People learning Welsh will have an opportunity to enjoy speaking the language at a new national festival, thanks to a partnership between the National Centre for Learning Welsh, National Museum Wales and National Library of Wales.

The one-day event called ‘Ar Lafar’ (the Welsh word for ‘spoken’) will be held on 22 April at three of the Museum’s sites – St Fagans National History Museum, Cardiff, the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea and National Slate Museum in Llanberis – and the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth.

The aim of this free festival is to give learners and their families an opportunity to socialise and use their Welsh in an informal, relaxed setting, while at the same time enjoying the treasures on display at the Museum and National Library.

A range of activities will be available at each site, from behind-the-scenes tours to quizzes, bakery demonstrations, drama and film, craft workshops, learning-through-song sessions and Easter egg hunts. Welsh language taster sessions will also be available to visitors who would like to learn some Welsh.

The Centre has prepared a lesson discussing museums for students following Uwch/Advanced level courses and is also working with the National Museum to develop educational resources for learners.

Efa Gruffudd Jones, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, said: “We’re delighted to form this new partnership with the National Museum and National Library.

“When learning Welsh, it’s vital to have the opportunity to practise the language in an informal setting outside the classroom. We also know a large number of people learn the language because of a sense of identity or roots.

“This festival combines those elements perfectly, giving people the opportunity to enjoy practising Welsh while at the same time learning more about Wales’ rich history.

Nia Williams, Director of Education and Engagement at National Museum Wales said:

“We’re very pleased to be working in partnership with the National Centre for Learning Welsh and National Library of Wales on this new national festival.

“St Fagans was one of the first organisations in Wales to work through the medium of Welsh and so it’s fitting we launch and hold this new festival here.

“Museum of Wales is a stage for our country’s heritage and is a fantastic backdrop for people to learn Welsh, and through learning the language, learn about Wales’ culture. A very warm welcome is extended to learners to visit all our sites.”

Linda Tomos, Chief Executive and Librarian, The National Library of Wales said: "It is a great pleasure to welcome the Ar Lafar festival to the National Library of Wales. This new and exciting partnership will encourage the Welsh language to flourish by offering informal opportunities for people to chat through the medium of Welsh, and by using our rich culture and heritage as a way of inspiring interest in the language.

“As an organisation, we are always eager to encourage and support both learners and fluent Welsh speakers, and hope that events like these will give people the confidence to use the language comfortably in public places such as the Library."

Ends

30 March 2017

For more information contact Hannah Thomas on hannah.thomas@dysgucymraeg.cymru

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