An idea from the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s 2025 Feature County of Caernarfon, has led to the creation of a special Cerdd Croeso, celebrating Welsh art, language and culture.
Through the connections of the county chair, Kathryn Ellis, the renowned Bard Myrddin ap Dafydd was commissioned to write a Cerdd Croeso, a Welsh welcome poem, to mark the county’s appearance at Llanelwedd for the 2025 Royal Welsh Show.
The welcome poem was unveiled at the official Show Launch in Pritchard Jones Hall, Bangor University, earlier this year, where it was brought to life in digital form with a recital by Myrddin ap Dafydd himself. A moving moment for all present.
The Dwyfor Appeal Committee has since worked to ensure the Cerdd Croeso continues to inspire and contribute to worthy causes. Their vision was to include the work as a special lot in the Promises Auction, part of “Y Wledd” – an evening of celebration and rural fellowship to be held at Bron Eifion, Criccieth, on Saturday 15th November 2025, in aid of the Royal Welsh Show Appeal Fund and the Alaw Ward at Ysbyty Gwynedd.
To mark the occasion, the poem has been published in illustrated form as an original written work by Myrddin ap Dafydd, complemented with beautiful artwork from young local artist Cian Owen, of Hendre Bach, Rhosfawr.
A graduate of Cardiff Metropolitan University where he studied Fine Art, Cian is part of the Lle Art Gallery organisation in Rhosfawr, which he runs with his mother, artist Carys Bryn, and sister. His distinctive and imaginative drawings often feature his signature “little wooden people,” bringing charm and depth to his designs – a perfect visual partner to Myrddin’s poetic work.
Cian’s artwork can be viewed on Instagram via @CianParryOwen, @lleartcarysbryn, or by visiting the Lle Art Gallery in Rhosfawr.
The illustrated Cerdd Croeso will be sold at the Promises Auction on Saturday 15th November 2025, with advance bids welcomed.
For more information or to place a bid, please contact Alaw Evans on 07331 04378 or via email at [email protected]
