16 October 2014

 The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in Wales, BAFTA Cymru, has today (16 October) announced that it has awarded a Special Award to long-running television soap, Pobol y Cwm on its 40thb birthday.

The Award was presented at a special event to celebrate the landmark anniversary of Welsh language which was held at the broadcaster's Roath Lock Studios in Cardiff Bay on 16 October. Produced by BBC Cymru Wales, the popular soap opera first went on air on 16 October, 1974.

Hannah Raybould, Director BAFTA Cymru, presented the BAFTA Cymru Special Award to actor Gareth Lewis, who has played Cwmderi's long-standing character, Meic Pierce, for 39 years and who retires from the series this year.

The Special Award was given to cast and crew in recognition of the achievement of the series in reaching its 40 year anniversary as a continuously-running soap broadcast on S4C,and produced by BBC Cymru Wales.

Hannah Raybould, BAFTA Cymru director said: "BAFTA Cymru exists to celebrate excellence and inspire the next generation of creative media talent in Wales. Pobol y Cwm has been one of the most popular shows on S4C since the channel started broadcasting and in that time the cast and crew has discovered and nurtured a great number of talented individuals. The BAFTA Cymru Committee is very pleased to be able to recognise Pobol y Cwm’s achievements over 4 decades of broadcasting."

As part of a series of activities held to celebrate Pobol y Cwm's forty years the event hosted by BAFTA, BBC Cymru Wales and S4C offered a chance for the cast, crew, and fans of the show to celebrate the momentous milestone.

Rhodri Talfan Davies, BBC Cymru Wales Director, said: "“I’m so delighted and grateful that BAFTA Cymru has honoured the remarkable achievements of Pobol y Cwm as it hits the big 4-0. The secret of the show’s success over so many years has been the utter dedication of a very special production team and cast. Their achievement and their staying-power is an inspiring story – and it’s one we can all take pride in.”

Ian Jones, S4C's Chief Executive said: “I'd like to offer my warmest congratulations to all members of the cast and crew who have worked on Pobol y Cwm over the years and who continue to do so. Forty years is a fantastic achievement, and the series and its stories are as relevant as ever to S4C viewers. The series is still an integral part of S4C's schedule, and I'm sure it will continue go from strength to strength over the coming years. Pen-blwydd Hapus Pobol y Cwm!"

Ends