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Covid: Pilot event Welsh language festival Tafwyl held at castle

Elen Gillard TafwylElen Gillard
The crowds enjoyed the sunshine at this year's Tafwyl at Cardiff Castle, one of nine pilot events being held as the Covid lockdown continues to ease

Hundreds of people have enjoyed the sunshine at this year's Tafwyl show at Cardiff Castle.

The Welsh language festival was the second of nine pilot events unveiled on Tuesday as part of Wales' road out of the Covid lockdown.

A total of 17 bands, curated by Clwb Ifor Bach, have been playing across three stages.

Performers included Geraint Jarman, Mared, Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog, Ani Glass, Gwilym, and Breichiau Hir.

It was hosted by the BBC's Huw Stephens, Seren Jones and Tara Bethan.

Tafwyl Geraint Jarman headliner at Tafwyl 2021Tafwyl
Geraint Jarman was one of 15 Welsh language performers at the festival

Ani Glass was first onstage.

She said it had been "a pure pleasure."

"It's days like this that remind me of the power music has to bring people together," she said.

Tafwyl Ani Glass was the first to perform at Tafwyl 2021Tafwyl
Ani Glass was the first to perform at Tafwyl 2021

Manon Rees O'Brien, chief executive of festival organisers Menter Caerdydd, said it was "wonderful to see people enjoying a bit of normality again."

"Everybody is very interested in Tafwyl this year, whether you deliver a music event or not," she said.

Setting up the show meant working with "many organisations."

Ms Rees O'Brien said: "There is so much learning to come out of this and I'm pleased to say there are so many fantastic partnerships as a result of this work."

The Welsh government unveiled nine pilot test events on Tuesday, including the Wales-Albania international friendly in June.

The programme of nine events were announced following discussions with organisers, venues and councils.

It was criticised by Plaid Cymru, who said there were no events "north of Brecon".

Tafwyl TafwylTafwyl
The Tafwyl festival was allowed an audience of 500 at the weekend as part of the Covid pilot

The government has said the programme would help develop guidance and processes to "allow the safe return of events in Wales".

The first was the Eid-al-Fitr celebration, also held at Cardiff Castle last week.

It also had a 500 capacity.

Wales pilot Covid events:

tafwyl Huw Stephens and Tara Bethantafwyl
Huw Stephens and Tara Bethan helped present the event, along with Seren Jones

12-14 May Eid-al-Fitr at Cardiff Castle - 300-500 people

15 May Tafwyl Welsh language festival at Cardiff Castle - 500 people

18 May Newport County v Forest Green Rovers League Two play-off

20 May business event, Celtic Manor Resort, Newport - 100 people

22 May Swansea City v Barnsley Championship play-off

3-4 June Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon - 250 people

3-6 June Glamorgan v Lancashire, Sophia Gardens Cricket Ground - 750-1,000 people

5 June Wales v Albania, Cardiff City stadium - 4,000 people

11-12 June Fishguard/St David's triathlon - only registered participants