Two successful Menter Iaith Sir Benfro projects to welcome the National Eisteddfod to North Pembrokeshire.
Ten vibrant new murals have been created across Pembrokeshire as part of ‘Murluniau Menter’, a project led by Menter Iaith Sir Benfro to welcome the National Eisteddfod to the county.
The project has seen local graffiti artist Lloyd the Graffiti create ten unique murals in communities across Pembrokeshire that included St Dogmaels; Crymych; Newport; Fishguard; Penrhyn Dewi; Haverfordwest; Milford Haven; Pembroke; Tenby and Narberth. The murals celebrate Welsh language, culture and identity, creating a colourful visual welcome as the National Eisteddfod comes to the county.
Each mural is unique and inspired by the local community and area, using street art as an exciting and modern way to promote the Welsh language and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Pembrokeshire.
[Dafydd / Children and Youth officer] from Menter Iaith Sir Benfro said:
“After months of planning; painting and waiting for some dry weather over the winter, we are delighted to see the ‘Murluniau Menter’ project come to life. The ten murals bring colour and character to communities across the county, and are a wonderful way of showing our pride in the Welsh language and our excitement at welcoming the National Eisteddfod to Pembrokeshire in August. “We would like to thank every community, business, local council, and school involved in completing this project.”
“Lloyd the Graffiti has done an incredible job of bringing these ideas to life, and we hope the murals will inspire local people and visitors to discover more about the communities and stories behind each one.”
‘Murluniau Menter’ was funded by the Shared prosperity Fund and was formed as part of a wider preparations and celebrations as we get ready to welcome the National Eisteddfod to Pembrokeshire. The project brings together art, creativity, the Welsh language and community pride to create a lasting visual legacy across the county.
Gerddi Gleision leaves a colourful legacy for Pembrokeshire communities. Menter Iaith Sir Benfro is proud to celebrate the success of the Gerddi Gleision project carried out in partnership with S4C gardener and presenter Adam yn yr Ardd as part of the work to enhance the area in preparation for Eisteddfod y Garreg Las. The project took place in nine communities across the area creating floral planters, adding colour and life to our communities, whilst also celebrating the Welsh language, culture and local identity.
A special feature of the project is that each planter displays a couplet by a local poet, chosen to reflect the character, history or spirit of the area where it’s located. The combination of flowers, poetry and the Welsh language creates a permanent legacy, extending a warm welcome to visitors and a source of lasting pride for the communities themselves.
The project became possible thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and it has ensured that the investment supports the Pembrokeshire economy. The flowers came from Penrallt Garden Centre, located not far from the Eisteddfod field, while the soil came from Abercych. The planter tubs were produced by Norman Industries, a service within Pembrokeshire County Council, and the plaques were created by Tomos Lewis from Dail Pren. By using local suppliers at every stage of the project, Gerddi Gleision has not only enhanced the area but also supported local businesses and craftsmen across the county.
In addition to beautifying the area for the Eisteddfod, the project has strengthened community connections by bringing together volunteers, partners and residents to collaborate, share ideas and create attractive and welcoming spaces.
“The Gerddi Gleision project is a wonderful example of what’s possible when nine communities work together towards a common goal. Not only have we created beautiful floral displays, but we’ve also woven poetry, nature and the Welsh language into the landscape in a way that tells each area’s unique story. We’re also proud that the project has been able to support local businesses along the way, making sure the economic benefits stay in Pembrokeshire.”
Menter Iaith Sir Benfro sincerely thanks Adam yn yr Ardd, the local poets, volunteers and the nine communities that contributed to the success of the project, together with the local businesses that were part of achieving it. Gerddi Gleision is testimony to the power of local partnerships and will leave a legacy that celebrates natural beauty, cultural heritage and the Welsh language at the heart of Pembrokeshire.
We hope this scheme, like the Murals, will leave a lasting legacy for the communities and extend a warm welcome to all those who visit the area.