Happy New Year from Menter Iaith BGTM!
Happy New Year to you all! As we step into a new year, we’re really looking forward to another busy and exciting year across Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen and Monmouthshire. Our calendar is already filling up fast, with lots of new events, projects and opportunities on the way.
2026 will be a year of connection, collaboration and celebrating the Welsh language — from community clubs and family activities, to festivals and creative projects across the region. We’re incredibly grateful for your continued support and can’t wait to work with you over the coming months.
Keep an eye on our social media and newsletters for the latest updates, dates and ways to get involved.
Welcome to Our New Clybiau Clonc & Reading Club!
We’re happy to launch three new groups across Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen and Monmouthshire — warm, welcoming spaces to connect, chat, read and enjoy a cuppa together. These groups are designed to support wellbeing, reduce isolation, and create safe, friendly spaces to come together through the medium of Welsh.
Reading Club – Usk (Brynbuga)
Monthly meetings starting on Monday 9th February at 2pm
18a Maryport Street, Usk, NP15 1AE
A relaxed adult reading group — enjoy a good book, a cup of tea and friendly conversation. No pressure — dip in and out as suits you!
Clwb Clonc – Capel Bethlehem, Blaenavon
Friday 10.00–12.00
Broad Street, Blaenavon, Gwent, NP4 9NF
Clwb Clonc – Weatherspoons, Monmouth (Trefynwy)
Every other Friday, 10am–11am
8 Agincourt Square, Monmouth, NP25 3DY
For more information: post@menterbgtm.cymru
Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2027
It’s incredibly exciting news that Eisteddfod yr Urdd Bro’r Wenynen, Gwent 2027 is on its way — with the festival being held at Tredegar House, Newport, for the very first time! This will be a fantastic opportunity for children, young people, families and schools from across Wales (and beyond) to come together to celebrate the Welsh language, creativity, performance and culture.
The seven-day festival will include over 400 competitions, alongside opportunities for local children to take part in shows, projects and lead-up events. Beyond the competitions, there will be exciting activities, the Arts & Crafts Tent, the Science Tent (GwyddonLe), performance stages, live bands and plenty for the whole family to enjoy.
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our area — including Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, Newport, Monmouthshire and Caerphilly — to work together to welcome one of Europe’s largest youth festivals into our communities.
Fundraising and community support
Over the coming year, there will be lots of fundraising activities across the region as we work towards our local targets to support the Eisteddfod. Schools, community groups, businesses and families will all play a vital role in this journey.
Keep an eye on our social media channels for events, challenges and ways to get involved. If you have a fundraiser to promote, or an idea you’d like to share, please get in touch — we’d love to help spread the word!
post@menterbgtm.cymru
Torf-hwyl 2026 – A Family Festival for Everyone!
We’re delighted to announce that Torf-hwyl 2026 is on its way — a colourful, fun-filled family festival taking place at Cwmbran Shopping Centre on Saturday 28th February 2026, from 10am to 4pm. The event is FREE and open to all!
Torf-hwyl celebrates the Welsh language, creativity and community life, with plenty to keep children and families entertained throughout the day. This year’s highlights include:
- Cymraeg i Blant
- Mudiad Meithrin
- Story Cushions
- Captured by Rhiannon
- Pig & Pip
- STWFF
- Babi Bw
- Local Primary Schools
There will be lots of entertainment, stalls, activities and opportunities to discover what’s available locally for young families — all in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Volunteers and stalls
We’re busy preparing for this special festival, and we’d love to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer or host a stall at Torf-hwyl 2026.
If you run a business, group or service and would like to get involved — or if you’d like to help on the day — please get in touch:
post@menterbgtm.cymru
Dydd Miwsig Cymru 2026 – Join the Celebration!
Dydd Miwsig Cymru 2026 takes place on Friday 13th February, celebrating the vibrant and diverse world of Welsh language music. From traditional folk to cutting-edge electronica, from indie anthems to hip hop beats — Welsh music reflects a living language and a thriving creative culture.
It’s a brilliant opportunity for individuals, schools, organisations and businesses across Wales to show their support for the Welsh language through music — and it’s really easy to get involved!
How can you take part?
There are lots of simple and fun ways to celebrate:
Play Welsh language music in your workplace, at events or during virtual meetings
Host a live or online performance with a Welsh-speaking artist
Update your social media profile or banner to show your support
Share on social media using #DyddMiwsigCymru and #Miwsig
Make it last all year by adding Welsh music to your regular playlists
Taking part is a simple but powerful way to support the Welsh language, spotlight Welsh artists, and connect with staff, customers and communities through music.
We encourage everyone across Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen and Monmouthshire to get involved — whether by listening, sharing, or hosting something of your own!
