Diwrnod Shwmae/Su’mae

The annual Diwrnod Shwmae/Su’mae celebration was a vibrant and exciting success, with activities taking place across seven different locations throughout Merthyr Tydfil on Saturday 18 October. These locations included Cyfarthfa Museum, Merthyr Tydfil Library, Treharris Community Centre, Dowlais Engine House, Clwb Crown, Glebeland Site, and Theatre Soar.

This year’s event brought a fresh energy to the town, with Glebeland Site hosting the main celebration for the first time. The town centre saw a noticeable increase in footfall, as residents and visitors came together to enjoy a day filled with music, workshops, and community spirit.

A wide range of performances were delivered by schools, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere. Families, organisations, and individuals all took part in celebrating the Welsh language in creative and engaging ways.

One of the participating organisations, Darwynno, shared their experience:

“We had a lovely welcome from the manager and staff at Treharris, and we thoroughly enjoyed the day.”

A visitor also reflected on the positive atmosphere:

“We had a great welcome. There's a really nice buzz and lots of people really enjoying themselves. My daughter really enjoyed all the activities and having a chance to use some Welsh. Diolch yn fawr!”

Another family shared that they had travelled from Pontypridd specifically to attend the Pokémon workshop, highlighting the draw and appeal of the event’s bilingual activities:

“We saw the Pokémon workshop advertised and knew we had to come. It was absolutely worth the drive — the kids loved it and it was brilliant to see Welsh used in such a fun way.”

The success of Diwrnod Shwmae/Su’mae this year reflects the growing enthusiasm for the Welsh language across Merthyr Tydfil. With so many people engaging in activities, performances, and conversations in Welsh, the event has helped strengthen community pride and encouraged even more people to use and celebrate the language in their everyday lives.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who took part, supported, and helped bring the day to life — your enthusiasm and commitment to the Welsh language made it truly special.

Businesses and Partners Involved:

• Yr Hen Lyfrgell – Welsh cards, wooden goods, and Welsh frames
• Framed – Clothing and accessories
• Castell Apothecary – Handmade soaps, shampoo bars, candles, diffusers, and car fresheners
• Llawn Cariad – Welsh gift shop and books
• Cymraeg Creations – Personalised clothing, drinkware, gifts, cards, and accessories
• Cana Candles – Candles, melting wax, and truffles
• GM Notepads – Welsh learner notebooks, worry diaries, and Welsh-focused gifts
• Rhyd – Handmade gifts in wood and metal
• Rhian Mair Lewis – Jewellery stall promoting the Welsh language
• Gwaith Llaw Crafts – Arts and Crafts

• Mudiad Meithrin
• Siop Soar & Menter Iaith Merthyr Tudful
• Merthyr College
• Community-Focused Schools
• Edwardsville Family Engagement
• Urdd
• Learn Welsh Glamorgan

Schools Involved:

• Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Santes Tudful
• Ysgol y Graig Primary School
• Caedraw Primary School
• Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Rhyd-y-Grug
• Gellifaelog Primary School
• The College Merthyr Tydfil