Over 500 local children and visitors gathered on Rhyl’s promenade recently, to march with language batons to raise the profile of the Welsh language and to share the importance of using and passing on the language to each other.

Pupils from Welsh medium schools Ysgol Dewi Sant (Y Rhyl), Ysgol y Llys (Prestatyn) and Ysgol Glan Clwyd (St Asaph) joined thousands of children and adults across Wales to march in unity in the event, called: Ras yr Iaith 2023. Entertaining the crowd on the promenade in Rhyl was the popular country music singer, The Welsh Whisperer.

Organising Ras Yr Iaith in Denbighshire was Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych. Gwion Tomos-Jones, from Menter Iaith said: “The event was a great success with pupils cheering and enjoying the journey along Rhyl’s seafront. For me, hearing visitors to the area asking about the spoken language, showing interest in the event and learning more about the Welsh language itself was wonderful on a beautiful sun-filled morning. On top of that, hearing a sea of Welsh walking like a colourful snake along the coast of Denbighshire was an incredible experience.”

Pupils from Ysgol Dewi Sant, Y Rhyl; Sam Brumby, 11 from the town and Seren Hughes, 11 from Rhuddlan said: “Coming here is like having a Welsh lesson by the sea! We’re having a lot of fun and it feels like we’re all one big family today!”

For Seren, who enjoys singing and acting at The Little Theatre in Rhyl, she is very much looking forward to attending Ysgol Glan Clwyd, St Asaph for her secondary education in September, in order to have more Welsh language performance opportunities.

“My dad speaks Welsh at home, but mum doesn’t. I know there will be a lot of performing opportunities for me at secondary school, so I’m really looking forward to moving up in September.”

Two of Welsh Whisperer’s fans, Osian and Llŷr, pupils at Ysgol Glan Clwyd, enjoyed hearing their hero singing when they reached the end of the journey at Rhyl’s Arena. With over 500 children singing and dancing to The Welsh Whisperer’s accompaniment, it was a treat for teachers and staff of Menter Iaith to see the children enjoying as one through the medium of Welsh.

With both Osian Dylan Hughes, 12, from Lloc, Flintshire and Llŷr Siôn Evans, 12, from Llansannan farming sons, it felt good to leave the classroom in St Asaph to hear songs like ‘Ni’n belio nawr’ and ‘Defaid William Morgan.’

As part of the event, some pupils from Ysgol y Llys and Ysgol Dewi Sant passed the language batons they had been creating in class before the event, to the secondary children of Ysgol Glan Clwyd. Written inside the batons the youngsters had created Welsh messages declaring what the Welsh language meant to them. In a symbolic ceremony, the importance of passing the language on to others was portrayed by handing over the batons.

Gethin Morgan, Head of year 7 at Ysgol Glan Clwyd who organised their 200 pupils to attend the event with Menter Iaith said: “Our school’s priority is to give pupils the opportunity to live their daily lives through the medium of Welsh. It can be a challenge to find appropriate settings and the right circumstances to do this, beyond the classroom, for many of our learners don’t have any Welsh language t home. Ras yr Iaith is, therefore, an opportunity for us to offer a natural Welsh atmosphere whilst stepping out of the school environment and enjoying a trip on Rhyl’s promenade.

“We are grateful to the team at Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych for their constant support and the opportunities they give us to offer a range of events and sessions, throughout the year, to all Welsh learners within the county. It’s been a fantastic event!”

During the walk, a number of visitors to Rhyl meandered across to speak to Menter Iaith staff and the teachers to learn more about the event and the role of the Welsh language in Ras yr Iaith. For local people walking their dogs and strolling along the coastal path, it was an opportunity to raise the profile of the language and emphasise the important skill given to the pupils of speaking two languages fluently. It was also a reminder of the privilege awarded to these youngsters and adults alike of being able to learn a second language.

For Ella Marchant, aged 10 and Bethan Mai Cornelius, aged 11 from Ysgol y Llys, Prestatyn Ras yr Iaith “a special day!”

“It’s been a lot of fun being here and the sun is out!” Both felt warm from their promenade walk, but the close friends were grateful of the opportunity to enjoy the stroll and enjoy the event at Rhyl. With one enjoying science and languages and the other looking forward to doing more variety of PE lessons at secondary school in September, the smiles on their faces spoke volumes about their Ras yr Iaith day.

“We must thank our colleagues at Menter Iaith Conwy and Y Glannau project funded by Gwynt y Môr, for their close collaboration,” said Ruth Williams, Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych.

“And of course, our thanks go to our partners, not forgetting the staff and headteachers who give these children the opportunity to experience the language outside the classroom. Ras yr Iaith is held every two years, but the task of passing on the Welsh language, and benefits of being bilingual, to our friends, colleagues and family members continues every day of the year!”

For further information about the Menter Iaith’s services in Denbighshire or if you are interested in volunteering within your community or supporting the work of Menter Iaith, financially or by offering your time, visit the website or contact Ruth Williams on 01745 812822 or ruth@misirddinbych.cymru