FOLLOWING the September launch of Ceri Siarad, the Welsh Language Charter, a gig was organised for Ceredigion schoolchildren.

The event, featuring popular Welsh-language bands Y Mellt and Candelas, was held at Pafiliwn Bont, Pontrhydfendigaid.

Over a thousand pupils from Years 5, 6 and 7 from across Ceredigion attended the event which was organised with the help of Welsh music magazine Y Selar.

Nyle Hyde, 10, from Ysgol y Dderi, Llangybi, said: “I’d never been to a gig before, and I hadn’t heard Mellt or Candelas playing live – they were amazing!”

Ceredigion County Council’s Cabinet member responsible for learning services, Cllr Catrin Miles said: “The future of the Welsh language depends on encouraging children to use it outside of the home or classroom only.

“Events such as this are a great way of showing the children of Ceredigion that they can live and use the language in a modern and exciting way.”

Council leader Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn said: “Events such as this work towards reaching a million Welsh speakers, and is a part of the council’s policy to promote the Welsh language.”

The aim of Ceri Siarad is to give confidence to pupils to use the Welsh language in all aspects of their lives, in order to increase the use of the language outside of the classroom.

The Charter follows on from the success of ‘Cymraeg Campus’ in English-medium schools regionally.

The launch of the charter is in keeping with the Welsh Government’s aspiration of creating a million Welsh speakers by 2050. Funding for the charter has been provided by Welsh Government to schools through ERW.