Every February, we celebrate Welsh Music Day as a nation. The music scene in Wales is thriving – with the popularity of Welsh singers and bands increasing every year. But what about the musical projects bringing together a range of people of all ages across the country? The National Lottery Community Fund distributes grants each year to projects that use music to promote the Welsh language for the benefit of their communities, and here’s a look at four of them funded this year.
Sŵn Llwythol is a Cardiff-based community initiative which has been awarded a £99,770 People and Places grant. The aim is to promote socio-cultural integration and bridge the gap between African and ethnically diverse communities in Wales and the Welsh language and culture. Through creative musical activities, the project seeks to make Welsh language and culture more accessible, relevant and engaging for ethnically diverse groups, particularly those of African descent. The project also lays the groundwork for ongoing cultural development, helping to build a more dynamic and inclusive future for Wales.
Jay Okwulehie said: “Our music workshops are designed to introduce and raise awareness of the Welsh language amongst ethnically diverse communities, providing participants with an immersive and enriching musical experience that comprises vocal coaching, Welsh alphabet lessons, Welsh singing, songwriting, Afro-Welsh fusion composition, group rehearsals etc. Participants, particularly from African ethnic communities, have shared that this initiative has shifted their perspectives on the Welsh language and culture”.
One participant said: “I never considered the Welsh language was something I could learn or relate to, but this project has opened my eyes to Welsh language and culture in general”.
Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Cyf in Gwynedd is using a £20,000 grant to run musical sessions to improve the mental health of people with learning disabilities over the age of 16. Their Canfod y Gân project aims to transform lives through music. The project will improve the mental health and wellbeing of individuals with learning disabilities, develop links between individuals with a learning disability and people without a disability and strengthen their sense of belonging. The project offers a range of opportunities such as recording songs in a studio, community fun days and opportunities to perform at events with other community groups.
Seren Hâf Jones, Project Manager for Canfod y Gân, said: “The funding from The National Lottery Community Fund has enabled us to continue holding regular music sessions for young people and adults with learning disabilities in Harlech, Y Felinheli, Pwllheli and online. The sessions give members the opportunity to develop skills and socialise and boost health and wellbeing. At the request of many of the members, over the past few months the groups have been busy composing original songs to be recorded professionally at Stiwdio SAIN. We have also held public performances including a performance at Bwthyn Sonig Inclusive Gig Night in Pontio, Bangor and a Canfod y Gân carol evening in Pwllheli which was an opportunity to share the stage with other community groups. We are looking forward to performing at the Bangor Music Festival on the 15th of February and a number of other exciting activities in the coming months”.
Rhythm of Life Therapies CIC in Pembrokeshire is using a £19,968 grant to support children and young people with disabilities, mental illness and behavioural problems, by providing music therapy activities. The project aims to increase social skills, help children build resilience and confidence, help them process trauma and enable them to fully engage with their peers, family and wider community.
Another organisation that has been successful is Cwmni Theatr Maldwyn which received a £5,000 National Lottery Awards for All grant towards the production costs of a show called ‘Pum Diwrnod o Ryddid’ (Five Days of Freedom). The show toured across Wales during autumn 2024 and performances will conclude in 2025.
Penri Roberts, one of the theatre company’s founders, said when they received the grant: “We are very grateful for the support of The National Lottery Community Fund. The grant will assist us with costs such as the set, costumes etc. and make a big difference to the standard of our new production of Pum Diwrnod o Ryddid”.
Ruth Bates, Head of Communications and Engagement at The National Lottery Community Fund in Wales, said: “We are proud to award grants to community projects that bring lasting positive impacts to people’s lives through music. All of this is possible thanks to National Lottery players, who raise £30 million each week for good causes across the UK”.
The National Lottery Community Fund awards grants to strengthen society and improve lives across the UK. Thanks to National Lottery players, it will distribute at least £4 billion by 2030, supporting activities that create resilient communities that are more inclusive and environmentally sustainable.
To learn more about our grants, visit our website:
The National Lottery Community Fund Blog 