AN INFORMAL Eisteddfod and barbecue event will be held in Penarth next month.

Organised by Penarth residents who recognised the need for a Welsh language festival, Codi Hwyl aims to encourage people to celebrate the Welsh language and community.

Sian Fox of Foxy's Deli, Keith Howells of Penarth Cytun (council of churches), professional baritone singer Richard Parry and former BBC Wales assistant producer Bethan Vaughan Cartwright are behind the idea.

It is being organised as a local response to the Coleridge Festival which comes to south Wales this summer and of which Mr Parry is artistic director.

The event is for Welsh speakers, Welsh learners and those keen to experience Welsh language culture.

It takes place on Friday, May 13 from 5.30pm-10.30pm at All Saints Halls.

There will also be a 'sing around town' for 90 minutes on Saturday, May 14 starting at 10.30am outside Griffin Books.

Richard Parry said: "There’s no memory of an Eisteddfod ever being held Penarth and yet, one in 10 people in the Vale of Glamorgan speak Welsh, so we thought there should be a Penarth celebration."

"It’s not a traditional, formal, competitive Eisteddfod, but a relaxed coming together for food and fun.

"There are already offers from musicians, makers and artists, but there is lots of room and time for more people to be involved."

Money raised will be donated to Ti a Fi on Plassey Street and Ysgol Pen y Garth.

Organisers encourage those who would like to perform, recite a poem, tell a story, write something, promote Welsh makers and food, organise fun for children, organise an activity, help with publicity or help to decorate the halls to get involved.

For more information, email enquiries@foxysdeli.com or call 02920197806 to speak in Welsh or 07974397771 to speak in English.