Artists

Arfon Gwilym



Address: Glangwyrfai, Saron, Caernarfon, LL54 5UL

Email: arfongwilym@btinternet.com

A folk singer who has a store of folk tunes committed to memory, and in singing ‘cerdd dant’ the words and spirit are more important to him than keeping to the letter of the rules! He has an ideal voice for folk singing, and although his songs are rooted in the folklore of Wales they also have an experimental newness, with songs and ‘cerdd dant’ adapted by Arfon himself. His singing conveys an intense love for and appreciation of our heritage and language, whilst also looking to the future and creating the New Wales.

The ‘Plygain’ explained in talk and song - Traditional Welsh carol singing has continued unbroken for generations in the Montgomeryshire area (and some other places). A new interest in this tradition has been seen in recent years, but in order to reanimate the Plygain one needs to be familiar with its method and know the carols.

Welsh Folk Tradition explained in talk and song - Is “hen Gymru lawen” or “Wales the land of fun” a myth? One of the most interesting times is the 19th century, when massive conflict was seen between the old sense of fun and the seriousness of the new age, under the influence of the religious revivals and Victorian respectability.

Fee: Fee and travelling costs to be discussed.