The Growing Role of Welsh in Lle Llais

Over the past two summers, Lle Llais has shown how events can nurture not only creativity but also the Welsh language as a living part of community life on Ynys Môn. From its first year in 2024 to its return in 2025, the project has made significant strides in embedding Welsh more deeply into every activity, conversation, and creative expression.

Summer 2024: Laying the Foundations

The 2024 series introduced Lle Llais across four locations on the island. Welsh was visible and celebrated — from bilingual signage and welcome desks to poetry and songs performed by local groups. Over a third of all visitors were Welsh speakers or learners, and language badges encouraged everyone to show their identity. These first events helped make the language present in a warm and open way, while also highlighting how much potential there was to strengthen its role.

Summer 2025: Welsh at the Heart

By 2025, the project had grown into something even more powerful. Hosting the event entirely at Llanddwyn Beach created consistency and allowed for a stronger focus on language. This time, over half of all participants spoke or were learning Welsh, with schools proudly bringing pupils wearing “Cymraeg” badges. Every station was staffed by at least one fluent speaker, while learners stepped forward to lead activities — a sign of growing confidence across all ages.

The creative outputs reflected this new energy. Words like gwair, ceffyl, lan y môr appeared again and again in children’s postcards and reflections, showing how Welsh anchors expression of place and identity. English and Welsh worked side by side, not in competition but in harmony, mirroring the bilingual reality of daily life on Anglesey.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

What stands out most is the sense of growth. In just one year, Welsh moved from being a supporting presence to becoming a natural, central part of Lle Llais. Children, young people, and staff used it with confidence and pride, showing that when opportunities are created, the language flourishes.

For Ynys Môn — and for the aims of Cymraeg 2050 — this is a powerful example. Lle Llais demonstrates how community projects can strengthen the everyday use of Welsh, making it visible, audible, and meaningful for the next generation. The journey from 2024 to 2025 shows not just progress, but a clear future: one where the Welsh language continues to thrive as an essential part of the island’s culture and creativity.