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A historic moment in Welsh broadcasting will get underway next week as the second ever Welsh language radio station launches.

For the first time ever, listeners tuning in to the radio in the morning will now have a choice of Welsh language programmes to choose from.

Offering a complete alternative to hard news channel BBC Radio Cymru - that launched over 40 years ago - Radio Cymru 2 Sioe Frecwast will bring a family orientated “fun-filled, music-based breakfast show” every morning of the week.

Launching on Monday, January 29, it will be co-presented by Caernarfon -born broadcaster Dafydd Meredydd and Welsh singer, actor and broadcaster Caryl Parry Jones, from Flintshire.

Renowned Radio 1 presenter Huw Stephens will be taking over the mic every Friday morning, while Lisa Angharad and Lisa Gwilym will host the show on weekends.

Ahead of the launch, Dafydd, said: “There are two kinds of people in the world - there are those who want to listen to news first thing in the morning, and there are those who want a bit of music and a laugh.

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“For the past 40 years, there has only been news in the morning for Welsh speakers.

“So, this is the first time we are offering a choice - there will be something other than news to listen to in the Welsh language in the mornings.

“From next Monday morning, we will be giving Wales a good laugh - with good company.

“We are all confident the people want it.”

He added: “My partnership with Caryl is great - we just bounce off each other. She’s a bit of a loose cannon - but her mic shuts down when I decide.

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“She brings her own energy to the show, nobody makes me laugh as much as she does.

“Radio Cymru 2 will be a happy place, in good company.”

As well as plenty of music, entertainment, and celebrity interviews, the new show will also provide regular news bulletins - although Dafydd said it won’t be heavy, in depth news discussions.

And while it will also play some English chart toppers, Sioe Frecwast will mainly play Welsh language hits to “attract the audience that enjoys both”.

“There are certain types of listeners who just don't want to listen to news first thing in the morning - but that’s not to say they won’t keep up to date with what’s going on,” the presenter added.

“We will still have the odd news bulletin, but you won’t have the heavy interviews with politicians and the news won’t be discussed in such depth as it is on BBC Radio Cymru.

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“It’s not a breakfast show for kids - but we hope young listeners will be listening with their parents.

“With the way radio is developing, you have got to offer something for everyone.

“Everyone enjoys a laugh, and the music will be for those people who are young at heart.

“We’ve got presenters like Hugh Stephens and Lisa Gwilym - people who are associated with broadcasting to a younger audience.

“But they will be going away from that for this show and presenting for a different kind of audience.”

Asking how he’s feeling about the show getting underway, his only concern was his new morning alarm.

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“It’s going to be a bit of a shock to the system getting up at quarter to five every morning - I’ve been getting up half an hour earlier each week to adapt to it.”

Radio Cymru 2 will be available on weekday mornings between 7am and 8.30am, from 7am until 9am on Saturdays and from 8am until 10am on Sundays on DAB, BBC iPlayer and digital TV.

Betsan Powys, Editor of BBC Radio Cymru, says: “BBC Radio Cymru 2 gives us an opportunity to celebrate the fact that our audiences like and listen to different things; we’ll offer a fun-filled, music-based breakfast show every morning of the week for those who want it.

“And for those who don’t, those who value and cherish the news-based programme on Radio Cymru, there will be no change.”

The existing Radio Cymru station will remain unchanged.