MACHYNLLETH will host a range of events celebrating the Basque country and Euskara language used in the region as part of a cultural collaboration project between Celtic countries.

Youngsters from Machynlleth’s Ysgol Bro Hyddgen will play a key role in the events which will be held in the town, with other events also being held in Aberystwyth and Tywyn.

Machynlleth’s Y Tabernacl will host an exhibition opening on Saturday, 7 January, from one of the most famous Basque artists, Juan Gorriti, with the Owain Glyndwr Institute also hosting a Basque exhibition on the same day looking at things such as clothing and tools.

There will also be a grand concert at Y Tabernacl that day including a host of both Welsh and Basque performers. A poetry, wine and food event at Caffi Alys in Machynlleth will follow on Sunday, 8 January, before a film night at Y Tabernacl on Monday, 9 January.

Meic Llewellyn, of Celtic Neighbours, the organisation that is helping to organise the events in the Dyfi Valley, said the scheme had been a great chance to work with youngsters from Ysgol Bro Hyddgen, including a scheme that will see youngsters act as guides for the visitors from the Basque country.