Cymdeithas Alawon Gwerin Cymru (Welsh Folk Song Society)

Cymdeithas Alawon Gwerin Cymru, commonly known as the Welsh Folk-Song Society, is a UK nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Welsh folk songs. The society was founded in 1906 with the primary objective of collecting, preserving, interpreting, and disseminating the folk songs of Wales[1][3].

Objectives and Activities

The society's main goals include the collection and preservation of Welsh folk songs, ballads, and tunes. It publishes examples of these songs and promotes research into their literary and musical backgrounds. Additionally, the society fosters interest in folk song and folk literature in general[1].

Cymdeithas Alawon Gwerin Cymru publishes a journal called Canu Gwerin, which is released annually in August. The society also holds an annual meeting, which includes lectures, discussions, and performances of traditional Welsh music. It participates in the National Eisteddfod, a major cultural festival in Wales, through lectures and events[1].

Historical Context

The society was established during a period of significant social change in Wales, marked by industrialization and Anglicization. These factors led to a growing interest in preserving traditional Welsh culture, as many feared that rural customs and languages were being lost as people moved to industrial areas[4]. The formation of the society was part of a broader national effort to establish cultural institutions, similar to the National Museum, University, and Library of Wales[3].

Role in Welsh Cultural Life

The Welsh Folk-Song Society plays a vital role in modern Welsh cultural life by linking traditional music with national identity. The society's mission reflects the belief that preserving and promoting traditional songs is essential for the development of a modern Welsh nation. This is evident in the context of both choral singing and the performance of folk songs at the National Eisteddfod, which has been a cornerstone of Welsh cultural events since 1861[2].

Charity Status

Cymdeithas Alawon Gwerin Cymru is registered as a charity in the UK with the charity number 259772.

[1] https://canugwerin.com/en/english-fp/ [2] https://ledbooks.org/proceedings2019/tag/welsh-folk-song-society/ [3] https://canugwerin.com/en/history/ [4] https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/cy/special-collections/subject-guides/welsh-ballads/ruth-herbert-lewis [5] https://www.cymmrodorion.org/the-society/our-history/