Ynys Môn is in fine voice. Let’s take it to the world
THE Welsh Language and Culture can make Wales stand out on the world stage.
I co-founded and Chair the Assembly’s Cross-Party Group ‘Wales International’ that seeks to encourage Wales’ international engagement at all levels.
At our most recent meeting, held last week, we discussed the British Council’s latest ‘Soft Power Barometer’ which measured international attitudes towards Wales, and in particular at what it said about the language.
The report, published last year, says that “more could be done with the language outside of Wales, effectively using it as a way to both raise interest in Wales and differentiate it from the rest of the UK”.
I agree with this and our cross-party group discussed a number of steps that could be taken, including making more prominent use of the language
when interacting with international audiences e.g. in tourism campaigns.
The Welsh Football Association set a good example during the 2016 European Championships.
We can also use our real expertise to establish ourselves even more as a leader in protecting, encouraging and championing other native languages.
When it comes to culture, the past few days have proven that we have great riches to share here on Ynys Môn.
Congratulations to the young singers of Côr Ieuenctid Môn for representing the island so well in last Sunday’s Côr Cymru final on S4C.
They’d made it to the final by winning not one but two of their televised preliminary rounds – the Children’s Choir and the Show Choir.
Well, both of them wowed the television audience again, with the Show Choir taking the viewers’ telephone poll prize.
The inimitable Mari Pritchard won the top conductor award.
Whilst not winning the overall top spot and the chance to represent Wales in the Eurovision Choir competition this summer, they once again showed they’re a world class choir, and proved what brilliant opportunities are open to our young people through music.
Just two nights previously, I compered a wonderful concert at Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni, featuring another international success story, Beaumaris Band, along with the brilliant Brodyr Magee Brothers and Amlwch’s hugely talented BGT star Gruff Wyn.
Staged by Anglesey Council Chairman Cllr Dylan Rees, £7,000 was raised for the new St David’s Hospice at Holyhead.
Whatever challenges we face currently, Ynys Môn is in fine voice.
Let’s take it to the world!