A special event in Pembrokeshire celebrating the rich tradition of Welsh hymn singing and sacred music will be held at Canolfan Bethlehem, Newport this weekend.

Singing hymns has been central to life in Wales, heard not only in chapels and churches but also in more informal settings such as rugby fields and in the community.

This living tradition has been a defining feature of Welsh identity for generations.

Central to this heritage is the Cymanfa Ganu, which has played an important role throughout Wales and especially in north Pembrokeshire, even as the tradition has waned in recent decades.

The event held on Sunday, February 15 at 3pm, will welcome Ceri Wyn Richards, who will talk about poets, composers and musicians from Pembrokeshire whose work has made a lasting contribution to the hymns and sacred song of Wales.

Ceri Wyn Richards has enjoyed a distinguished career in television, radio and academia. In the decade before she retired, she produced Caniadeath y Cysegr, the longest running religious program on the BBC, which was first broadcast in 1942 and is widely recognized as the forerunner of Songs of Praise.

During this period, she saw significant changes in the patterns of congregational worship and singing. Being determined that this important tradition should not be lost, she undertook the ambitious project of recording every hymn in the Welsh hymn book with chapel congregations, choirs and musicians throughout Wales.

The afternoon will explore the strong links between hymn writing and places such as St David's and Blaenwern, and will reflect on the legacy of influential figures including W. Rhys Nicholas, Waldo Williams, and Eirwyn George, as well as the unexpected links between hymn tunes and popular music.

A simultaneous translation service will be available, and a warm welcome is extended to everyone.