Preparations are well underway for Pembrokeshire’s annual celebration of the Welsh language and its culture which takes place on Monday, October 15th.

The fifth annual ‘Gwobrau Shwmae’ will be held at the Merlin Theatre, Pembrokeshire College at 6.30pm.

‘Shwmae’ (pronounced shoe-mai) is a commonly used, welcoming Welsh word meaning ‘Hi’ or ‘How’s Things’ and is used as a simple way of introducing non-Welsh speakers to the language.

Schools, businesses, community group and individuals have a chance of winning a variety of awards including: Introducing Welsh to children, Welsh learner using the language most outside of the classroom and the School working hardest towards the Welsh Language Charter.

“These awards are unique to Pembrokeshire and come at a time when a recent survey showed Pembrokeshire to have the biggest increase in Welsh speaker throughout Wales over the past ten years,” said Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for the Environment and Welsh Language, Councillor Cris Tomos.

“This shows our commitment to the Welsh language and culture is working and as a first language Welsh speaker, I’m thrilled and encouraged by that.

“We want people to embrace Welsh and to be motivated to learn and use the language.

“The Shwmae awards certainly do that. Above all, it’s an enjoyable evening and that’s what we want learning Welsh to be.”

The event will be hosted by the BBC’s Steffan Messenger with music provided by the Pembrokeshire Welsh Learner’s Choir.

Caption

Last year’s Shwmae award winners