcast live on Saturday 10 November at 12.30pm, 4.45pm and 7.00pm on S4C. Talwrn Gŵyl Cerdd Dant Sir Conwy 2012 will be broadcast at 9.30pm on Friday 9 November.