Earlier this year we published the key actions we have prioritised in response to the Traditional Music Review,commissioned by Arts Council of Wales the most extensive consultation of its kind. The review captured the creativity and energy driving the scene, while also identifying grassroots provision as the area of greatest concern, particularly for young people and intergenerational groups across communities and called for more informal opportunities at local level. It recommended giving traditional music a stronger role in education, clearer pathways for musicians, targeted audience development, and inclusive support across cultural communities.
Since then, we’ve worked quickly with partners to begin to turn these recommendations into action.
New investment in traditional music
With our support, Tŷ Cerdd is launching Wilia: Conversations in Traditional Music this autumn. This is a new strand of traditional music activity is being led by led by Tŷ Cerdd’s newly appointed Traditional Music Development Manager, Jordan Price Williams. A brand-new role that has been funded by Arts Council of Wales. This monthly online forum will bring together musicians, organisers and communities to share ideas and shape the future of the tradition.The first Wilia session is on Monday 6 October 2025. Full information can be found here. These conversations will help shape a new £200,000 fund dedicated to traditional music projects, to be launched in spring 2026.
Jordan Price Williams, Tŷ Cerdd’s Traditional Music Development Manager said:
“Since the launch of the Traditional Music Review, we’ve seen exciting conversations and collaborations beginning to take shape. There’s a real sense of momentum and today feels like the perfect moment to share hope and ambition for the future of our living traditions. This month, we’ll see a huge range of events celebrating the traditional arts across Europe – and Wales is proudly making its mark. Recent highlights include Jeremy Dutcher’s deeply moving performances in Bethesda and Ystradgynlais, where he shared the traditional music of the Wolastoqiyik people with audiences here in Wales, and the joyous celebration of the Welsh fiddle at Ffidil Fawr in Pembrokeshire.”
Arts Council of Wales has also allocated additional Lottery funds in 2025/26 specifically for traditional music of all kinds. Organisations can apply under the Ty Cerdd’s existing Create, Engage or Inspire funds, with guidance available on the Tŷ Cerdd Lottery funding page.The final deadlines for this round of funding are 15 October 2025 and 21 January 2026.
Strengthening folk dance traditions
Arts Council of Wales’ Wales Dance Review included recommendations for folk dance.
John Idris Jones, Chair of Welsh Folk Dance Society, said,
"We warmly welcomed the two recently published Review Reports on Traditional Music and Dance by the Arts Council of Wales. It is encouraging to read in these reports that our voice has been heard. We have supported the innovative Prosiect WYTH, which developed supported by the Connect and Flourish Fund, and which has just been awarded Create funding to support its next stage of development.”
Prosiect WYTH is proud to have received Create Fund grant from the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Wales, enabling us to continue promoting traditional dance for another year. This is a big step forward towards raising the profile of Welsh dancing. It's great to offer this opportunity, and even more importantly - employment, to an enthusiastic young individual who's passionate about traditional dance. We’re delighted to welcome our newly appointed Development Officer Lleucu Parri , and all our partners, Menter Maldwyn, the National Eisteddfod, Cwlwm Celtaidd, the Welsh Folk Dance Society and freelancers, look forward to working with her on exciting projects such as TwmpDaith. On with the dance!
John Idris added, “consulting with stakeholder along with the innovative work of the WYTH Project, has inspired us to publish a Five-Year Strategy, announced at the National Eisteddfod, to develop the Society and strengthen the sector further. It is an exciting time within the world of folk and clog dancing in Wales.
Sioned Edwards added, on behalf of the National Eisteddfod, "The National Eisteddfod is very proud to continue to be one of the key partners of Project WYTH, and we look forward to developing a new dance commission for the National Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire in 2026. The Eisteddfod is so proud to be part of a project that provides a platform to nurture creative talent in the field of Welsh traditional dancing.”
A copy of the Wales Folk Dance Society's Five Year Strategy is available here.
There will also be an opportunity for young people to engage with traditional music and dance in Glan-llyn in October through Gwerin Gwallgo (11 – 18 year olds) and in November through Gwerin Iau (8 – 13 year olds), both supported by the Create Fund, delivered by Trac Cymru in partnership with the Urdd.
Looking ahead
From new funding streams to collaborative forums and ambitious dance projects, the response to the Traditional Music Review is already driving meaningful change.
Since publishing the Traditional Music Review earlier this year, it has been heartening to see how quickly the sector has responded. With new funding opportunities now in place, a dedicated role at Tŷ Cerdd, and projects such as Prosiect WYTH going from strength to strength, there is real momentum building. These developments show what can be achieved when we listen to the sector and work in partnership. Looking ahead, our focus is on sustaining that energy and ensuring that traditional music and dance continue to flourish as vital, creative forces within Welsh culture.