Two singer-songwriters have said that they will not perform at this year's National Eisteddfod due to the cultural festival's Welsh-language policy. On Twitter artist Izzy Rabey said that she alongside fellow artist Eädyth Crawford would pull out of this year's festival unless changes were made to their language policy.
It comes after Penygroes rapper Sage Todz announced at the beginning of June that he wouldn't be performing at the National Eisteddfod, which is set to take place in Boduan in Gwynedd this year. He tweeted: "For anyone wondering, I won't be performing at Maes B or Eisteddfod this year due to the Welsh language policy they have in place. Essentially there's too much English in my songs."
The decision prompted a mix reaction from various people on the social media site, with some calling on the Eisteddfod to amend their policy while others supported the policy. In response to one Twitter user suggesting that he "adjust [his] repertoire" Sage Todz said that he was "not protesting" but that his songs were "finished products" and "not subject to change". You can read more about this story here.
In response a National Eisteddfod spokesman said they had discussed their language rule, which is an "integral" part of the festival and organisation, "at length" with the artist. They also noted that they respected the fact that Sage Todz is a bilingual artist. The Eisteddfod's rule says: "All compositions and competing must be in Welsh unless specified to the contrary."
Every year the Welsh-language festival takes place in August. The National Eisteddfod is a celebration of Welsh culture, language, and identity whereas Maes B, which is an extension of the main festival showcases music from Welsh-language performers and bands, which often attracts a younger audience. The Pavilion is home to many of the competitions and is where the Gorsedd ceremonies are held during the week.
On Monday Rabey said she and Crawford would not be performing at the Pavilion gig unless the language policy was changed for "invited acts". They were also calling for a meeting with the board to discuss how the Eisteddfod could "work harder to change how they work with artists to be more inclusive".
The artist also shared a public statement in which Rabey said that she and Crawford had also been told to translate English lyrics to Welsh "when bilingualism is at the core of how we express our Welsh identity". They added: "As artists we are tired of being put in situations where we are instructed to compromise our creative choices, income, and professional relationships in order to 'fit' a rule which imposes what 'true' Welsh culture should be".
Although Rabey said they understood the language policy in the context of competing they did not understand in terms of inviting artists to perform – "especially if you're aware of the lyrics beforehand" she added. In a statement a spokesman for Eisteddfod Genedlaethol said: "We have received an email from Izzy Rabey regarding her performance at the Eisteddfod. We will respond to her personally and not through the press and media."
