17 February 2020
It's nearly that time of year again, when the people of Wales come together to celebrate Welsh culture and take pride in their heritage. Yes, Cân i Gymru 2020 (A Song for Wales) is fast approaching.
Presented by Elin Fflur and Trystan Ellis-Morris, the competition will be broadcast live on S4C from the Aberystwyth Arts Centre on February 29 at 8.00.
Siôn Llwyd from Avanti, who produces the program for S4C, said:
"This year's panel; Bryn Fôn, Georgia Ruth, Ani Glass and Owain Roberts have chosen eight great songs.
"But as well as being able to enjoy these original, brand new songs, Bryn Fôn will take us back to the nineties with a special performance of Gwlad yr Rasda Gwyn to mark thirty years since the iconic song won the Cân i Gymru trophy.
Bryn said: "It's unbelievable to think thirty years has gone by since Rasda won. I'll be glad to step onto the stage without having the pressure of competing.
"I've just found old newspapers clippings that my Mum had kept, they included a two-page spread about Cân i Gymru 1990, listing the songs and everyone that took part. It was really interesting because I had forgotten most of it. Also on the list were Eryr Wen, Gareth Morlais and two girls from Pen-Llyn. Little did I know that one of those ladies would come to sing with Sobin a'r Smaeliaid a little while later.
"Choosing the final eight songs was a tough task as there were a lot of good entries. All four of us come from different musical backgrounds, so there's a bit of a cross section and something for everyone.
"I think it's going to be a very close competition because a few of the songs stand out."
The eight songs competing for the £5,000 prize and the chance to represent Wales at this year's Pan Celtic Festival are: Arianrhod by Beth Celyn; Adref yn ôl by Tesni Jones; Sara Williams, Roo Walker; Dawnsio'n Rhydd by Ben Hamer and Rhianna Loren; Pan Fyddai'n 80 Oed by Rhydian Meilir; Morfa Madryn by Alistair James; Y Tir a'r Môr by Rhydian Meilir; Cyn i'r Llenni Gau by Gruffydd Wyn and Tim Goodacre and Anochel by Aled Mills.
There will be several familiar faces amongst the eight acts as some have competed before and some have appeared on Britain's Got Talent and The Voice. The of the songs may even be familiar as BBC Radio Cymru will play them prior to the competition.
Siôn wants to remind you that the fate of the competitors is in your hands. "You can pick up the phone and vote or be part of the audience on the night. It's free to attend, all you need to do is contact the Arts Centre box office on 01970 623232."
If you want to tweet about this year's competition, use the hashtag #CiG2020.
Details of how to vote will be announced on the programme, and the winning song will be announced live on S4C later in the evening.
