Earlier this year the future of the Tafwyl festival was looking bleak, but after the Welsh Government stepped in with £20,000 of extra funding, organisers have steamed ahead with a packed programme of events.
The festival, now in its eighth year, kicks off next week and aims to celebrate the Welsh language while attracting Welsh learners and first-timers as well as fluent Welsh speakers.
For the second year running the free Tafwyl fair on 15 June, which marks the start of the festival, is taking place at Cardiff Castle, with newly extended opening hours from 11am-9pm.
A previous Tafwyl Festival in the grounds of Cardiff Castle. Photo: Celf Calon
It will feature two music stages with Welsh musicians playing a mixture of rock, blues, folk, country and indie-pop, as well as entertainers from the NoFit State circus company, cookery master classes, sport workshops, drama and literature sessions and arts and crafts stalls.
Then throughout the following week there will be a programme of Welsh language activities taking place across the city, ranging from comedy, live music and history tours to Welsh learners events and nursery activities.
Highlights include an evening of Welsh language short plays with Dirty Protest at The Porter, a comedy evening at Chapter, a Bragdy'r Beirdd Poetry Evening at the Rockin' Chair and a Cwpwrdd Nansi Folk Gig and Jamming Session.
NoFit State circus company at the Tafwyl Festival. Photo: Celf Calon
I spoke to Llinos Williams from Menter Caerdydd, which established Tafwyl, about the thinking behind the festival.
She said: "Tafwyl is all about celebrating the Welsh language, but it isn't just a festival for Welsh speakers. It's great for Welsh learners and it's the best opportunity around to experience the Welsh language for the very first time.
"Our aim is to promote and expand the use of the Welsh language on a community basis, ensuring that the language becomes a central part of life.
"It's very important that people understand that Welsh isn't just a classroom language, but very much a vibrant, lively and everyday language.
"There really is something for everyone, with activities for the whole family, from live music and entertainment to cookery demonstrations and tasting sessions, sport workshops, drama and literature sessions and arts and crafts stalls."
Performers at a previous festival. Photo: Celf Calon
Among those appearing at the Tafwyl fair are Welsh rock legend Geraint Jarman, Welsh football manager Chris Coleman, Huw Chiswell, Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog, Swnami, Heather Jones and Colorama.
There will also be football, rugby, golf, athletics and biking sessions, with Cardiff Blues and the FAW as well as a hands on science exhibition run by Techniquest and Cardiff University, trapeze lessons, African drumming classes and a chance to have a go on a pottery wheel.
Visit the Tafwyl website tafwyl.org for full details on the Tafwyl Festival and the week-long events.
