Swansea University is proud to sponsor Y Babell Lên (The Literary Pavilion) at the Rhondda Cynon Taf National Eisteddfod between 3-10 August 2024.
Among the events organised by the University at Y Babell Lên are:
Remembering Siôn Eirian. Taran ei Theatr ni Thewir | Monday 5 August, 12.30pm
Jon Gower, Betsan Powys, Alun Wyn Bevan, and Geraint Lewis remember the playwright, poet, and author Siôn Eirian, who passed away in 2020.
Ar Drywydd Brynley Roberts. Aberdâr, Abertawe, ac Aberystwyth | Tuesday 6 August, 12.30pm
Robert Rhys, Gwerfyl Pierce Jones, and Rhidian Griffiths discuss the tremendous contribution of Brynley Roberts to Welsh culture as one of the leading scholars of his generation.
Hiraethu am Heimaey: Colli cymunedau, iaith a thraddodiadau yng Ngwlad yr Iâ | Wednesday 7 August, 12.30pm
Dr Rhian Meara from the Geography Department and award-winning author Manon Steffan Ros examine the human and social effects following an unexpected eruption near the town on Heimaey Island, through research and creative writing.
Hywel Teifi Memorial Lecture – Professor Daniel G. Williams | Thursday 8 August, 11.30am
Professor Daniel G. Williams, Director of the Richard Burton Centre for Welsh Studies at Swansea University, delivers the annual lecture in memory of Professor Hywel Teifi. The lecture topic will be 'From the Rhondda to Canaan. J Gwyn Griffiths, Gwyn Thomas, and Exodus'.
Following the lecture, a reception will be held in the Lido Ponty Conference Room for alumni, staff, and friends of Swansea University, with light refreshments provided.
Pobol a Phryfed | Friday 9 August, 12.30pm
Actor and author Andrew Teilo, best known for playing the character Hywel Llywelyn in Pobol y Cwm, discusses his career with Professor Tudur Hallam from the Department of Welsh, and his experience writing his collection of short stories Pryfed Undydd, following his time studying on the MA Creative Writing course at Swansea University.
Professor Gwenno Ffrancon, Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor for Welsh, Heritage, and Culture and Director of Academi Hywel Teifi, said: "Swansea University is once again proud to sponsor and curate several events at Y Babell Lên this year, and there is much anticipation among our staff and students for the Rhondda Cynon Taf Eisteddfod 2024. As usual, we will showcase some of our creative talents and highlight the work of some of our brightest scholars while proudly taking our place amid the hustle and bustle of the Maes. We look forward to welcoming old and new friends to Y Babell Lên and to Lido Ponty for our alumni reception."
There will also be opportunities to see Swansea University staff and students feature in other sessions across the Maes throughout the week, including.
Monday 5 August, 12pm – 4pm | Coleg Cymraeg Cendlaethol
Ben Walkling, a PhD student from the Geography Departmen, presents on coal tips and conducts activities with young people.
Tuesday 6 August, 10am | Societies Pavilion
Blwyddyn o Sebra - A panel discussion with three Sebra authors discussing their publications with the new press. One of the three will be Mari George, a former Swansea University student and winner of the 2024 Book of the Year with her first adult novel Sut i Ddofi Corryn.
Tuesday 6 August, 1pm | Pontypridd Museum
Dr Gethin Matthews from the Department of History presenting 'No More Names!', using war memorials to inspire students from six local schools to create creative tributes.
Tuesday 6 August, 3pm | Societies
Sharon Jones from the Midwifery Department participates in a Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol panel discussion on the topic 'What's Next for Welsh Language in the Health and Social Care Service?'
Tuesday 6 August, 5pm | Sinemaes
Dr Elain Price, Senior Lecturer in Media at Swansea University, chairs a discussion about the film Rhosyn a Rhith which was filmed in the area, with actress and author Mari Emlyn and S4C’s Head of Film and Drama Gwenllian Gravelle, followed by a screening of the film.
Wednesday 7 August, 10.30am | Societies
As the radio programme Caniadaeth y Cysegr celebrates 75 years of broadcasting, Dr Non Vaughan Williams, Senior Lecturer in Media at Swansea University, and a former producer and presenter of the programme, discusses its importance and contribution.
Wednesday 7 August, 2.10pm | Pavilion
Elinor Staniforth, a tutor with Learn Welsh Swansea Bay Region, has reached the final round of the 2024 Learner of the Year competition. The winner will be announced at the ceremony.
Wednesday 7 August, 4pm | Societies Pavilion
Professor Siwan Davies from the Geography Department presents the Edward Llwyd Society Lecture - 'The Climate Crisis. It's Time to Wake Up', providing insight into the latest scientific evidence on the climate crisis, its effects, and future projections.